Chapter 45: [Sweet Moments] [First Kiss] A Day as a Scholar’s Attendant for Lord Pei

The next day, early morning.

The sky still held a few twinkling stars, with mist hanging in the air, and the lights of the Grand Tutor’s residence were just starting to glow.

Pei Che, dressed in a purple robe with a jade belt and gold clasps, walked out of the gates. He was about to get into the carriage when the curtain was suddenly lifted, and a small head poked out.

“Wishing Lord Pei a good morning for court,” Jiang Shiyuan, kneeling in the carriage, lifted the curtain and called out loudly to him.

Pei Che stopped in his tracks and looked her up and down.

Noticing his gaze, Jiang Shiyuan looked down at herself. Today, she was wearing men’s clothing sent by Pei Zanxue—a light green bamboo-patterned long robe. The color was elegant and made her look like a graceful youth.

When she changed this morning, the maids were all blushing.

“Does it look bad?” Jiang Shiyuan asked.

Pei Che smiled slightly, nodding. “The clothes are nice.”

What’s this?

Jiang Shiyuan couldn’t help but miss the Pei Che of a few days ago. The Pei Che from before would compliment her looks, not just the clothes.

Pei Che entered the carriage, and Jiang Shiyuan quickly remembered her role for today. She stepped forward, took out the breakfast and tea she had prepared.

“Lord, I’ve prepared osmanthus cake, cloud-layered cake, walnut crisps, and eight-treasure oil cake for you.”

These were the same treats Jiang Shiyuan had seen on Pei Che’s carriage in the past.

“Please enjoy, Lord.” She handed him the packed food box.

However, Pei Che didn’t take it. Instead, he asked, “Are you really going to be my scholar’s attendant?”

Jiang Shiyuan replied, “Of course, didn’t we agree on that yesterday?”

Pei Che smiled. “What if you do a bad job?”

Jiang Shiyuan tilted her head back, “How could I do a bad job? Look into my eyes. I’m doing my duty.”

Pei Che looked into her eyes but said nothing.

Jiang Shiyuan thought it strange. The last time, just a glance had revealed the dark circles under her eyes, yet now, so close to him, he still didn’t notice?

“I barely slept last night to make sure I didn’t miss your court session. I woke up before the rooster crowed, just to not delay your morning court.” Jiang Shiyuan said in a low voice.

A child who cries gets fed, and when you work, you have to make a fuss—otherwise, how could you expect your heartless master to have a conscience?

She knew this from when she was eight…

Wait, she had already said this line before. Jiang Shiyuan stopped herself and looked up at Pei Che.

Pei Che chuckled. Jiang Shiyuan had always been one to make a fuss.

“Teacher, I swept the floor, and I swept a huge pile. Aren’t I amazing?”

“Teacher, I watered the flowers, and the bucket was so heavy, it even rubbed my hands raw.”

“Teacher, I filled up the ants’ nest in the backyard, how dare they bite my teacher’s books, they must be punished!”

Indeed, Jiang Shiyuan was diligent. The leaves she swept became her trampoline, all the flowers she watered died, and filling up the ants’ nest was probably the only thing she did properly—because she didn’t want to do her homework.

This time was no different.

Pei Che took a piece of osmanthus cake. “It doesn’t matter how early you wake up, your Grand Tutor doesn’t like sweet food.”

Jiang Shiyuan froze. Pei Che didn’t like sweet food?

What about the cakes from before?

Had he prepared them specially for her?

Jiang Shiyuan bit her lip and secretly watched Pei Che. Although he didn’t like sweet food, he still chewed slowly and finished the entire piece.

When the carriage reached the palace gates, Jiang Shiyuan was still lost in thought, but Pei Che’s voice suddenly interrupted.

“Do you want to come into the palace with me, or rest in the carriage?”

Jiang Shiyuan shook her head. Afraid of being misunderstood, she hurriedly explained, “It’s not that I’m lazy, it’s just that I’m worried someone might see me.”

After all, there were many people in the palace who knew her.

“Alright.”

Pei Che smiled, stood, and got out of the carriage.

“Lord Pei.”

As the morning court session approached, many officials had already gathered at the palace gates. As they got out of their carriages and saw Pei Che, they all saluted him.

Pei Che nodded with a smile. “Good morning, everyone.”

The officials paused, exchanging glances, and murmured, “Don’t you think the Grand Tutor seems a little different today? He seems… friendlier.”

“Really? Does that mean I can ask him to approve my funding request today?”

…

Jiang Shiyuan crouched behind the carriage window, peeking at Pei Che’s back, watching him until he disappeared inside the palace gates.

She thought of the smile he had given her in the carriage and felt her ears grow warm.

It seemed that Lord Pei preferred this version of herself.

Not needing to be too formal or quiet, just like before?

Jiang Shiyuan felt like she had figured something out, or maybe she hadn’t figured anything at all. She didn’t think about it for long, as sleepiness hit her. She covered her mouth with a yawn and lay down comfortably in the spacious carriage.

The carriage was lined with dark silk fabric, and the cushions were thick and soft.

Pei Che seemed to lead a simple life, but the things he used were anything but humble.

Ten years ago, when he was just a boy, he drank from glass cups, used a polished clay inkstone, wore fine silk, and couldn’t tolerate incense, so his study always had fresh fruits like bergamot and oranges.

Lord Pei probably didn’t know that every fruit on the desk had been secretly tasted by her.

The best were the small honey oranges—tangy and sweet.

…

Inside the Golden Luan Hall—

The most debated topic in today’s court session was the succession issue. All the princes were favored, but the loudest calls were for the Fifth Prince, Xie Jinghuai. Some officials counted his merits, mentioning his disaster relief efforts two years ago, his supervision of dam construction last year, and his tax reductions this year. Praising the Fifth Prince took up an entire hour. In contrast, there were few recommendations for the Third Prince, who was away at war.

The emperor said nothing, looking tired, and only remarked: “The Third Prince is also a capable minister. We will discuss the succession issue further when he returns to the capital.”

The Fifth Prince’s faction finally realized that the Third Prince had been summoned back to the capital, and they exchanged uncertain glances.

After another half hour of discussion, the morning session finally ended.

Pei Che walked out of the palace gates, and the guards brought the carriage to him.

Just like every other time, but also, not quite the same.

Pei Che paused in front of the carriage, lightly lifting the curtain, only to find—

The carriage was completely empty.

His heart sank, too.

He stood still, his fingers gripping the curtain.

At that moment, a cheerful voice came from behind.

“Pei Che—”

Pei Che turned around.

Jiang Shiyuan was running toward him from the street, out of breath, holding a large food box in her arms.

“Lord, I bought some salty porridge, sour noodles, spicy snacks, and freshly steamed bitter vegetable buns. I’m sure you’ll like some of these.”

…

Jiang Shiyuan followed Pei Che to the government office.

The Grand Tutor was highly trusted by the emperor. Any matters the six ministries couldn’t decide would first go to him, and after his review, they would be presented for the emperor’s decision.

Thus, the Grand Tutor’s desk was large, and it was piled high with documents and memorials.

But Jiang Shiyuan had never seen anyone who enjoyed working like Pei Che. As soon as he saw those memorials, a smile appeared on his face.

Was this the charm of power?

Jiang Shiyuan yawned deeply.

Official business wasn’t something she could easily involve herself with.

Through a screen, Pei Che enjoyed his work while Jiang Shiyuan pulled the light blanket over her and closed her eyes in peace.

Jiang Shiyuan was so tired that she fell into a deep sleep. She didn’t know how long she slept, but in a daze, she suddenly heard three words: “Ruyi Building.”

Jiang Shiyuan quickly opened her eyes.

Ruyi Building’s braised lion’s head meatballs were exceptional.

She was so hungry.

“Lord Pei, I’ve booked a meal at Ruyi Building today. I’m inviting all the officials to gather for a small get-together. I wonder if the Grand Tutor has time?”

Li Qing, the head of the Ministry of Works, approached Pei Che, respectfully asking.

Li Qing’s invitation was just a formality. The Grand Tutor was highly esteemed and would never attend such a banquet, especially not one hosted by a minor official like him.

Li Qing was mainly expressing his gratitude.

Gratitude for the Grand Tutor’s kindness today!

The eighth version of the funding request he had been working on finally got approved.

Pei Che understood that Li Qing was just being polite and that his presence would make things awkward. He was about to refuse, as he always did, when suddenly, a sound came from behind the screen.

Pei Che turned his head slightly and glanced over. “Alright, I’ll be there in a while.”

“Don’t worry about it, Grand Tutor, you’re busy with official duties. It’s perfectly fine if you can’t make it… huh?” Li Qing said, then suddenly realized what Pei Che had just said, looking at him in surprise.

Pei Che didn’t change his expression. “Li Qing, go ahead. I’ll come with my attendant afterward.”

“Oh, okay, okay, good.” Li Qing hurriedly controlled his expression and retreated.

As Lord Sun had said, today’s Grand Tutor was indeed quite different.

After Li Qing left, Pei Che turned to the screen.

Jiang Shiyuan had already sat up, her clothes neatly arranged, putting on her shoes.

“You didn’t wake up after I called you so many times, but you immediately woke up when you heard about Ruyi Building?”

Jiang Shiyuan blushed slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed. How could this person not hide anything? It made it sound like she was so greedy, but didn’t they realize that she hadn’t eaten all day? The few bites of breakfast she had in the morning had already been burned off while she was looking for something sour, sweet, bitter, or spicy for him.

“Although the reputation of Ruyi Lou isn’t as great as Wangxian Lou or Tianxiang Ju, their dishes are very good. Taifu, be sure to try more of it later, especially the braised lion’s head.”

“Even though Taifu is a guest, we shouldn’t make him wait too long. Let’s go, let’s go.”

Jiang Shiyuan wasn’t rushing them; she was just being polite.

Pei Che didn’t point it out and led the group out of the government office.

It was already dusk outside, and Ruyi Lou was full of guests.

The two of them went upstairs to a private room reserved by Li Qingding. As soon as Pei Che entered, the noisy room instantly fell silent.

Jiang Shiyuan stood behind Pei Che, watching the adults who were usually arrogant outside. Each of them looked shocked and uneasy, their expressions as if they had been caught off guard, which made her want to laugh.

“Taifu, you don’t seem very popular,” she whispered.

Pei Taifu replied, “You were just like them before, weren’t you?”

Jiang Shiyuan was momentarily stunned before realizing that Pei Taifu was referring to when she had first seen him, and she had behaved just as awkwardly.

Suddenly, Jiang Shiyuan didn’t find it funny anymore.

Though others were nervous, Pei Che remained calm and took his seat as if he was at home, entering his own study.

There was a distinction of rank. The other officials sat inside the room, while Jiang Shiyuan and the other attendants sat near the door in a small outer room.

The small outer room was also stocked with food and wine, but the dishes were plain compared to those inside.

“Hey, you look unfamiliar. Are you new at Taifu’s residence? I’ve never seen you before.”

As soon as Jiang Shiyuan sat down, the others took notice of her. Firstly, because she was unfamiliar, and secondly, because her appearance was strikingly handsome.

Of course, they didn’t mean anything by it.

They wouldn’t dare offend anyone from the Taifu residence, let alone someone who worked closely with the Taifu.

They were just curious—was everyone at Taifu’s residence so elegant and refined?

Jiang Shiyuan nodded while she ate.

Although there was no braised lion’s head, she was starving.

“I just arrived at Taifu’s residence yesterday, and today is my first day on duty.”

“No wonder. Hey, I heard that Taifu’s residence is hard to get into. Taifu is strict and picky, and he’s hard to serve,” one person whispered.

Although Pei Che was indeed somewhat picky—he couldn’t walk noisily, couldn’t shout, couldn’t sing, couldn’t be addressed by name…

But!

Jiang Shiyuan put down her chopsticks. “Rumors! It’s all rumors.”

“Taifu is very kind. He is upright and just in the court, and privately, he is extremely… extremely…” Jiang Shiyuan paused, “extremely generous. Do you know? Taifu gives me this much silver every month!”

Jiang Shiyuan held up her hand.

“How much?”

“Five taels, every month, on time, never delayed.”

“Wow—”

Everyone looked at Jiang Shiyuan with envy.

If they knew that five taels was her allowance when she was eight years old, they’d probably be envious to the point of tears.

Pei Che was indeed generous. If she was too noisy, he would just use silver to silence her.

Inside the room, at the main table—

Pei Che suddenly scoffed coldly.

Li Qing, the host, was startled and shook his hand, quickly asking, “Taifu, is there anything you need?”

Pei Che lazily raised an eyelid. “Add a portion of braised lion’s head. Also, for this table, prepare another one and send it to the outer room. Put it on my tab.”

Li Qing was shocked and confused but still followed his orders.

Soon, a table of sumptuous food was delivered to the outer room.

Jiang Shiyuan saw the braised lion’s head she had been craving, and a smile appeared on her face.

“See? Isn’t my Taifu wonderful and generous?”

Everyone nodded, and their gazes towards Jiang Shiyuan were filled with even more envy.

The attendants in the outer room were happily eating, and the atmosphere in the inner room became much warmer because of Pei Che’s simple words, “Put it on my tab.”

Everyone felt that their Taifu had suddenly become much more approachable.

They all tried to offer him drinks, and Pei Che accepted them all—this lifted the mood to its peak.

Li Qing, tearfully, placed his hand on Pei Che’s shoulder, and Pei Che didn’t avoid it.

“Taifu, I’m so happy, so happy that you could come.”

“Taifu, do you know? My wife gave birth to a pair of twins—a boy and a girl! You have no idea—how adorable!”

Pei Che then understood that Li Qing had invited him to celebrate the birth of his children.

Pei Che raised a cup and congratulated, “Congratulations.”

Li Qing, hearing Pei Che’s congratulations and seeing him raise his cup to him, was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes.

“Taifu, my good Taifu, I’ve heard you’re getting married! Here!” Li Qing rummaged through his clothes and pulled out a folded, square paper talisman, handing it over.

“I got this from the Guanyin Temple, it’s a very powerful fertility talisman.”

“May… may Taifu and your future wife have a child soon, alright?”

“Taifu, you don’t know, children are so cute! Taifu and your wife’s children will definitely be even cuter.”

Pei Che took the talisman from Li Qing’s hand, glanced toward the outer room.

Heh.

Of course, he knew that his and Jiang Shiyuan’s child would be the cutest in the world!

If she’s willing…

As long as she’s willing…

Jiang Shiyuan had finished eating and was sitting outside chatting with others, occasionally glancing inside.

This was her first time seeing Pei Che being so friendly, even casually draping his arm around someone’s shoulder.

He was usually upright and serious, never showing such casualness before.

They stayed until the banquet ended. When they returned to the carriage, Pei Che leaned against the carriage wall, staring blankly at himself. Jiang Shiyuan realized that Pei Che was probably drunk.

Thankfully, she had prepared in advance.

“Taifu, I brought some hangover medicine.”

She had guessed that he might have business to attend to when she saw him at Wangxian Lou the previous day, so she had prepared it ahead of time.

Jiang Shiyuan sat down, poured out a pill, and offered it to his mouth, not forgetting to take credit.

“Now, tell me, am I doing my job properly?”

Pei Che smiled upon hearing this, his gaze roaming over her face.

Her brows and eyes were like a painting, her skin as smooth as jade. Even without makeup and dressed in men’s clothes, she couldn’t hide her radiant beauty.

Jiang Shiyuan looked up and met his gaze.

For a moment, she froze. The calm lake of her heart suddenly rippled, and her fingers holding the pill trembled, brushing against his lips.

Jiang Shiyuan felt like she had been burned and quickly pulled back.

“Jiang Shiyuan?”

Just then, a man’s voice suddenly called her name from outside the carriage.

The voice was very familiar, so familiar that Pei Che frowned deeply.

Jiang Shiyuan, however, seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and took the opportunity to pull away, turning to lift the curtain, only to be suddenly engulfed by two warm lips, and a cold, domineering breath rushed into her lungs.