Chapter 46

Returning to Qinghui Garden, Pei Muheng gave the secret guard an order, “From now on, report to me in detail about Madam’s whereabouts, no matter how trivial.”

She is a girl; it’s really unsafe for her to go out alone. As her husband, it is his duty to pick her up and drop her off.

With these words, his tall figure stepped through the moon gate of Qinghui Garden. The courtyard was quiet, and no sound could be heard, and there was no light in the east side room.

Nanny Chen came out to greet him, “Third Master, Fifth Miss has invited our Young Madam over. She said she needs help with tomorrow’s attire and might come back late, which could disturb you. She’ll be staying there tonight.”

Pei Muheng’s handsome brows furrowed immediately. He stood in the hallway for a moment before going inside to bathe. After changing his clothes as usual, he came out. The once busy figure was not there, and the spacious four-poster bed was empty. Pei Muheng sat alone on the bed, lost in thought for a while.

There was a time when he wasn’t accustomed to being around women, but now, with just one night apart, he felt uncomfortable.

The twenty-second of July was the grand engagement banquet of Pei Mushan and Yan Shaoling.

Due to the imperial marriage decree, the Vice Minister of Rites, accompanied by the eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial, came early to announce the decree. Yan Shaoling, riding a tall horse and holding a wild goose, arrived to propose marriage. The twenty-year-old young man was strong and imposing, with a confident look on his face and a wide smile that he couldn’t contain. Behind him were the well-dressed nephews of the Yan family, all of them handsome and talented, making a lively scene in front of the royal residence.

The eldest nephew, Yan Xu, seeing his uncle’s overly eager expression, said disdainfully, “Fifth Uncle, you should control yourself. Everyone knows you’ve married the bride of your dreams, but you should keep your joy inside and show a Yan family man’s dignified and solemn demeanor. Don’t embarrass our family.”

Yan Shaoling, sitting on the horse, glared back and said, “I’m your uncle. Don’t criticize me just because you’re older than me. Do you know why I’m getting married before you despite being younger? It’s because you always wear that strict face, and nobody likes it.”

“You shouldn’t imitate Pei Muheng. If it weren’t for the emperor’s decree, do you think Miss Xu would have chosen him!”

Yan Xu swallowed hard.

“Cough! Cough!” The second uncle of the Yan family coughed a few times, pointing to Pei Muheng, dressed in a dark red prince’s robe, in the opened courtyard, “Uncle, take it easy. He’s your brother-in-law now. Offend him, and you won’t have a good time in the future.”

With a loud shout from the Vice Minister of Rites, Yan Shaoling dismounted proudly, holding the wild goose, and walked in, saying to his nephews, “Why should I be afraid of him? Both Shanshan and I are on Miss Xu’s side.”

With these words, he wore a warm smile and walked into the courtyard along the red-carpeted stone path toward the main hall.

Prince Xi and the three young masters of the mansion stood under the corridor, waiting.

The eldest and second young masters of the Yan family quickly followed, but the three behind them hesitated, pushing each other, and no one dared to step forward.

Finally, Fifth Young Master Yan Jin couldn’t stand it anymore and pushed the two brothers ahead of him inside, “What are you afraid of? I’m the one who offended Pei Muheng face to face and I’m not afraid. What are you two fussing about!”

The three brothers stumbled through the door.

The story of how the five brothers of the Yan family rushed to compete with Pei Muheng for a bride was well-known in the capital.

Yan Shaoling, meanwhile, bowed to Prince Xi while Pei Muheng stood with his hands behind his back, his cold gaze sweeping over the five Yan brothers one by one.

Yan Jin couldn’t help but shiver. Pei Muheng, this beast in human clothing, had caused him to be beaten thirty times, and his buttocks still hurt. He was determined to make Pei Muheng drink tonight and avenge his humiliation.

Compared to the tumultuous front courtyard, the rear courtyard was peaceful.

Madam Yan personally led several daughters-in-law into the mansion with the betrothal gift list. Princess Consort Xi received the list and handed it over to Nanny Hao, instructing the daughters-in-law to entertain.

Madam Yan was very courteous, “Princess Consort, please take a look at the betrothal gift list. If there’s anything you’re not satisfied with, just let me know.”

Princess Consort Xi’s expression was indifferent. Back then, Madam Yan almost snatched her daughter-in-law, and now she wanted to marry her daughter to them. Princess Consort Xi felt very unfair. She drank her tea casually and said, “It’s just those things, no need to look closely. The Yan family is respectable, I am at ease.”

Madam Yan knew that she had made the princess consort unhappy before, so she lowered her posture a bit. No matter what the princess consort said, she agreed. However, during the banquet, she couldn’t help but pull Xu Yunqi aside for a chat. “Yunqi, you’ve lost some weight recently.”

“Have I?” Xu Yunqi touched her cheek. “‘Maybe I’ve lost weight running around Yangzhou City.”‘

“I brought you a box of bird’s nest. Cook some every day and nourish your body.” Madam Yan lovingly looked at her lower abdomen and asked quietly, “Still no baby?”

Xu Yunqi was stunned, lowered her eyes, and shook her head, “No.”

Madam Yan comforted her again, ‘No rush, no rush. Good things take time…”

Princess Consort Xi watched the two of them whispering intimately, almost spitting blood in anger. She didn’t hear much, but the words “bird’s nest” were clear. When the Yan family women went to eat, she instructed Nanny Hao, frustrated, “It’s also my fault for not paying attention. I was just hoping she would get pregnant, but I didn’t nourish her body. Take a few pieces of bird’s nest from my storeroom and send them to Qinghui Garden. We, the Xi family, still have this little bit of money, so there’s no need for her to accept other people’s kindness.”

After dealing with the guests in the front courtyard, Yan Shaoling came to the rear courtyard to bow to the princess.

Facing Yan Shaoling, Princess Consort Xi smiled and asked, “How is your health?”

Yan Shaoling was extremely obedient and respectful in front of his mother-in-law and answered, “It has greatly improved; I can only feel some bumps, but nothing else. Speaking of which, the third sister-in-law from your esteemed house has exceptional medical skills.”

Regarding Xu Yunqi’s medical practice, Princess Consort Xi has now reluctantly accepted it, forcing a faint smile.

“That’s good. Shanshan is waiting for you next door. Go and see her.”

Yan Shaoling hadn’t seen Pei Mushan for a month and missed her dearly. He politely paid his respects and then withdrew to the west side room.

Aside from a familiar maid standing at the door, there was only one person sitting properly on the luohan bed inside the room. She was dressed in a bright red long robe embroidered with golden phoenixes, and her head was adorned with a gold-threaded headdress inlaid with rubies. She also wore gold hairpins on both sides of her head. Her eyes were lowered, and she sat there without a single smile, completely still.

Yan Shaoling saw her in this manner and panicked, “Shanshan, what’s wrong? If you’re unhappy, tell me. If someone bullied you, let me know!”

Yan Shaoling was most afraid that Pei Mushan was unhappy with this marriage and that he had forced her into it.

Pei Mushan saw Yan Shaoling’s eyes turning red from fear, couldn’t help but break character, and lightly punched him on the forehead, “You fool, I’m just teasing you.”

Yan Shaoling, visibly relieved, bent down to her, “Shanshan, you must tell me the truth. If you’re hesitant, we don’t need to rush.”

Pei Mushan glared at him, “Do you think I’m someone who goes back on my word? Once I’ve decided to make you the Prince Consort, there’s no turning back.”

She didn’t know what it felt like to like someone, but she knew for certain she wouldn’t marry anyone other than the man in front of her.

Yan Shaoling, feeling assured, instantly became radiant.

Pei Mushan noticed his exceptionally bright attire, “Why did you dress up like a peacock?”

Yan Shaoling paused and scratched his head, “Today is our engagement day, so I have to dress up handsomely.” Then he asked nervously, “You don’t like it?”

Pei Mushan shook her head, “No, I don’t.”

Yan Shaoling’s handsome face fell, “Oh, those little rascals. They helped me for quite a while, yet I still didn’t meet your expectations.”

Seeing him so dejected, Pei Mushan laughed heartily, lifted her skirt, and walked around to him. “Fool, you don’t suit such bright attire. You were better off dressed as you were before.”

Yan Shaoling used to wear a dark black long robe. His muscular build and aura made him look imposing. His eyebrows were like sword sheaths, and anyone who saw him riding on a horse knew he was the most dazzling young man in the capital.

Yan Shaoling was stunned, “You’re not lying to me?”

“Why would I lie to you?”

Yan Shaoling laughed for quite a while. He then quietly took out a meat bun from his pocket and handed it to her, “Here, I bought this meat bun for you from that shop on Chang’an Street. Give it a try; it’s still warm.”

Pei Mushan took it and smelled it, “It smells delicious. Are you hungry? Want to share it with me?”

They squatted by the Luohan bed and shared the meat bun.

While eating, Pei Mushan mumbled, “Ugh, my mother is so strict. Sometimes, she complains that the food outside is dirty and forbids me from eating it. Other times, she says I spend money like water and cuts my monthly allowance, making my life miserable.”

Yan Shaoling also took a bite of the bun, “No worries. From now on, all my money will be yours. After you marry me, I’ll take you out for late-night snacks every night.”

Pei Mushan’s eyes lit up as she looked at her fiancé, “Aren’t you currently the Zhonglang General of the Wudu Guard? How much is your salary?”

Yan Shaoling wiped his mouth and thought for a moment, “One hundred and twenty taels a year.”

“What?” Pei Mushan’s eyes widened, “That’s it?”

Yan Shaoling saw Pei Mushan’s disappointed face and panicked, “Yes, unless His Majesty the Emperor miscalculated. Should I go to the palace and make trouble for him? Oh no, even when my father was the prime minister, he only got a little over five hundred taels a year.”

Princess Consort Xi listened to their exchange and couldn’t help but chuckle. “Two fools, I wonder how they’ll manage in the future!”

However, Nanny Hao reassured her, “You worry too much. The most important thing is for the young couple to live happily together. What does it matter if they’re a bit foolish? The Yan family won’t let them go hungry. Lord Yan and the madam would never let their youngest son and daughter-in-law suffer.”

Hearing this, Princess Consort Xi thought of her own youngest son and daughter-in-law. Both of them are exceptionally stable, and she wondered when they might be as affectionate as Pei Mushan and her fiancé.

Princess Consort Xi sighed, her hair turning white with worry.

After the noon banquet ended, the Yan family members returned to their residence. Pei Muheng planned to find Xu Yunqi in the backyard but was stopped by the secret guard Wang Fan in the corridor.

“Third Master, fifteen minutes ago, someone from the Jiang family asked Second Miss Xu to meet with the young madam. The young madam is now in the teahouse across the street.”

Upon hearing this, Pei Muheng closed his eyes for a while without speaking and then nodded to indicate he understood. He knew why the Jiang family sought Xu Yunqi.

In the teahouse across the street, Madam Jiang held Xu Yunqi’s wrist and wept like rain.

“Yunqi, I shouldn’t have come to you, but I have no other choice. Who would have thought that the vice general would be so audacious as to attempt to assassinate the adoptive son of the current ruling hand? This matter has blown up, and Yuhe’s father has been detained in the censorate. I’m at my wits’ end and have come to seek your help.”

Jiang Yuhe’s father, Jiang Junzheng, was serving as the Garrison Commander of Yangzhou at the time. Pei Muheng ultimately discovered that the murderer was his deputy general. It was evident that Jiang Junzheng had allied with the Twelfth Prince. Pei Muheng handed the murderer over to the Imperial Guards, who escorted the criminal to the capital early on. Now Jiang Junzheng had also been summoned back to the capital and had been held in the Censorate, never to come out again.

Madam Jiang’s eyes were red and swollen from crying, with dark circles underneath, indicating she hadn’t slept for several days.

Xu Yunqi looked at the helpless and desolate Madam Jiang and sighed helplessly. “Madam, if you ask me to save someone’s life or cure a disease, no matter how difficult or dangerous it may be, I will do it. But if it involves court disputes, I’m afraid I’m powerless.”

Xu Yunqi was devoted to practicing medicine and had never thought of getting involved in political conflicts, nor did she have the ability to do so. Furthermore, this case was investigated by Pei Muheng. If she pleaded on behalf of the Jiang family now, what would Pei Muheng think? She couldn’t risk straining her relationship with her husband for the sake of others.

Madam Jiang murmured as she looked at her, slowly realizing, “Yes… I was asking too much of you.”

She had thought that since Xu Yunqi’s husband was handling the case and her father was the Prime Minister, Xu Yunxi could change the Jiang family’s fate with a single word. However, upon closer reflection, Xu Yunxi was a person with a calm and indifferent temperament, and she hadn’t even acknowledged her own father. How could she possibly bend over backward for her?

Madam Jiang wiped her tears and said, “It was thoughtless of me, Yunqi. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Overnight, Madam Jiang’s hair had noticeably turned white. Xu Yunqi looked at the lady who had always treated her with respect, feeling a mix of emotions.

After seeing Madam Jiang off, Xu Yunqi walked back slowly with Yin Xing, who noticed her troubled expression. “Is something bothering you, Miss?”

Xu Yunqi slowed her steps. The last time in the palace, Madam Jiang had bravely stood up for her against the Liu family of the Court Judicial Review, but now, she couldn’t help her. Rationally, she knew her choice was right, but she still felt a bit sad.

Tired from the day’s events, Xu Yunqi returned to Qinghui Garden and fell into a deep sleep, waking only in the evening. After freshening up, she came out to find someone sitting in the room.

The man wore a dark blue long robe embroidered with bamboo patterns and sat elegantly in a round-backed armchair. He was handsome, with a gentle warmth in his eyes.

The breeze brought the scent of soap from him, indicating he had returned from the study.

Xu Yunqi slowly smiled and walked over to pour tea for him. “Third Master, did you stay in today?”

Pei Muheng took the tea and kept his eyes on her. “I went to the Ministry of Revenue. I sweated on the way back, so I changed clothes in the study.”

Xu Yunqi smiled and, holding the tea cup with her slender fingers, leaned against the table opposite him, leisurely sipping her tea.

Pei Muheng suddenly asked, “Yunqi, do you have something to tell me?”

Xu Yunqi was taken aback, not understanding why he asked that. When she met his calm, dark eyes, she quickly realized that he must have known about Madam Jiang meeting her. She put down the teacup and said firmly, “No, there’s nothing.”

A relieved smile spread across Pei Muheng’s face. He finished the tea, put the cup on the table, and then leaned over.

Xu Yunqi suddenly looked up, meeting his deep gaze.

With his arms on either side of her, Pei Muheng looked steadily at her and said, “You have nothing to say to me, but I have something to tell you.”

Xu Yunqi blinked, unsure what he meant. She gave a soft response.

Her gentle nasal tone made him want to kiss her. The thought had been on Pei Muheng’s mind for a long time.

“Yunqi, today I pleaded on behalf of the Jiang family in front of His Majesty.” His voice was calm.

Xu Yunqi was visibly stunned.

Seeing the confusion in her eyes, Pei Muheng explained, “I admit I don’t like the Jiang family, but they once treated you well. You have a special affection for them, so today, as your husband, I repaid that favor to the Jiang family.”

Xu Yunqi’s mind went blank for a moment.

Few people could see through her thoughts so clearly. Pei Muheng understood all her concerns and used the most perfect way to resolve her entanglement with her former fiancé.

This man was really smart.

Xu Yunqi looked at him quietly for a long time, as if she was meeting him for the first time, her clear and bright eyes unblinking.

Her gaze was so soft, like a gentle feather that could easily tickle one’s heart. Pei Muheng’s throat tightened. He placed his thumb over her soft eyelashes and said hoarsely, “Don’t look at me like that…”

Xu Yunqi didn’t move.

Pei Muheng ignored it. His gaze moved slowly down, landing on her full, red lips, and then he leaned in closer.