Chapter 15

After Pei Mushan’s words fell, the hall fell silent for a long while.

The old Emperor pressed his brow with some helplessness. The envoys were about to arrive at the traveling palace, and there was still a mountain of court business to handle—yet these young ladies had chosen this moment to cause trouble. The Liu girl was one thing, but Xiao Qin was the beloved late-in-life daughter of Grand Secretary Xiao Yu, who had always doted on her without limit. At this very moment, Xiao Yu was weeping and pleading:

“The princess is sovereign, and we are subjects. It is only natural for the sovereign to discipline a subject, and I dare not ask Your Majesty to seek justice for my daughter. However, she is not yet married, and now with a broken arm, how will she get by in the future…”

In a small side chamber, Imperial Physician He was setting Xiao Qin’s bone. Her cries came in waves, weighing heavily on everyone’s hearts.

Even the Princess Consort, who usually shielded her own fiercely, uttered not a single word today.

Xiao Qin cried inside, and Xiao Yu sobbed outside. Though he was a Grand Secretary, his position had been won through tears. Years ago, when the post of Minister of Justice fell vacant, the Crown Prince and Prince Qin’s factions had deadlocked during the court deliberation, unable to agree on a candidate. It was Xiao Yu, then Vice Minister of Justice, who had wept openly before the assembled ministers, passionately declaring that he had toiled in the Ministry of Justice for twenty years, served as a roving inspector in the provinces for ten years—had not thirty years of judicial service earned him the post of Minister?

The Emperor had overruled both factions and appointed Xiao Yu, who belonged to neither.

After taking office, Xiao Yu had not disappointed him—overturning wrongful convictions, rooting out bureaucratic lethargy. He was a man of integrity and enjoyed great prestige at court.

Today, however, Pei Mushan had broken his daughter’s arm.

The Emperor asked Pei Mushan patiently:

“I heard from Noble Consort that you and the Xiao girl were close. Why did you come to blows?”

Pei Mushan bowed in the manner of a man and replied: “Granddaughter struck her for two reasons. First, I am an imperial princess, and my sister-in-law is also a daughter-in-law of the imperial house. These daughters of subjects, in their insolence, dared to harm my sister-in-law—how could I not discipline them?”

“Second, precisely because Xiao Qin and I were close, I felt it all the more necessary to teach her a lesson, so she might learn that one should be upright and honest, and not stoop to such despicable tricks.”

One had to admit—Pei Mushan’s words were exactly to the Emperor’s liking. This was the spirit befitting an imperial princess.

But Lady Xiao would not relent: “Princess, allow me to ask you—why are you so certain it was Qin’er who ordered the tea to be thrown? It rained last night, and the path at Qifeng Slope was slippery. That servant woman simply lost her footing. If you wished to punish someone, you could have punished the wretch—why did you strike my daughter?”

“Besides, the Third Young Mistress of Prince Xi’s mansion was not even injured. She dodged quite cleverly—it was the Liu girl from the Dali Temple who got hurt!”

Lady Liu immediately joined in with wails of anguish, declaring that she had only this one precious child and begging the Emperor for justice.

This time, Noble Consort Yan did not hold back. She scolded Lady Liu sharply:

“When hot tea is thrown at you, it is human instinct to dodge. If your daughter was scalded, you should blame the Xiao household’s servant—why blame Heng’er’s wife?”

The underlying message was clear: they were bullying Xu Yunqi because of her lowly status.

Indeed, Lady Liu, and Xiao Qin before her, had acted on the assumption that Xu Yunqi was not favored by Prince Xi’s household and that no one would speak up for her. But Xiao Qin had never anticipated that Xu Yunqi would dodge so swiftly, nor that Pei Mushan would so openly retaliate.

Lady Liu pursed her lips and dared not speak.

Pei Mushan shot a cold look at Lady Xiao. “I never falsely accuse anyone. Besides her, no one present would have dared lay a hand on my sister-in-law. And this is nothing but your household’s failure to control its servants. What wrong did I do by disciplining you?”

Lady Xiao was left sputtering.

“Court has court’s laws. Go say that to the Censorate, Princess—see if they accept it!”

Pei Mushan turned her face away.

This was the most difficult part of the matter.

Noble Consort Yan had already interrogated the servant woman, who trembled and insisted it had been an accident, offering to die to atone. She was a household slave of the Xiao family, with her entire kin serving under them—there was no way she would implicate her masters. Xiao Qin had been sure Xu Yunqi could not produce evidence, which was why she had acted so brazenly.

The Princess Consort asked Noble Consort Yan: “Your Highness, what happened to that servant?”

Noble Consort Yan sneered. “Knowing her crimes were grave, she bit off half her tongue and lost consciousness.”

Noble Consort Yan had spoken up for Pei Mushan today at the request of someone—Yan Shaoling, the youngest son of Grand Secretary Yan Ping.

At a polo match, Yan Shaoling had fallen for Pei Mushan at first sight and insisted he would marry none other than her. Noble Consort Yan had discreetly tested the Emperor’s stance, but he had yet to give his consent. Besides, Pei Mushan had compared him to her brother and found Yan Shaoling lacking in looks—she had rejected him without mercy.

Xu Yunqi knelt not far behind Pei Mushan, observing coldly. After a moment, her mind was clear. She shuffled her knees forward two inches and bowed again to the Emperor: “Your Majesty, may this granddaughter-in-law have a few words with Lady Xiao?”

Lady Xiao looked up at her.

Xu Yunqi was the Emperor’s own chosen granddaughter-in-law; the Emperor could hardly refuse her. He nodded.

Xu Yunqi rose and walked toward Lady Xiao.

Lady Xiao stared at her coldly and slowly stood up.

She stood at the door of the small chamber, from which came the faint moans of a girl in agony. Through the open window, Xu Yunqi could see Xiao Qin lying on the bed, her arm bound in white medicinal paste, her face utterly pale as she drifted in and out of consciousness.

Xu Yunqi turned her gaze to Lady Xiao and said softly:

“Please consider this carefully, madam. What benefit would it bring to your daughter to have my face ruined? What did she gain by recklessly venting her anger on behalf of a friend? Is that servant woman truly beyond interrogation? On the eve of His Majesty’s birthday, if a death were to occur, is your Xiao household prepared to bear that responsibility?”

A series of questions struck Lady Xiao like blows to the head. Her expression flickered through several shades as she stared at Xu Yunqi in astonishment.

Xu Yunqi continued slowly: “In the end, she would only be used as a tool for another’s benefit—a pawn in someone else’s game.”

Xu Yunqi’s words hit home, striking at Lady Xiao’s soft spots. Her face alternated between white and red as understanding dawned.

If Xu Yunqi were disfigured, the one who would benefit was Xun Yunling. Her daughter, simple-minded and easily swayed, had been used as a pawn and was now suffering for it.

An uncontrollable fury surged in Lady Xiao’s chest. She gritted her teeth, swallowed her anger, and immediately stepped forward, pressing her hands to her brows as she knelt before the Emperor and Noble Consort Yan:

“Your Majesty, Your Highness, this matter is not entirely the princess’s fault. My daughter was discourteous and wrong first. Now, in light of her injuries, I beg Your Majesty to spare her punishment.”

This was a withdrawal.

Having grasped the truth, Lady Xiao knew she could not afford to offend Prince Xi’s household, nor cause more trouble on the occasion of the Emperor’s birthday.

Xiao Yu looked stunned, but meeting his wife’s grave expression, he did not object.

With peace negotiations imminent, the best outcome was to let the matter rest.

As for the rest, the Emperor had no desire to delve deeper, nor the inclination. He left the instruction of the ladies to Noble Consort Yan. As he rose, he glanced at Xu Yunqi, who had returned to the Princess Consort’s side and stood with head bowed, her gaze as calm as water.

Her composed air was identical to Pei Muheng’s.

The Emperor smiled to himself, smoothed his robe, and left the main hall.

Noble Consort Yan gave each a few perfunctory warnings and dismissed them, but kept Prince Xi’s household behind. She asked Xu Yunqi curiously:

“What did you say to Lady Xiao?”

Xu Yunqi smiled shyly. “I merely advised her that with His Majesty’s birthday approaching, a scandal would be bad for everyone. Lady Xiao knows well what matters—she could see the right choice.”

Noble Consort Yan was not sure whether to believe her or not. She smiled and said no more.

Back at Yongning Hall, the Princess Consort looked at her daughter and daughter-in-law, but ultimately asked nothing and said nothing.

After dinner, before returning to her room, Xu Yunqi caught Pei Mushan in the corridor.

Pei Mushan, who had once been close to Xiao Qin, was not in good spirits after the day’s events.

Xu Yunqi looked at her bold and lovely sister-in-law, her feelings mixed. She slowly took Pei Mushan’s hand. “Next time, don’t stick up for me like that,” she said gently.

Pei Mushan immediately objected: “What are you saying? You’re my own sister-in-law—how could I stand by and watch others bully you…”

“No,” Xu Yunqi shook her head and cut her off, her soft gaze turning clear and firm. “I’ll handle it myself.”

Pei Mushan clearly did not believe her. She looked Xu Yunqi up and down. “Forget it—with that gentle, tender look of yours, I’m afraid you’d cry if someone said a harsh word.”

Xu Yunqi: “…”

Yinxing blinked silently nearby.

Her mistress could kill someone without anyone ever knowing.

—

At the beginning of the hour of Shen that afternoon, Pei Muheng arrived at the traveling palace. He first reported back at Qiankun Hall, then immediately returned to Yongning Hall to find Xu Yunqi.

Xu Yunqi was arranging the plum branches she had picked that day into a vase with Yinxing.

His wife stood quietly, a smile even on her face.

Seeing that she appeared unharmed, Pei Muheng felt relieved. “I heard about what happened today.” His tone was solemn.

Xu Yunqi finished arranging the plum vase, handed it to Yinxing, who carried it to the inner room, leaving husband and wife to speak in the outer chamber.

Slanting sunlight streamed through the western window, spilling a pool of gold across the floor.

A beam of light lay between them.

Xu Yunqi’s brows and eyes were hidden in shadow as she smiled at him. “I’m fine, Third Master. Don’t worry.”

The darkness in Pei Muheng’s eyes did not recede. “I will see that this is settled.”

He was determined to break that servant woman’s silence.

Xu Yunqi knew what he intended. “The most we could uncover is that Xiao Qin was behind it. She has already suffered greatly, and His Majesty and Noble Consort Yan know the truth. The matter is over. There is no point in pursuing it further.”

Rather than make an enemy of the Xiao household, it was better to use the leverage to let Lady Xiao deal with Xun Yunling.

Xu Yunqi’s reasoning was sound; Pei Muheng had no argument.

“What did you say to Lady Xiao?”

He was curious how his wife had turned conflict into peace.

Xu Yunqi looked at him. Today, Xiao Qin had targeted her, and he had stood by her. But what if it were that childhood sweetheart of his instead?

The thought flickered through her mind and was gone. She never worried about things that had not happened—and besides, her feelings for Pei Muheng were far from that depth.

“That servant is in a precarious state, and His Majesty’s birthday is coming. If someone were to die at this time, the Xiao household would be held accountable. Lady Xiao understands the consequences and quickly backed down.”

Pei Muheng looked at her, seeming to hold back his words. “My lady knows how to strike where it hurts.”

Xu Yunqi always surprised him—always for the better.

Earlier, when he had reported back to the Emperor, the old man had asked:

“Do you still blame me for playing the matchmaker?”

Pei Muheng had smiled without answering.

Before long, Old Madam Hao arrived with a message from the Princess Consort: the Xiao marquis’s household—the Princess Consort’s natal family, descendants of the Lanling Xiao clan—had invited the entire household to dinner that evening.

Xu Yunqi went to change her clothes, asking Pei Muheng as she went: “Is Third Master coming as well?”

With the envoys already at the traveling palace, she was not sure if he had official duties.

Pei Muheng said, “Grandmother has arrived, and I have yet to pay my respects. I will take you to see her.”

Xu Yunqi understood: he was formally introducing her to Grandmother Xiao.

Pei Muheng was willing to set aside business to visit his grandmother—clearly she held great weight in his heart.

He too needed to bathe and change. Husband and wife entered the inner chamber one after the other.

The Princess Consort, always doting on her youngest son, had given him the entire western side hall.

Through a large folding door lay a spacious inner chamber—a square rosewood table by the eastern window, a small arhat couch by the western window, and beyond a beaded curtain to the north, an exquisitely carved thousand-work canopy bed.

Their trunks were stored in a precious octagonal huanghuali cabinet beside the bed. Pei Muheng’s clothes were all handled by Huang Wei, and Xu Yunqi was not familiar with them. She casually pulled out three robes for him to choose from.

The colors were light and dark.

Xu Yunqi did not know Pei Muheng’s preferences, nor had she cared to learn.

Pei Muheng glanced at his wife and silently picked out a deep blue long robe before heading into the washroom.

Xu Yunqi felt there was something in that glance. She stepped behind the beaded curtain and changed into a crabapple-red cross-collared jacket.

Nearly two quarters of an hour later, Pei Muheng emerged.

Husband and wife sized each other up.

Xu Yunqi rarely wore bright colors, but this crabapple-red jacket made her face bloom like a flower, perfect for pleasing the elderly. Pei Muheng nodded.

It was then that Xu Yunqi realized Pei Muheng never wore light-colored clothes.

So that was it.

Yongning Hall was not far from the Xiao marquis household’s auxiliary residence. The Xuanfu Traveling Palace was grand in scale—the main buildings housed the imperial clan, while the side residences were allotted to civil and military officials.

The Xiao family had visited the Princess Consort that morning; that evening, the Princess Consort took her younger generation to pay respects to her mother.

Leaving the main gate of Yongning Hall, they turned west down a passage, out through a side gate, and entered a broad courtyard where over a dozen residences sat nestled among lush greenery.

Someone was already waiting to receive Prince Xi’s household and led them to the Xiao family’s courtyard.

From afar, they could see the Xiao family supporting a white-haired elderly lady on the steps.

Seeing her mother frail and trembling, the Princess Consort quickened her pace. “Mother, the wind is strong—why have you come out?”

Grandmother Xiao, however, inclined her head slightly in a curtsy. “Propriety must be observed. Please come inside, Princess.”

Pei Mushan was flanked by a younger girl, rosy-cheeked and exquisitely pretty, with a touch of sweet innocence. They came forward together, one on each side. Pei Mushan pulled Xu Yunqi along and asked the girl:

“Didn’t I tell you? Isn’t my sister-in-law beautiful?”

The Xiao family’s Seventh Young Lady peeked at Xu Yunqi, then smiled shyly, cupping her cheeks in embarrassment. “Yes, she’s very beautiful. You win again—I’ll give you that porcelain doll!”

An elder lady above, seeing everyone else already inside while the three lingered, waved: “Fu’er, bring the guests in!”

Presently, they followed Grandmother Xiao into the main hall, exchanged greetings and bows. The Second Madam Xiao, fearing the younger ones would be too noisy, took Pei Mushan and the other young ladies and children to play elsewhere.

Lady Xie and Lady Li, knowing that Grandmother Xiao wanted to see Xu Yunqi today, also slipped away with the Xiao family’s younger wives.

Finally, in the main room, only the old matriarch, the Princess Consort, the First Madam Xiao, and Pei Muheng and his wife remained.

A matron placed two kneeling cushions on the floor. The Princess Consort pointed at them and instructed: “Come, kowtow to your grandmother.”

Grandmother Xiao waved her hands frantically. “No, no—this breaks propriety!”

Pei Muheng stepped forward first, kneeling with ease on the cushion. “Outside we observe rank; inside we observe kinship. You are my legitimate grandmother—you deserve this courtesy.”

Xu Yunqi followed without a word and knelt beside him.

The old lady’s eyes suddenly grew moist. She extended her bony hand, visibly moved. “Rise, quickly…”

Pei Muheng and Xu Yunqi sat one on each side of her on small stools.

The old lady’s eyesight was failing. She reached out toward Xu Yunqi, motioning her closer. Xu Yunqi had no choice but to place her hand in the old woman’s. The matriarch held her still and examined her carefully. “In the end, His Majesty has a good eye—I have never seen such a beautiful girl.”

The Princess Consort smiled dryly and said nothing.

Grandmother Xiao ignored her daughter and chatted with her daughter-in-law: “His Majesty has weathered great storms—no monster or phantom under heaven can escape his eye. The wife he chose has my full approval.”

The First Madam Xiao chimed in: “And your judgment, Mother, is always excellent.”

The old lady smiled, then beckoned Pei Muheng. He too placed his long hand in hers. The matriarch brought their hands together.

This was the first time Pei Muheng’s palm had rested on the back of her hand. Xu Yunqi could clearly feel him stiffen for a moment. But soon, a warm weight settled over her—he followed the old lady’s pressure and held her, neither too lightly nor too firmly.

Xu Yunqi lowered her clear eyes, appearing to onlookers as a bashful young wife.

Grandmother Xiao, kindly and gentle, asked them warmly:

“You’ve been married half a year now. Any good news?”

The unexpected question caught both of them off guard.

They had never consummated—where would a child come from?

Xu Yunqi distinctly felt his palm grow hot.

The wind whistled outside; the sun was sinking fast. The last rays illuminated Pei Muheng’s features clearly. Even kneeling, his upright posture was like a towering mountain—unshakably steady.

His Adam’s apple bobbed. He remained silent.

The First Madam Xiao glanced at Xu Yunqi’s flushed cheeks and hastily changed the subject: “Mother, these things can’t be rushed—they must take their course. Remember, it took me over a year before I conceived Yue-ge’er?”

The old matriarch, thinking they were merely shy, beamed and said to Xu Yunqi: “This old woman is just a busybody—don’t mind me.”

Xu Yunqi smiled awkwardly. “Your granddaughter-in-law understands.”

The matriarch released them. Pei Muheng’s hand dropped from hers. Xu Yunqi instinctively pulled away, but this time, he did not let go. His usual calm, refined smile remained as he said:

“We’ve troubled Grandmother.”

—

After dinner, the Princess Consort stayed to talk with her mother and dismissed the younger generation early.

Xu Yunqi followed behind Pei Muheng out of the auxiliary residence. Pei Muxiang led the way with his child at the front. Lady Li, holding her sleeping Xun-ge’er, walked behind Pei Mujing, the couple chatting idly. Only Pei Muheng and Xu Yunqi walked in silence.

By the time they reached Yongning Hall, dusk had fallen, lanterns were lit, and a few stars glimmered in the night sky. The wind had picked up. Xu Yunqi tightened her cloak. Pei Muheng turned to face her:

“Go inside and rest. Wait for me to return.”

With that, he left.

Xu Yunqi stared blankly at his straight back, bewildered.

This was the first time he had said such a thing to her. What did it mean?

After leaving Yongning Hall, Pei Muheng summoned his guards in a secluded spot. His expression was cold. “What about the Xiao family’s servant woman?”

The guard replied: “Lady Xiao, fearing trouble, had her sent back to the capital overnight.”

“Post men to keep watch.”

With that order, Pei Muheng strode toward Yongning Palace, where the envoys were being hosted.

That night, the traveling palace was exceptionally lively.

Courtiers and envoys exchanged toasts; young ladies and gentlemen gathered around the lake pavilion for pitch-pot games and cheers; fireworks bloomed across the palace grounds, the clamor endless.

Only the western side hall of Yongning Hall was quiet.

Far away, brilliant lanterns and vibrant noise—the bustling mortal world—had nothing to do with her.

Xu Yunqi sat at the desk by the eastern window, preparing a set of rouge and powder for Pei Mushan.

Yinxing ground the powders as she worked, laughing: “Mistress, make a little extra for yourself too.”

Xu Yunqi’s tone was even: “I don’t need it. A good complexion comes from within.”

“But men seem to like girls who wear rouge…” Yinxing murmured innocently.

Xu Yunqi busied herself methodically, showing no interest in the topic.

After who knew how long, she finally finished the formulation. She stretched lazily.

“Let’s tidy up and continue tomorrow.” Her words had barely faded when she heard the outer door open.

A tall figure was dimly visible crossing the threshold.

Knowing it was Pei Muheng, Yinxing gathered her jars and bottles and slipped away through the washroom corridor to the rear service quarters.

The inner chamber door was open. Xu Yunqi moved to meet him as Pei Muheng entered alone.

She caught a faint scent of wine—he must have been drinking with the envoys.

“Shall I prepare some hangover soup for you?”

Pei Muheng shook his head, walked straight to the spot where she had just been sitting, and sat down. “I didn’t drink—I only picked up the scent.”

As he spoke, he noticed the cushion still held a trace of warmth. He looked up at his wife, motionless.

The inner chamber was not brightly lit; the room had a dim, hazy quality.

He had never looked at her like this before. A flush crept across Xu Yunqi’s cheeks. She asked again:

“Then shall I ready your bath?”

Pei Muheng, taking it as a sign that she disliked the wine smell on him, nodded without a word.

Xu Yunqi first went to the back to give instructions, then went to the wardrobe and pulled out a dark-colored robe.

Pei Muheng looked at the garment draped over her arm, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. He strode into the washroom.

Last time in the tent, he had not let her help. Xu Yunqi assumed he did not need it. She laid the robe on the long table, considerately lowered the curtain, and withdrew. She went to the canopied bed to make the bedding.

This time, two quilts had been prepared—she could sleep soundly tonight.

Pei Muheng had bathed that afternoon, so this wash did not take long. Xu Yunqi had barely sat down for two sips of tea when his imposing figure emerged.

She rose to meet him—and unlike last time, when he had been neatly dressed, his robe was now draped carelessly over his shoulders, his collar open to reveal a defined chest. Droplets of water glistened on his sharp Adam’s apple before disappearing into the fabric.

Xu Yunqi had never faced such a sight. Her ears grew warm, as if sensing what was coming.

Night breeze drifted through the window gauze, making the candles flicker. In the shifting dimness, his long fingers lifted a sash toward her. His narrow eyes were lowered, his voice quiet and steady: “My lady, would you help me?”

There was a signal in those words.

If she accepted, the understanding was clear.