Chapter 7

Pei Muheng returned to his study. The guard who had driven the carriage reported at the door, “I have taken Young Madam to Chengyang Medical Clinic.”

Pei Muheng lightly acknowledged with a hum, assuming that Xu Yunqi had urgent matters involving a sick relative or friend. He didn’t think much of it and didn’t ask further, as he had more important matters on his mind, “Go and summon Father.”

At the end of the hour of the rooster, large snowflakes were falling, and in no time, a thin layer of snow had covered the courtyard outside the study.

Pei Muheng’s low, magnetic voice came through the glazed window, “It has been discovered that the prefect of Tongzhou, Chen Mingshan, secretly sent moldy grain to the granary and replaced the newly transported grain with it, releasing the good grain into the market.”

Sitting by the south window, Prince Xi frowned and asked, while holding a small seal in his hand, “Where did the moldy grain come from?”

Pei Muheng’s tall figure stood in front of the desk, his dark eyes deep and long, “From local grain merchants in Tongzhou. More than a dozen grain merchants are involved, making the target too scattered. With the emperor’s mandate to investigate, Liu Yue is being closely watched and can’t move freely. I have sent people to assist him in secret.”

He then let out a slight, sarcastic smile, “Chen Mingshan bought the moldy grain at an extremely low price and sold the new grain at a high price to the local grain merchants, earning a huge profit in the process. The grain merchants not only pleased the local officials but also reduced their losses. Both sides benefited, so they kept it tightly under wraps.”

Prince Xi came from a military background and had once been the army commander on the battlefield. He deeply understood the suffering caused by shortages of food and money and couldn’t tolerate any acts of embezzlement in the court. Hearing this, his face darkened. “As long as it’s done by humans, there will be traces. Heng’er, make sure to investigate this case thoroughly and give an explanation to the soldiers on the front line.”

Pei Muheng looked at him with a complex expression, staring at him for a while before asking helplessly, “Father, do you really believe that Chen Mingshan would dare to commit such an act of deceiving the emperor in the capital?”

Prince Xi pondered for a moment, his mind suddenly clear. His brows furrowed tightly, and he heavily slapped the small table. “These scoundrels!”

“The Great Wu iron cavalry is flaunting its power at the city gates, and the people of the fourteen states on the border suffer greatly while they only care about fighting among themselves!”

Pei Muheng seemed indifferent to these complaints, simply saying, “His Majesty is old and may not have much time left. It’s not surprising that those below are making their moves.”

Prince Xi asked, “Who do you think it is?”

A sliver of light hit Pei Muheng’s chiseled profile, casting a shadow. His deep eyes were difficult to read. “Who I think it is doesn’t matter. What matters is finding evidence. The end of the year is near, and the six ministries are as busy as spinning tops. The Tongzhou matter might slowly fade from public view…”

Before Pei Muheng could finish, Prince Xi interrupted, “That won’t do. This case must be made public as an example. We can’t let the hearts of the border soldiers grow cold.”

Pei Muheng’s long fingers lightly tapped the desk as he spoke calmly, “In that case, I’ll test the waters.”

“What do you plan to do?”

Cold air seeped in through the window, chilling Pei Muheng’s eyes. His tone remained clear and calm. “I’ll use the name of one of the grain merchants to accuse Chen Mingshan of extorting profits from the merchants. Once the accusation is made in the capital, the whole world will know, and no one will be able to cover it up…”

Prince Xi took a deep breath and looked at his son with concern. Pei Muheng’s handsome face remained expressionless, with a hint of barely perceptible laziness and leisure.

“Heng’er, the Prince Xi’s mansion has no strong backing in the court. You must be thorough and leave no traces. If there’s any sign of trouble, your father will be in a dire situation.”

These words stirred Pei Muheng’s emotions, and he replied with a hint of sarcasm, “There are over a dozen princes in the court, all more powerful than our mansion. The Crown Prince would suspect anyone but us!”

He stared intensely at Prince Xi. “What exactly happened back then to make our grandfather despise you? Won’t you tell me?”

Pei Muheng had known since birth that among the emperor’s many sons, Prince Xi was the least favored. Despite his bravery and military achievements for the Jin dynasty, the emperor always remained indifferent to him. As a result, the courtiers aligned themselves, but no one came to support Prince Xi’s mansion.

Later, until Pei Muheng came into the emperor’s favor, the situation of Prince Xi’s mansion improved, but not by much. Pei Muheng was not resigned to this and secretly investigated, discovering that the emperor had held a grudge against Prince Xi since he was ten. The reason for this remained unknown.

Thirty years ago, what could a ten-year-old boy have done to make an emperor harbor resentment for so long?

Pei Muheng watched as his once-proud father slowly became dejected yet remained silent. He sighed in disappointment.

The candles flickered and crackled in the study, and the room fell silent for a long while. Eventually, Prince Xi looked up at his son and smiled bitterly, “Heng’er, it was I who implicated you.”

If it weren’t for him, the emperor wouldn’t have assigned Pei Muheng such an inconspicuous marriage to keep Prince Xi’s mansion in check. The emperor appreciated Pei Muheng but wanted him to remain a loyal subject.

Fearing his son might develop ambitious thoughts, Prince Xi said, “You are exceptionally talented and highly valued by the emperor. Whether it is the crown prince or Prince Qin, they all want to win you over. In the future, you will certainly become a great minister…”

Pei Muheng showed no reaction to these words, “It’s getting late, Father. You should rest.” He personally escorted his father out of the courtyard and then returned to the study, standing under the veranda for a long time without going inside.

The cold wind whistled through the trees, sounding like a lonely cry under the dark sky.

Holding a glass lantern, Huang Wei stood bowing beside him and advised, “Master, the wind is strong. Please go inside…”

Pei Muheng stood still by the column, lifting his wide sleeves to reveal a clean, strong arm, which he extended to catch the large snowflakes. The snow melted upon contact, the cold gradually seeping into his palm, but he remained unmoved.

Huang Wei watched as his master’s arm slowly turned pale from the cold and urged, “The snow is falling heavily. How can you block a carriage with just one arm?”

Pei Muheng, with one hand behind his back, raised his arm higher, the sharp look in his eyes seeming to pierce through the dark clouds above. He was determined to change the course of events.

After three consecutive days of heavy snowfall, the sky finally cleared on the first day of the twelfth lunar month. On the first and fifteenth of every month, paying respects at Jinhe Hall was customary, and Xu Yunqi was no exception. Since Pei Muheng had stood up for her last time, she felt she should show some respect. Regardless of whether Princess Consort Xi would see her, she needed to go to Jinhe Hall today as a matter of etiquette.

To Xu Yunqi’s surprise, Nanny Hao, who was always by the Princess Consort’s side, greeted her with a smile and invited her in. As she stepped into the east side room, she found her elder sister-in-law, Madam Xie, and her second sister-in-law, Madam Li, already present. Xu Yunqi arrived a bit late and greeted the Princess Consort at the end.

Princess Consort’s face revealed no expression, and she merely acknowledged Xu Yunqi with a faint hum. After a moment, seeing Xu Yunqi still standing, she said, “Sit.”

Xu Yunqi took a seat below Madam Li.

While Madam Xie discussed some accounts with the Princess Consort, Madam Li turned to Xu Yunqi and whispered, “I really envy you, Third Sister-in-law. It’s spread everywhere that Third Brother spoke up for you in front of the Princess Consort. Look, it’s not easy for us to go out, but you come and go freely. In the end, it still depends on how capable the husband is.”

Xu Yunqi naturally detected the bitterness in Madam Li’s words. She had no intention of making enemies and didn’t care to engage in verbal sparring. She replied gently, “My mother’s health hasn’t been good lately, and I’ve been very worried. That’s why I’ve gone out a few times. I’ll be more mindful in the future. Of course, if Second Sister-in-law needs anything, you can let me know, and I’ll bring it back for you if it’s convenient.”

Madam Li’s eyes brightened, and her previous jealousy turned into joy, “Really?”

The Princess Consort kept the eldest and second daughters-in-law tightly controlled, and even the daughters-in-law couldn’t please her.

Xu Yunqi smiled and nodded.

Madam Li took another look at Xu Yunqi, who always appeared cheerful and easy to take advantage of. She really is a fool, not even realizing when others are being sarcastic to her.

Madam Li felt like she had been punching a pillow and lost interest, so she affectionately linked arms with Xu Yunqi, “Alright then, let me know the next time you go out.”

Their relationship subtly grew closer.

Madam Li thought to herself that since Madam Xie put on airs and disliked her because she was a concubine’s daughter-in-law, she might as well befriend Xu Yunqi. With this thought, she looked at Xu Yunqi with a more genuine smile.

Xu Yunqi, however, wasn’t used to being so close with others. “Second Sister-in-law, you’re holding me a bit too tight.”

Seeing Xu Yunqi’s soft demeanor, Madam Li had no suspicions and quickly let go of her. “I’m just so happy.”

Madam Xie handed the budget for this month’s expenses to the Princess Consort, glancing at Madam Li and Xu Yunqi without saying a word.

At that moment, a clear and bright voice came from outside the beaded curtain, followed by a light, lively figure that dashed in, “Mother, Mother, there’s a big commotion outside.”

Everyone’s attention was drawn to her.

Xu Yunqi recognized the person. Dressed in a begonia-red skirt, covered by a short deerskin jacket embroidered with a golden phoenix, she looked adorable and full of youthful innocence. It was none other than Pei Muheng’s younger sister from the same mother, Pei Mushan. Pei Mushan bounced in and rushed to the Luohan bed, hugging the Princess Consort’s arm. “Mother, I want to go out and see the excitement.”

The Princess Consort’s arm was almost shaken loose, and Madam Xie discreetly took over the account book and stepped aside.

The Princess Consort looked at her daughter with a headache, “What’s the commotion about?”

Pei Mushan, full of excitement, replied, “Someone is beating the Drum of Appeals! Under Grandfather’s rightful rule, the Drum of Appeals hasn’t sounded for many years. Today, it’s bustling with noise. Even Sister Han from next door went to watch. Please let me go, too.”

Beating the Drum of Appeals was a significant event, indicating that there might be turmoil in the court again. Although the Princess Consort usually stayed out of worldly matters, she understood the gravity of the situation and sternly told her daughter, “You’re not allowed to go. Stay at home.”

Pei Mushan pleaded a few more times, but Princess Consort remained unmoved and continued reviewing the accounts with Madam Xie. Pei Mushan had to withdraw sulkily. Suddenly, she spotted Xu Yunqi and her face lit up, “Third Sister-in-law!”

Xu Yunqi looked at the whirlwind-like girl and stood up in confusion.

Her arm was once again tightly embraced by the girl beside her, who leaned on her shoulder with a face full of innocence and curiosity, “I liked you at first sight during the tea ceremony last time, Third Sister-in-law. I wanted to talk to you that day, but Mother wouldn’t allow it and sent me to my maternal grandparents’ house. Now, I’m finally back.”

Xu Yunqi was still in a daze when Pei Mushan stood up straight and carefully examined her, “How can someone be so beautiful? I used to think Sister Xun was pretty, but the new sister-in-law is even prettier. Your face is so smooth and tender, and your complexion is even better. You look so innocent and pure. Wow, you are also tall, even taller than me by half a head. No wonder Grandfather chose her to be my brother’s wife…”

Princess Consort Xi couldn’t listen any longer and coughed heavily.

Pei Mushan, entranced by Xu Yunqi’s beauty, ignored the cough.

Seeing Xu Yunqi bewildered, Madam Li quietly explained to her, “Fifth Sister has a hard time looking away from beautiful people…”

Xu Yunqi understood.

Pei Mushan judged people by their looks.

Pei Muheng was always serious and stern, but who would have thought his sister could be so lively?

Xu Yunqi responded graciously, “Fifth Sister, you are welcome to come and play with me anytime.”

Pei Mushan was even happier and squeezed herself between Xu Yunqi and Madam Li, pushing Madam Li aside.

Xu Yunqi spent the lunch at Jinhe Hall with Pei Mushan clinging to her. In the afternoon, Princess Consort Xi kept her daughter by her side, allowing Xu Yunqi to finally return to Qinghui Garden.

Yin Xing excitedly explained, “I just discovered that the Fifth Miss is quite famous. It is said that she once saw a Westerner with green hair and blue eyes while shopping in the Western market. She was so taken by his appearance that she insisted on inviting him to the mansion. Unfortunately, the man didn’t understand the local language and thought the Fifth Miss was trying to rob him. He was so frightened that he ran away shouting, and it was our Third Master who arrived and sorted things out, bringing the Fifth Miss back to the mansion.”

“It is said that, luckily, the most handsome man in the capital is in Prince Xi’s mansion. With her handsome brother around, the Fifth Miss doesn’t need to look at anyone else. Otherwise, it would be difficult for her to settle down…”

Xu Yunqi listened to these amusing anecdotes and quickly forgot them. She went to the east room and rested on the Luohan bed for a while. In a daze, someone shook her awake, “Miss, Miss, look at this!”

Xu Yunqi, still groggy, opened her eyes and saw a dazzling, colorful object shimmering like water waves in the bright daylight. She was stunned, “What is this?”

Yin Xing exclaimed with delight, “This is a piece of fur that the Third Master just sent over. I asked several times, and it’s for you!”

Xu Yunqi was taken aback and sat on the Luohan bed, examining the fur before her.

It was a radiant piece of peacock feather fur, intricately woven, with the tail feathers swaying lifelike. It was evidently of great value.

Nanny Chen entered along with Yin Xing and explained with a smile, “Young Madam, the Third Master specifically sought this fur for you in the market. He instructed me to give it to you, saying that the winter is cold, and you can make a thick fur coat from it to stay warm when you go out.”

In fact, Pei Muheng had only ordered his subordinates to buy the best fur for Xu Yunqi. The rest was Nanny Chen’s embellishment to improve the relationship between the two masters.

Xu Yunqi was puzzled and didn’t quite believe it was Pei Muheng’s doing. Seeing her disbelief, Nanny Chen even showed her the receipt from the warehouse, “This came from the Third Master’s private account, and it has his seal on it.”

Yin Xing glanced at it, gasping at the amount—three thousand taels.

Such a large amount made Xu Yunqi even more suspicious. After much thought, she couldn’t understand why Pei Muheng did this and concluded that the elders must have reprimanded him.

As the night fell, Xu Yunqi wrapped herself in the quilt and went to sleep early. Seeing her mistress sleeping alone on the large canopy bed, Yin Xing sighed and gently nudged the dozing Xu Yunqi, “Young Madam, it wouldn’t be proper not to reciprocate. The third master spent a lot of money on this fur for you. Shouldn’t you show some appreciation?”

Xu Yunqi had been pondering this matter as well. Previously, she had been indifferent because Pei Muheng had set three rules on their wedding night, and she assumed he had someone in his heart. Now that he was willing to lower himself, she didn’t need to keep her distance. The couple couldn’t remain cold forever.

“But what do I have to offer?”

She had no money to spend freely and wasn’t skilled with needlework. Her only talent… well, she couldn’t hope for Pei Muheng to fall ill.

Yin Xing’s eyes twinkled with an idea, “Five years ago, when our old master celebrated his birthday, didn’t you make a ‘Jiujio Chaoyang’ medicinal cake? That cake can strengthen the body and prolong life. It would be the perfect gift for the third master.”

Xu Yunqi’s face showed a hint of embarrassment at the mention of ‘Jiujio Chaoyang.’

This medicinal cake was most suitable for men. It could prolong life for the elderly, but for young men, it had the effect of boosting virility.

Xu Yunqi couldn’t bring herself to give such a medicinal dish to Pei Muheng. So, she modified the recipe and personally made a spleen-strengthening and health-preserving cake the next day. She handed it to Steward Chen, who instructed the guards to deliver it to the palace without delay.