Chapter 60

The clock hands pointed to the beginning of Hai hour (9-11 pm), and everything around was silent.

Pei Muheng placed his hand on the small table, his eyes filled with a cold gleam as he stared at her, his entire demeanor tense with an air of authority.

Xu Yunqi had come for this matter, but due to the delay caused by her grandfather’s letter, she had no intention of hiding anything from him. It was best to be honest about the issue of the child.

“My grandfather’s case is significant. If I were to have a child, it might cause difficulties for both of us. After we were intimate, I used acupuncture to ensure I wouldn’t get pregnant. Today, since you insisted on taking your pulse, I couldn’t bear to hide it from you any longer, so I decided to be truthful.”

Her words were like a bolt from the blue.

Pei Muheng felt a sudden rush of darkness before his eyes, as if thousands of noisy crows circled above his head, and his blood rushed to his temples.

Even the smartest person couldn’t comprehend these words. Was she saying she didn’t want to have his child?

He couldn’t imagine that while he was joyfully affectionate with her, she could heartlessly prevent their child from being conceived. If he could understand the issue with Old Master Zhang, this matter of contraception was something he couldn’t understand or accept. His usually calm expression was on the verge of breaking.

After Xu Yunqi finished speaking, her dark eyelashes lowered, and she didn’t dare to look at his face.

The room fell into a deathly silence, with the man’s breathing growing heavier, his gaze sharp like a knife, piercing her face. Xu Yunqi felt overwhelmed.

Sure enough, his wide sleeve swept abruptly, overturning the small table on the luohan bed. His usual purple clay teapots crashed to the ground, shattering with a sharp sound. His tall figure loomed over her, and his long arm grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him.

“Xu Yunqi, how can you be so heartless!” Pei Muheng’s eyes were bloodshot, his expression dark and twisted.

Xu Yunqi looked at him in such a state, her heart filled with anxiety.

When she decided to come to the study, she hadn’t anticipated such a strong reaction from Pei Muheng. In her mind, even if Pei Muheng were angry, he could sit down and talk it out. But his earlier words and intense anger made her feel confused, realizing that he cared about her and their marriage more than she had imagined.

Xu Yunqi felt a bit chaotic inside.

Afraid that he was too upset, she softly explained, “Third Master, you have every right to blame me, but I had my reasons. We can choose whether or not to have a child, but a child cannot choose their parents. We can’t ignore the child’s safety for our selfish desires or temporary pleasure.”

“Even if we can’t give her the best future, we should at least provide her with a stable home. My grandfather’s situation is dangerous, and your quest for the throne is equally perilous. I hope you understand my thoughts…”

She couldn’t let a child repeat her own fate.

Pei Muheng’s gaze cut sharply, the gentleness in his eyes replaced by a dark, overwhelming intensity. “If I insist on being intimate, what will you do?”

Xu Yunqi knew this was not the time to confront him head-on, so she softly suggested, “Wouldn’t it be better to wait until everything settles down before we have a child?”

Pei Muheng sneered, “Have you never thought of trusting me more, giving yourself completely to me? You have to believe that I can protect you and the child.”

These words stirred something deep within Xu Yunqi. Her gaze met his calmly, her tongue pressed against her teeth, and she replied in her usual serene tone, “I will never give myself completely to anyone.”

Her grandfather had always used her mother, Madam Zhang, as an example, teaching her to remain independent and clear-headed, never to be consumed by love.

Pei Muheng remembered that night at Qingshan Temple when she told Xun Yunhe that she would never waste her life because of anyone’s absence. Back then, his heart was filled with admiration and sour ache. Now, hearing the same words directed at him, all he felt was stark pain.

Pei Muheng squinted his eyes, staring at her intently. Xu Yunqi had been cornered against the luohan bed, her slender and fragile arms trembling. Her black and white almond-shaped eyes looked at him tearily, her fair cheeks flushed with a layer of red from crying, streaked with tears. Her delicate wrist was held in his palm, her supple body swaying like a willow trying to escape but unable to.

He had always known how slender and soft her waist was, how sweet her lips, glistening with moisture, tasted. His heated blood was surging within him, even screaming with desire. He knew exactly what he wanted to do at that moment.

The rain isolated them from all outside noise. She was confined in the small space by him, and the atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension. They were very close, their noses almost touching, and he could already smell her warm, soft fragrance, a scent that made one crave more.

Her thick eyelashes trembled slightly, but her bright eyes remained clear and alert, showing neither shyness nor lingering affection.

Pei Muheng’s gaze grew darker, and a trace of self-mockery tugged at his lips.

Force her? He, Pei Muheng, would never stoop to that!

The anger in his eyes gradually burned out, leaving only ashes. Pei Muheng let go of her, stood up, took two steps back, turned around, and leaned on the desk, no longer looking at her.

Xu Yunqi’s tense spine suddenly relaxed, and she exhaled a long breath. She stared at his tall back for a while, then stood up, took her cloak, and left swiftly.

The late autumn wind was cold, and the dense rain seeped through the window cracks, hitting his cheeks. Unknowingly, Pei Muheng stood by the desk for half an hour. The anger on his face had faded, but his heart felt empty like a barren land.

When Prince Xi’s mansion first nitpicked at her, and the entire capital mocked her, she remained unfazed. At that time, he was grateful to have married such a magnanimous wife. Now, the bloody truth was laid bare.

She simply didn’t care.

If she had postponed pregnancy solely for the child’s safety, he could have accepted that. But he knew it wasn’t just that. Ultimately, she feared a child would bind their marriage, hindering her steps. She came to the capital for her grandfather and stayed for him. But what after finding her grandfather?

Pei Muheng didn’t want to think about it, nor did he dare to.

That night, he slept fitfully on the luohan bed. The next morning, before dawn, he woke up as usual, feeling a moment of confusion. Gradually, he gathered his thoughts and sat up, supporting himself on the table.

Rubbing his forehead and thinking for a long time, he called out to Wang Fan. Only when he spoke did he realize his throat was a bit hoarse.

Wang Fan quickly came in. Pei Muheng’s mind flashed with memories of the previous night. Most of the anger had subsided, but the feeling of sourness and swelling in his heart had not yet dissipated. He was definitely still upset and couldn’t speak to her properly for the time being.

He gave instructions in a calm voice, “Go to the back courtyard and find Young Madam. Ask her to draw a portrait of her grandfather.”

It was impossible to determine anything from the handwriting alone. With a portrait and features, they could be more precise.

Wang Fan quickly left the study, following the dim light to Qinghui Garden. He immediately asked the gatekeeping maids to fetch Xu Yunqi.

Xu Yunqi had only fallen asleep in the second half of the night. She had said everything that needed to be said and confessed everything that could be confessed. If Pei Muheng couldn’t understand, there was nothing more she could do.

Initially, she had been worried about her grandfather, unable to sleep. But upon thinking that receiving news was a good thing, she finally slept soundly in the latter half of the night. Now, just as she was being woken up by Nanny Chen, who had just gotten up herself, she heard that Wang Fan had come with important matters. Without a word, she got up, dressed hastily, and called Wang Fan. Wang Fan conveyed Pei Muheng’s message, and Xu Yunqi immediately drew the picture and gave many details.

“This is the secret code between my grandfather and me. As long as you send the code, he will definitely respond.”

Wang Fan returned to the study with the portrait. Pei Muheng glanced at it without saying anything and immediately arranged for people to search for him in Tongzhou and Yingzhou.

With such a significant matter at hand, Pei Muheng couldn’t sit still. He went to the court early in the morning. It must be said that Imperial Physician Fan’s caution was justified. Even though Pei Muheng knew it involved the palace, he dared not act recklessly. He planned to consult with Xun Yunhe and discuss a proper plan.

Coincidentally, an incident occurred in the court at this critical moment. Throughout history, emperors have often emulated Emperor Qin Shihuang by performing the Taishan Fengshan ritual to celebrate their achievements. The current Emperor, being old and frail and fearing his days were numbered, deeply desired to do the same. However, the Emperor was also aware that the state treasury was not rich, and such rituals were costly and laborious, so he dared not do it lightly. Some noticed the Emperor’s thoughts and suggested that the Emperor send someone to Taishan to pray for the Emperor’s blessing, to which the Emperor agreed.

Officials supporting Pei Xun took the opportunity to petition the Emperor to appoint the legitimate son of the central palace as the crown prince and allow Pei Xun to go to Taishan to perform the ritual on his behalf.

Pei Muheng saw through Pei Xun’s scheme and couldn’t let him succeed. He knew the Emperor’s suspicious nature too well and took the opposite approach, secretly instructing his faction’s officials to support the idea. Even Yan Ping submitted a memorial supporting Pei Xun. As a result, Pei Xun, the legitimate son of the central palace, gained immense influence. Once Pei Xun became the crown prince, how could the courtiers still regard the Emperor?

Pei Xun stood in the middle of the main hall, sneering.

This move indeed aroused the Emperor’s displeasure. At this moment, Prince Qin jumped out to oppose it, “Twelfth Brother’s leg injury has just healed, and long-distance travel is not conducive to recovery. It would be better for me to go on behalf of the Emperor.”

Letting Prince Qin go was impossible. The Emperor lazily agreed, “You have a point. Xun’er should stay in the capital to recuperate. So…,” the Emperor tapped his rough fingers on the coiled dragon throne, his gaze finally landing on Xun Yunhe, “Minister Xun, as the head of all officials, you will go to Taishan on my behalf to pray for blessings for me, the people, and the Jin Dynasty.”

Thus, Xun Yunhe was sent out of the capital, leaving Pei Muheng without the opportunity to discuss the matter of Old Master Zhang with him and had to put it aside.

With a sullen heart, Pei Muheng was unwilling to return to the mansion.

That night, Pei Muheng also stayed in the official residence.

Xu Yunqi was not unaware of Pei Muheng’s movements. When it was time for him to return, she sent Nanny Chen to inquire. By dusk, Nanny Chen returned with a gloomy expression and said, “Third Master won’t be coming back today.”

Xu Yunqi didn’t think much of it, as Pei Muheng often didn’t return to the mansion.

Three days later, it was the tenth day of October, a day when the mansion had a tradition of having dinner at Jinhe Hall.

On this day, Pei Muheng rarely missed it.

Xu Yunqi arrived at Jinhe Hall early, occasionally glancing towards the door. When Pei Mushan was in the mansion, family banquets were lively, but now it felt much quieter. Pei Mulan was introverted, Li Xuanyan, being pregnant, dared not speak for fear of bringing up sad memories for Princess Consort Xi, and Madam Xie was always composed. Xu Yunqi also didn’t talk much, making the family gathering silent.

Coincidentally, the steward reported that Pei Muheng had official duties and couldn’t return to the mansion. Princess Consort Xi’s expression grew even more indifferent. She idly stirred her chopsticks, occasionally glancing at Xu Yunqi.

After enduring for a while, Princess Consort Xi finally kept Xu Yunqi behind after the banquet. This should be the first private conversation between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law since their marriage.

Princess Consort Xi’s expression remained kind. “Yunqi, have you been taking care of yourself recently? Have you been eating the bird’s nest soup daily?”

Since the last time she was provoked by Madam Yan, Princess Consort Xi had been sending bird’s nest soup to Xu Yunqi every day. Later, Xu Yunqi gave her acupuncture twice, and now her migraines hadn’t flared up for a long time. She considered it a gift to her youngest daughter-in-law, and the other daughters-in-law didn’t dare say anything.

Xu Yunqi saw through Princess Consort Xi’s thoughts and didn’t beat around the bush, directly saying, “Mother, I know what’s been troubling you. I’ll be honest with you. Although the Third Master and I have been married for a year, we only consummated the marriage six months later. During that time, he went to Miaojiang for two months, so we’ve only actually spent just over four months together in the mansion. He is busy with official duties and doesn’t come back to the mansion every day, as you saw today. So, if you’re hoping for a grandson, it’s unlikely to happen soon.”

Xu Yunqi’s words left Princess Consort Xi shocked.

Pei Muheng didn’t consummate the marriage with Xu Yunqi until six months later? My goodness.

Princess Consort Xi was almost unable to stay seated. In the past, she was afraid Xu Yunqi would cling to her son without knowing her place. Who would have thought that this girl silently endured such a grievance?

Princess Consort Xi’s mouth opened for a long time, and she felt a dull pain in her heart, “Yunqi… why have you never mentioned this?”

When Princess Consort Xi said this, she felt a bit distressed. Everyone in the city knew how she treated Xu Yunqi initially, and now, asking such a question was rather embarrassing for her. Just as she thought Xu Yunqi would mock her, Xu Yunqi maintained her usual calm demeanor, “There’s no need to mention it. This is a private matter between husband and wife. Third Master and I need time to adapt to each other.”

Princess Consort Xi felt a throb in her temple. She couldn’t imagine what would happen if Xun Yunhe found out about this. The Prime Minister had been diligently taking care of his daughter, bringing her to and from work. If this news reached his ears, he would immediately take his daughter back.

Princess Consort Xi broke into a cold sweat and, without thinking, held Xu Yunqi’s hand, “Yunqi, this is the mansion’s fault. I’ll reprimand Henger…”

Xu Yunqi subtly withdrew her hand, smiling as she cut her off, “Mother, I’m not telling you this to blame the Third Master, but to let you know that there’s no need to rush for a grandchild. Third Master and I understand the matter. Rest assured.”

After that, Xu Yunqi took her leave.

Princess Consort Xi watched her back, speechless for a long time.

Prince Xi emerged from behind the screen, also in disbelief, but considering his son’s character, it wasn’t too surprising. Seeing his wife on the verge of tears, he quickly comforted her, “Alright, alright, they both have their own ideas. Just keep your worries to yourself.”

Princess Consort Xi wiped away her tears and choked, “I just feel guilty towards her… I used to mistreat her, but she never complained. When I was in poor health, she didn’t hold a grudge and treated me. If she had just criticized me a bit, I’d feel better, but she didn’t…”

Prince Xi laughed heartily, “The third son’s wife is generous. As a doctor, she sees it as her duty to help others and is accustomed to life-and-death situations. These matters probably don’t concern her much. If you don’t think about it, there won’t be any issues.”

Princess Consort Xi sniffed and looked at Prince Xi with a heavy heart, asking what worried her the most, “It’s good that she has a big heart, but does she care about our son?”

“This…” Prince Xi found it difficult to say.

Who would have thought that Princess Consort Xi, who once despised Xu Yunxi’s background, would now fear that Xu Yunxi didn’t care about her son and that she might leave?

After returning to Qinghui Garden, Yin Xing came out of the pharmacy to greet Xu Yunxi. “Miss, I have prepared the Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin) recipe. Tomorrow morning, we can start making the gelatin. Eating a piece every day will keep you warm all winter.”

Xu Yunxi rubbed her cheeks and smiled, agreeing.

After digestion, the master and servant washed up and tidied up before snuggling together in the warm room.

As night deepened and dew thickened, a lone bird fluttered past the glazed window. Yin Xing lay with Xu Yunxi in bed, frequently glancing outside. “Miss, Third Master is probably really angry with you. He hasn’t returned to the mansion for three days,” Yin Xing said.

Xu Yunxi emptied her mind, feeling drowsy, “Hmm…” she murmured sleepily.

Yin Xing turned back and snuggled into Xu Yunxi’s arms, “Dear Miss, considering the Third Master helped us find the old master, shouldn’t you go and appease him?”

Hearing this, Xu Yunxi had a moment of blankness in her mind.

That night, she had explained everything to him, prepared to part ways amicably. Yet, without hesitation, he took over the entire matter. To say Xu Yunxi wasn’t moved at all would be untrue. However, Pei Muheng’s frequent soul-searching questions made her very uncomfortable.

She had never thoroughly examined their marriage, going with the flow, taking one step at a time. As long as he allowed her to practice medicine and gave her the respect and space she deserved as his wife, she felt she could live a good life. But now, things were beyond her expectations.

Pei Muheng wanted more than she had imagined.

Xu Yunxi thought blankly for a while, unable to make sense of things. She rubbed her brows and turned over to lie down.

“Forget about coaxing men.” She didn’t know how.

At the third quarter of Hai hour (between 9-11 PM), Pei Muheng quietly returned to the palace.

Xu Yunxi was accustomed to sleeping at this hour, and Pei Muheng had gradually ingrained this time into his subconscious.

Huang Wei greeted him respectfully and led him towards the third house, “Third Master, would you like to rest in the backyard today?”

Huang Wei was well aware of the couple’s argument, and his question was clearly intended to encourage Pei Muheng to reconcile with Xu Yunxi.

Pei Muheng paused on the steps of the slanted corridor, looking up at the night sky. Light rain swayed, and countless raindrops danced chaotically under the lamplight. His handsome face was hidden in the darkness, making it hard to discern. After standing for a moment, he subtly lifted his gaze toward Qinghui Garden, then returned to the study.

Pei Muheng had been feeling very complicated these past two days. He was never easy to get along with, but he always treated his wife kindly. He believed that a truly capable man could not show off his power in front of his wife. Therefore, he was gentle and considerate towards Xu Yunxi, doing his best to support her and take care of her emotions. She wanted to practice medicine, so he convinced himself to cooperate with her. But Xu Yunxi’s refusal to have a child truly tested his patience.

Continuing in this stalemate went against Pei Muheng’s principles. Pretending nothing was wrong and continuing to pamper her was something he couldn’t swallow. He didn’t know what was bothering him.

He actually hoped that she would take the initiative to show goodwill, even just once.