Chapter 8 – Marriage

She stepped forward and bowed. When she lifted her head, she saw Pei Du dressed in a crimson official robe, his court hat resting on the desk.

He must have just returned from the yamen. Back in Yangzhou, Xie Zhi had already known—this man was endlessly busy, often working late into the night.

But why had he come to Guanxue Pavilion so late at night?

“Milord,” Xie Zhi greeted softly.

Pei Du raised his head, his cool, austere eyes falling upon her.

For a long moment, he said nothing. Then his words made her heart jolt—

“Has Fifth Brother set his sights on you?”

Xie Zhi froze. “Why would Milord say such a thing? Of course not.”

“Not?” Pei Du rose to his feet. His tall frame blocked the candlelight, pressing an invisible weight down on her.

Dressed in his official robe, his imposing presence was even sharper. It instantly brought back her old fear from Yangzhou, the days when merely meeting his gaze had made her heart pound with dread.

Still, she steadied herself and forced calm into her voice:

“Truly not. What happened in the day was only a misunderstanding—Milord worries too much.”

His gaze scrutinized her, the same piercing look he wore when judging a case.

Xie Zhi lowered her head, silent, terrified he might catch some flaw and ruin her plans.

Just as her resolve was about to crumble under that stare, Pei Du finally spoke, his tone cool and detached:

“Fifth Brother is naturally frivolous, his rooms already filled with concubines. For a maid without backing, that is no good end.”

He added coldly: “Think carefully.”

With that, he turned and strode away, not sparing her another glance.

Xie Zhi watched his retreating back, and her expression collapsed into bitterness.

Who put me in this miserable state to begin with?

And now the culprit had the gall to lecture her?

Did he truly think she wanted to resort to such lowly means, luring a man she didn’t even like?

In a fit of rage, she snatched up the court hat from the desk and flung it to the ground, stomping on it twice for good measure.

Wait—court hat?

Why was his hat here?!

Her hands were still smeared with paint from earlier, and now a blotch of red and green pigment had stained the black gauze. Combined with dust and her stomping, the hat was utterly ruined.

From the corridor came the sound of approaching footsteps—no doubt Pei Du, realizing he had left something behind, coming back for it.

Oh no… oh no, what have I done?!

As the steps drew nearer, she gritted her teeth, seized the crushed hat, and hurled it out the window—

Just then, Pei Du appeared in the doorway.

He strode forward, asking, “Have you seen—”

But the empty desk, and Xie Zhi standing by the window, cut his words short.

“Milord,” Xie Zhi said smoothly, heart steady, “a gust of wind just now blew your hat out the window. I wished to retrieve it, but it was too late.”

Pei Du walked to the window. Below lay nothing but the still waters of the pond. His brow twitched.

Xie Zhi asked lightly, “Shall I go down and fish it up for you?”

“No need.”

With a faint, almost mocking smile, Pei Du adjusted his wide sleeves and left.

Only after listening carefully and confirming the silence did Xie Zhi finally breathe a sigh of relief.

…

The next few days, she did not see Pei Hong—likely confined to quarters. Nor was there any news from Yuyang. Just when she thought she could breathe easy, Qingyi came running to her.

“Lichun! Do you know what I just heard? The County Princess of Yuyang announced this morning—she really means to reward you to that coachman. She’s even given him silver to prepare for the wedding!”

“What? And I wasn’t even told?”

“The Old Madam hasn’t left yet. She plans to deal with you in one stroke tomorrow. How could she announce it early and risk the news spreading? If I hadn’t run into Cuìluò from Handan Courtyard in the kitchens today, we wouldn’t know so soon.”

Xie Zhi pressed her temples, frustrated, then sat at the table and stuffed her mouth with roasted mountain chicken, chewing angrily.

“You can still eat at a time like this? You just got your manuscript fee and already spent most of it!”

Qingyi slapped the table.

“Don’t worry,” Xie Zhi murmured. “Tonight, I’ll risk it. No matter what, I must see Pei Hong again.”

The setting sun cast a golden glow over her delicate face, even her tiny nose lit with light.

Qingyi stared in a daze. “Lichun, with your looks, you’re sure to succeed.”

Xie Zhi sighed. “If marriages could be won on beauty alone, the world would’ve been chaos long ago.”

Her head drooped, heavy with gloom.

…

After dining at Shouling Pavilion, the two returned to the Pei residence.

Back in her room, Xie Zhi took the broken jade pinhead and handed it to a page boy bound for Ninghui Garden, whispering instructions before sending him off.

As night fell, she changed into a pale yellow gauze dress with snowy trim, layered with a lilac jacket. A touch of rouge from Qingyi brightened her lips. Then she stepped out toward Xingbo Lake.

She had already sent word through the boy to Pei Hong, inviting him to meet at the lakeside pavilion.

Pei Hong, ever the flirt, and with Third Master still at the palace, she was certain he would come.

Just as she reached the pavilion, someone called from behind:

“Miss Lichun! Miss Lichun!”

She turned to see a man in coarse brown clothes striding toward her, his pockmarked face beaming with excitement.

“Shuangfu? What are you doing here?”

It was none other than the County Princess of Yuyang’s coachman—the one who had been pestering her ever since they’d crossed paths two months ago.

“Came to deliver something to my parents, and what luck, meeting you here!” Shuangfu grinned broadly. “Lichun, I’ve got wonderful news. You’ll be thrilled when you hear it.”

Thrilled? My foot!

Xie Zhi turned away, not wanting to engage, and started toward the pavilion.

“Hey, Lichun, wait! Don’t go!” Shuangfu chased after her, voice urgent.

“Lichun, Shuangfu!”

A stout old woman came hurrying toward them, mopping sweat with a handkerchief. She caught Xie Zhi’s arm with a wide smile.

“Oh my, Lichun! From now on, we’ll be family. Be obedient, give me a few fat grandsons, and this old woman will never treat you poorly!”

“Mother, why are you here?” Shuangfu rushed to steady her.

“Your mother was too happy to sit still. Came out for a stroll, and here you both are! Don’t worry—since you gave me the County Princess’s silver reward, I’ll make sure this marriage happens—”

Before she could finish, Xie Zhi’s patience snapped. She quickened her pace, trying to shake off the mother and son.

“Hey, Lichun, where are you going?” Shuangfu cried, moving to follow.

“Stop right there!” his mother barked, yanking him back. Her smile vanished, replaced by a grim look.

“Can’t you see the girl’s unwilling? I hear the Old Madam favors her. If we want to secure her, we must bind her fast. Tonight, we’ll make sure she marries whether she wants to or not!”