Chapter 40

Xu Yunqi returned home late. As she crossed the threshold, the doorkeepers and stewards respectfully welcomed her in.

“Young Madam, Third Master is waiting for you in the study. He said to go to Jinghe Hall together for dinner.”

Xu Yunqi was slightly surprised. It wasn’t a special day for dining in the main hall, so something must be up. Nonetheless, she followed the instructions and headed south through the side corridor to Pei Muheng’s study.

As the evening lights came on, a thin mist floated gently in the night sky.

Pei Muheng stood beneath the veranda in a jade-colored long robe. The evening breeze brushed against him, and the soft yellow light surrounded his brows and eyelashes, giving him an almost celestial appearance.

Xu Yunqi rarely saw him wear such light colors. “Third Master?”

Pei Muheng saw her and smiled slightly. “Let’s go to the main hall. Yesterday, your birthday celebration was postponed. Tonight, Father and Mother are hosting a banquet for you.”

So that was it.

Xu Yunqi was stunned for a moment and said, “Let me change my clothes.”

Pei Muheng agreed.

He accompanied her back to Qinghui Garden, waiting for her to change into a long lavender coat and a yellow embroidered skirt. She also wore a pearl necklace gifted from the palace. When she smiled, it was like jade glowing softly, bright and elegant.

Xu Yunqi was usually quite simple in her dress, and Pei Muheng was taken aback by how stunning she looked, finding it hard to look away.

Xu Yunqi smiled gracefully. “Is this okay?”

Since the Prince’s Residence was celebrating her birthday, she needed to dress up and not waste their kindness.

Pei Muheng didn’t say a word, only holding his wife’s hand as they headed to Jinghe Hall.

Every servant they encountered along the way bowed to wish Xu Yunqi a happy birthday. She noticed that everyone treated her with newfound respect, fear, and even cautious flattery.

Pei Muheng held her hand tightly. Xu Yunqi’s palm was sweating, and she tried to pull her hand away several times. “Third Master, have you been at home all day?”

Pei Muheng found himself at a loss for words. He had stayed home thinking she might need comfort after the turmoil she experienced yesterday. But she had been busy all day and only returned now. Judging by her demeanor, she seemed unaffected.

“I went to the Censorate at noon and returned not long ago.”

He had no intention of getting involved in the Xun family case. His visit to the Censorate was merely to hand over last night’s documents to Shi Zhuo.

Xu Yunqi was about to respond when she saw someone running breathlessly along the stone path ahead.

“Sister-in-law, wait for me!” Pei Mushan leaped up the steps, boldly taking Xu Yunqi from Pei Muheng’s hand, half-hugging and half-pulling her forward. She was amazed by Xu Yunqi’s outfit.

“Sister-in-law, is this the Su embroidery I picked for you last time? Wow, it looks beautiful on you.”

Pei Muheng glanced at his still-warm palm and then at his noisy sister, feeling increasingly exasperated.

Xu Yunqi felt a bit uncomfortable from the compliments. “It’s also the pattern you chose.”

A few days ago, Pei Mushan had thoughtfully prepared an outfit for her birthday.

Pei Mushan’s eyes gleamed with pride as she looked back at Pei Muheng. “Brother, my taste is good, right?”

Pei Muheng replied calmly, “Your sister-in-law looks good in anything.”

The implication was that it was Xu Yunqi’s beauty, not Pei Mushan’s taste, that made the outfit stunning.

Hearing her brother’s straightforward words, Pei Mushan’s eyes brightened even more. She nudged Xu Yunqi’s shoulder, “Sister-in-law, did you hear that? My brother said you’re beautiful.”

Xu Yunqi, usually composed, blushed at Pei Mushan’s blunt words.

Pei Mushan remained enthusiastic. “You have no idea. My brother rarely compliments anyone. For him to praise you is like pulling teeth.”

Pei Muheng cast a cold, warning glance at his sister.

Xu Yunqi touched her flushed cheeks and turned to Pei Muheng with a gracious smile. “Thank you.”

Their gazes met briefly, and Pei Muheng felt a subtle frustration from her simple “thank you.”

At that moment, Yin Xing nonchalantly added, “My lady is renowned for her beauty in the martial world. When she was practicing in Cangzhou, many young men, though healthy, would pretend to be ill just to line up for her to take their pulse.”

Upon hearing this, Pei Muheng’s face darkened.

Xu Yunqi gently glared at her maid while Pei Mushan’s curiosity was piqued. She quickly let go of Xu Yunqi and pulled Yin Xing forward, “Tell me more. How popular was my sister-in-law?”

Yin Xing began recounting the various antics of those young men. She had once feared Pei Muheng, but not anymore.

With Xun Yunhe living next door, her lady now had someone to support her if she felt wronged.

“At first, they brought her flowers and gifts. When they saw she was unmoved, they began feigning illnesses. Fifth Miss knows well that my lady could refuse anything, except caring for the sick.”

Yin Xing completely ignored Pei Muheng’s reaction.

Pei Mushan was nearly in stitches with laughter. She adored Yin Xing.

Seeing her brother’s impending frustration, she added, “Brother, you should try feigning illness, too.”

Pei Muheng disdainfully looked away. He wasn’t that bored.

Xu Yunqi saw things getting out of hand and turned to her husband, “Don’t listen to their nonsense. None of it is true.”

But Pei Muheng knew she was lying.

The four of them laughed and chatted all the way to Jinghe Hall.

When they entered, the hall was unusually quiet, making Pei Mushan’s laughter stand out even more.

Seeing the hall so quiet, Pei Mushan abruptly stopped laughing and looked up. Everyone in the residence was sitting quietly, clearly waiting for the three of them. They all looked at Xu Yunqi first before discreetly averting their gazes.

The couple quickly went over to apologize.

Prince Xi happily waved them off. “Hurry and sit down. It’s getting late; let’s start the feast.”

The two concubines sat in the main seats, while the eldest brother Pei Muxiang and his wife Xie Yunyi sat on the left, followed by the two younger sisters. Li Xuanyan and her husband sat with Xu Yunqi on the right.

Li Xuanyan was glad she had made good relations with Xu Yunqi early on and hadn’t offended the Chief Cabinet Minister’s daughter. During the banquet, she had already presented her birthday gift, “I heard you’re not good at embroidery, so I made some sachets and handkerchiefs for you. There are about ten pieces. I hope you don’t mind.”

Madam Zhang had once forced Xu Yunqi to learn embroidery, but she had never mastered it, considering it a challenging skill. She appreciated Li Xuanyan’s sincere gift. “Thank you, sister-in-law.”

Pei Muxiang, embarrassed about his hidden illness, had been avoiding Xu Yunqi. Xie Yunyi used to look down on Xu Yunqi’s background. Both felt awkward now.

Pei Mulan also presented an embroidered piece. “I embroidered this orchid myself. You can hang it wherever you like.”

Pei Mushan took it and handed it to Xu Yunqi, complimenting, “Sister-in-law, Fourth Sister is the best embroiderer in our residence. Her work can even be sold outside.”

Prince Xi sternly huffed, “What nonsense about selling. We are not so poor that we need to sell our belongings.”

Pei Mulan, who had indeed sold a few pieces privately, lowered her head in fear.

Madam Han, fearing her daughter might be blamed, quickly changed the subject, presenting her own gift. “I prepared a pair of coral earrings for Yunqi.”

Xu Yunqi received an assortment of gifts, all of which she handed to Nanny Chen and Yin Xing.

After the banquet, Pei Muheng returned to his study first. Prince Xi took his other two sons away, and Pei Mushan led Xu Yunqi to sit at the Eight Immortals Table in the western anteroom.

“Sister-in-law, it’s tradition that the birthday person hosts a card game.”

“Oh, I don’t know how,” Xu Yunqi blinked.

“We’ll teach you,” Li Xuanyan said, pushing her to sit.

Pei Mushan called over Pei Mulan, making a table of four.

Xie Yunyi attended to household matters while the two concubines joined in the fun. Before leaving, they asked Princess Consort Xi, “Princess Consort, would you like to join us?”

Princess Consort Xi shook her head. Her face still hurt. Despite the joy of her son’s new status, she felt increasingly embarrassed. In her view, she had once been close to Madam Xun and Xun Yunling. Xu Yunqi likely held a grudge. Her presence would dampen the fun for everyone.

“It’s her special day. You all play with her.”

The two concubines, being smart, joined the fun in the western anteroom.

Princess Consort Xi sat alone on the luohan bed in the eastern side room, lost in thought as she listened to the occasional laughter from the next room, mostly dominated by Pei Mushan’s voice.

“What’s the news from the Yan family? How is Yan Shaoling’s injury?”

Nanny Hao handed her a cup of tea and replied with a smile, “I heard he is mostly recovered. Young Master Shaoling couldn’t wait to finalize the engagement, but Madam Yan held him back.”

Nanny Hao mimicked Madam Yan’s tone, “Don’t be careless. The external wounds may seem healed, but your internal organs haven’t fully recovered. If you don’t take care, you’ll be troubled by chronic ailments in the future. Do you want your nephew to support you during your wedding?”

Naturally, Yan Shaoling didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of his wife, so he stayed home obediently.

Princess Consort Xi wasn’t in a hurry. “It’s better to wait a bit longer. I can’t bear to see her leave yet.”

Another burst of laughter came from next door, suggesting Xu Yunqi had lost the game and everyone was teasing her, making her drink two cups of wine.

The Prince’s Residence hadn’t been this lively in a long time, and Nanny Hao felt warmth in her heart. She said to the Princess Consort, “The maids told me that Third Young Madam is the same as before, not putting on airs despite her high status and not holding grudges over past matters.”

“Her temperament…” Princess Consort Xi sighed three times. “I can’t compare.”

Thinking about Xu Yunqi’s difficult past, Princess Consort Xi felt a twinge of pity. “She’s a pitiable child.”

Nanny Hao seized the moment, “If you cherish her more in the future, she won’t be pitiable.”

Princess Consort Xi remained silent for a long time.

---

The alliance between the Prince Xi Residence and Xun Yunhe felt like a dire threat to Prince Qin. The next morning, using the excuse of greeting Noble Consort Yan, he hurried to discuss strategies with his mother.

“Mother, I am now besieged on all sides. With Uncle’s departure, the voices supporting the Twelfth Prince are growing louder. And now we have another rival. The position of the Crown Prince is slipping away.”

Ever since the Crown Prince was deposed, Prince Qin felt the emperor’s favor waning, leading to this dispirited remark.

Noble Consort Yan was calmer than him, but her face did not look good.

“The situation is indeed unfavorable for you, my son. However, I believe you need not fear the Prince Xi’s Residence.”

Prince Qin was puzzled, “Why not?”

Noble Consort Yan said sternly, “No matter who the emperor passes the throne to, it will never be Prince Xi.”

Prince Qin was stunned and asked, “Why is that?”

Since he could remember, his father had disliked Prince Xi, but Prince Qin didn’t know the real reason.

Noble Consort Yan sighed, “This matter has always been a scar in your father’s heart, and no one dares to mention it. Today, I must tell you, but you must not tell anyone else, lest you incur your father’s displeasure.”

“Do you remember Princess Mingyue?”

Prince Qin shook his head, “I don’t have any impression of her.”

Noble Consort Yan nodded and continued, “She was your father’s only legitimate princess. When she was born, auspicious clouds appeared in the sky. That year, there was a locust plague in the southeast, which miraculously disappeared after the little princess was born. Your father regarded her birth as a great omen for the Jin Dynasty and cherished her like a treasure.”

“Unfortunately, the little princess was diagnosed with a heart condition not long after her birth. Your father was heartbroken and ordered the Imperial Medical Academy to take special care of her. She was cared for until she was ten years old. That year, she suddenly fell ill. The illness was always treated by Imperial Physician Liu, who was adept at acupuncture and often worked miracles. But this time, as Liu rushed to the Mingyue Palace with his medical box, he was suddenly knocked down by Prince Xi, who was running wildly in the imperial garden.”

Hearing this, Prince Qin’s heart skipped a beat. “Fourth Brother has always been strong. Being knocked down by him could break bones.”

Noble Consort Yan showed regret, “Indeed, it was unfortunate. Liu was thrown against a large stone on the roadside, his forehead bleeding profusely, which triggered his own heart condition. He died on the spot. Consequently, the little princess could not be saved. In one day, the emperor lost both his beloved daughter and a renowned physician. He was nearly driven mad with grief.”

“To tell you the truth, your father almost executed Prince Xi with a sword back then. It was the empress, ill as she was, who pleaded for his life.”

Prince Qin was shocked by the story.

Noble Consort Yan continued, “Imperial Physician Liu was the most famous physician in the Imperial Medical Academy at that time, not only highly skilled but also of impeccable character, praised by all. The emperor’s headaches were always treated by him. After Liu’s death, the emperor’s headaches recurred for half a year, and he harbored a deep resentment towards Prince Xi.”

“Thirty years have passed, and no matter how outstanding Prince Xi’s military achievements, your father has never looked at him favorably. It was only in recent years, with Pei Muheng’s rise, that your father began to ease his attitude towards Prince Xi. Do you think your father could ever make Prince Xi the Crown Prince with such a history?”

Understanding the whole story, Prince Qin felt some sympathy for Prince Xi. “Fourth Brother was really unlucky.”

“What should I do then, Mother?”

Noble Consort Yan said decisively, “Ally with Prince Xi’s Residence to counter Twelfth Prince, Pei Xun.”

---

Noble Consort Yan’s advice had a significant effect.

The next day in court, there was a disturbance at the Yangzhou Salt Works. The supervising eunuch was assassinated, and many guards and eunuchs were killed. The incident shocked the court, and someone needed to be sent to investigate. Prince Qin recommended Pei Muheng.

Everyone knew that Yangzhou was the stronghold of the empress’s family and was also considered the Twelfth Prince’s old territory. Prince Qin used this tactic to drive a wedge between Pei Muheng and Pei Xun, thereby drawing Pei Muheng to his own side.

Twelfth Prince, Pei Xun, stood leisurely in the main hall, bowing to the emperor. “Father, I also recommend Xiao Qi. He is upright, experienced, and capable. He will surely uncover the truth.”

The emperor agreed.

When the news reached Prince Xi’s Residence, Nanny Chen informed Xu Yunqi.

“It sounds like the case is urgent. We need to leave by this evening. Young Madam, should we start packing for the Third Young Master?”

Xu Yunqi nodded and led Nanny Chen into the inner room. She selected a few sets of Pei Muheng’s clothes, folded them neatly, and waited for him to return. When Pei Muheng arrived, Xu Yunqi smiled and handed him the bundle, asking thoughtfully, “How long will you be gone? When will you return?”

Pei Muheng, while removing his court robe, fixed his dark gaze on her face. After a moment, he replied, “At least ten days, at most a month.”

Not too long, Xu Yunqi thought as she handed him the prepared bundle. “I packed four sets of summer clothes for you. Is that enough?”

Pei Muheng placed his court robe on the screen and took a black robe from Nanny Chen, putting it on. He looked at Xu Yunqi and said, “Did you only pack for me?”

Xu Yunqi was puzzled, “Who else should I pack for?”

Pei Muheng smiled slightly and said, “You’re coming with me.”

He couldn’t leave her at the residence for a month, worrying she might cause another big stir. It was safer to keep her by his side.

Xu Yunqi’s mouth opened wide in surprise. “What? Me? I’m going with you to investigate?”

Pei Muheng was always strict about rules and never discussed court matters with her. Now, he wanted to take her along on an investigation. It was unbelievable.

Pei Muheng gave her an irrefutable reason. “The supervising eunuch was attacked and is in critical condition. The emperor has permitted me to take you along.”

Xu Yunqi’s spirits lifted immediately. Since marrying Pei Muheng, her movements have been restricted. It had been a long time since she could travel. Without hesitation, she turned to the curtain and called out, “Yin Xing, pack our bags. We’re going to Yangzhou with Third Master.”

Yin Xing, excited about the trip, responded enthusiastically, “Alright, I’ll start packing.”

But the master’s cold voice came from the inner room, “Wait.”

Xu Yunqi and Yin Xing both turned to look at him.

Pei Muheng, his face expressionless, said, “Yunqi, it’s inconvenient to travel with a woman on this trip. You must pretend to be my attendant so we can’t bring any maids.”

Xu Yunqi blinked.

Yin Xing’s face fell, and she said with a hint of tears in her voice, “Master, I have never been separated from my lady. If she needs to save someone, she can’t do it without me. Can’t you bring one more attendant? I’m really good at pretending to be an attendant.”

Pei Muheng clearly left no room for negotiation. “No, too many people make it risky.”

Yin Xing suspected Pei Muheng was using this as an excuse to get back at her and glared at Xu Yunqi with puffed cheeks.

Xu Yunqi thought for a moment, then gently stroked Yin Xing’s cheek. “Young Master Yan’s injury is not fully healed, and the Princess Consort’s headaches are recurring. Stay in the capital just in case. Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon after rescuing the person. I won’t leave you alone for long.”

Yin Xing had been with Xu Yunqi for ten years, saved by her grandfather, and has never left her side since. To Xu Yunqi, her grandfather and Yin Xing were her most precious and irreplaceable family.

Pei Muheng’s face darkened at her last words.

Yin Xing sniffed and reluctantly packed Xu Yunqi’s medical box. “Alright, I’ll take care of Qinghui Garden for you. Please come back soon.”

Xu Yunqi comforted her, “While I’m away, you can visit Shanshan. Isn’t she and Xiao Fu running a cosmetics shop on Copper Street? Go take a look and buy whatever you like.”

Xu Yunqi didn’t care for cosmetics, but Yin Xing loved them. The young girl quickly cheered up and said with a smile, “Okay, I’ll bring back a nice box of cosmetics for you.”