Chapter 3 · Learning the Truth

Xie Zhi hurriedly tried to slip away, but had only taken a few steps when Pei Du pushed the door open again—this time with Princess Yuyang following behind.

Princess Yuyang was Pei Du’s half-sister, the beloved only daughter of the Duke of Deng. From birth, she had been spoiled and doted upon, even granted the title of Princess by the Emperor himself.

Raised in such favor, she grew up proud and arrogant, looking down not only on her sisters but also treating servants with scorn—beating and scolding them at will.

When she learned that Xie Zhi had not obediently accepted her punishment, she was furious and came storming over.

“Brother, she stole several manuscripts! If she were to copy the handwriting and spread rumors, what then? Worse still, when I punished her, she dared to run away! You must give me justice!”

Yuyang’s face flushed scarlet with anger, her golden phoenix hairpins trembling with each movement.

Xie Zhi stood quietly in place, saying nothing.

Pei Du, after a pause, finally spoke:
“From now on, Li Chun is forbidden to step foot in the study hall. If she disobeys, you may punish her as you see fit.”

Then his gaze fell on Xie Zhi’s neck.
“And what is with your neck? Such disgrace. Didn’t know how to drink in ink? You poured it all over yourself instead?”

“That’s not enough, Brother! You can’t let her off so easily!”

Yuyang looked at Xie Zhi’s stained neck with disgust, her expression twisted with resentment. If Xie Zhi got away with this today, who in the manor would respect her in the future?

“I have much work today. I don’t have time to watch you throw tantrums,” Pei Du said curtly. He turned and walked out. “Chang Wei, ready my horse!”

He left in haste, Yuyang chasing behind him, her voice ringing out:
“Brother, take me with you! I want to enter the palace too!”

Their voices faded into the distance. Only then did Xie Zhi finally breathe a sigh of relief.

…

That night, as darkness settled, Spring Sun Court grew quiet—Old Madam had gone to bed early, as usual.

Returning from Mount Yang Terrace, Xie Zhi lit a small lamp in her side room, only for Granny Zhou to come in with a smile.

“Back so late? I thought the young master would keep you at Mount Yang Terrace tonight.”

Her words only made Xie Zhi feel more unsettled. Pei Du would surely explain the matter clearly to Old Madam, and when that happened, her situation would no longer be as comfortable as it was now.

Muttering a few vague replies to send Granny Zhou away, Xie Zhi crouched by her bed and pulled out a wooden box from underneath.

Inside were layers of manuscript scraps—pages she had secretly collected from the study hall after classes ended. By piecing them together, she could reconstruct much of what the teacher had taught. Combined with what she remembered from eavesdropping, she managed to learn seventy to eighty percent of the lesson.

But today’s manuscripts had been taken from her, so she had no choice but to review older notes by dim candlelight, reading them again and again.

Old Madam only wished that the people by Pei Du’s side would not be completely ignorant, so she had allowed Xie Zhi to pick up a few superficial things—not to truly study like the noble daughters in the hall. For a maid, learning a little was already enough not to appear dull in conversation.

But Xie Zhi was not satisfied. She wanted more.

Back in Yangzhou, the Xie family also had a private school. The lady tutor often said: A woman, like a man, must learn knowledge—only then can her mind be clear and her vision bright.

Xie Zhi believed this deeply.

But because she was neglected, she had not been sent to study until the age of thirteen. Later, she was quickly betrothed and married off. Altogether, she had studied for barely more than a year, still unable to recognize many characters.

So now, this was the only way she could secretly continue her studies in the deep of night.

She knew it was wrong. Even if the manuscripts were discarded scraps, taking them without asking was still stealing, against the principles she read in books.

That was why, when the Princess accused her, Xie Zhi had felt no anger—only deep shame.

After more than an hour of study, the candle burned low, its flame sputtering. The words on the page blurred into shadows, forcing Xie Zhi to strain her eyes.

Drowsiness overtook her, and she rubbed her eyes repeatedly. The more she rubbed, the more uncomfortable they felt, until tears welled up unbidden, accompanied by stifled sobs.

She dared not cry aloud for fear of disturbing Old Madam. Blowing out the lamp, she lay down, staring up at the silk canopy above her bed, sleepless and desolate.

…

The next morning, her face was pale, her spirit wan, enough that even Old Madam noticed.

“You’re especially meek today. I don’t need you here. Go to the study hall after breakfast and serve tea.” Old Madam smiled as she took the tea Xie Zhi offered.

“Old Madam, this servant will not go to the study hall anymore.”

As she took a warm cloth from a maid to wipe Old Madam’s hands, Granny Zhou, carrying one of Old Madam’s favorite embroidered jackets, frowned.

“Girl, you’re letting down Old Madam’s kindness by saying that.”

Old Madam did not know about her punishment yesterday, but Granny Zhou assumed Xie Zhi was sulking over it, and so scolded her.

Hearing this, Xie Zhi’s heart tightened. Setting down the tray, she knelt before Old Madam.

“Old Madam, this servant has something to confess.”

“Oh dear, Li Chun, what is it?”

Startled, Old Madam reached out to help her up.

At that moment, the beaded curtain rustled as a maid entered with a smile.

“Old Madam, Young Master has come to pay his respects.”

Footsteps approached. The room fell silent as everyone turned their gaze toward the entrance.

Pei Du stepped inside, dressed in a dark patterned robe, a white jade pendant carved with a taotie beast hanging at his waist, gleaming faintly in the light.

His face was refined, his gaze still as cold as ever—but before Old Madam, that sharpness was softened.

“Sanlang, aren’t you on duty at the Ministry of Justice today?”

Old Madam’s joy was plain. Seeing Xie Zhi still kneeling before her, she gently patted her back.

“Look at you, child. Whatever it is, say it later. Go wash your face and come back.”

Just being in the same room as Pei Du made Xie Zhi feel suffocated. She lowered her gaze, yet could still sense his eyes on her.

“Yes.”

Seizing the excuse, Xie Zhi rose quickly and retreated to the side chamber. Only then did she dare exhale.

She sat on her bed, staring blankly at the small room she had lived in for half a year. Though small, it was well-equipped, never lacking in comfort. For a maid, living next to Old Madam’s chamber was already the highest favor.

Still, Xie Zhi sighed. She knew Old Madam would soon learn the truth and cast her out.

But Pei Du, with his rigid temperament, once he believed her guilty, would never return her deed papers or let her leave the manor.

That had been their agreement from the start. Though he saved her from the brothel, her slave status had not changed. She could only serve in the Pei household to atone for her family’s crimes.

He was hopelessly rigid. Impossible to reason with.

Before long, Granny Zhou entered.
“Girl, Young Master is here. Old Madam summons you.”

Her tone was stiff, her face faintly scornful. Xie Zhi understood—Pei Du must have already told Old Madam everything.