Chapter - 28
By Tea Time Translations
During dinner, the two of them still sat in their usual seats. Pei You'an remained silent, his expression stern.
At first, Jiafu thought he was still upset about the recent quarrel, so she felt a bit awkward and didn't dare to act as charming as usual. She simply lowered her head and ate her food, not taking much on her plate. The servants standing by, waiting to serve, were bewildered, and the atmosphere was a bit strange.
However, Jiafu soon realized that Pei You'an clearly had something else on his mind. He quickly put down his chopsticks and said nothing, then turned and went to his study.
Jiafu finished her meal listlessly, returned to her room, took a bath, and went to bed. Her mind was filled with the events of the day, sometimes it was the smile of Zhang Fengtong, sometimes it was the gaze of Xiao Yintang fixed on her, and sometimes it was Pei You'an's anger. Her thoughts were in turmoil, and she couldn't sleep at all.
Pei You'an's study was directly opposite the circular tower where Jiafu lived, and she could see it from her window.
Jiafu secretly looked down from the window. The light in the study was on all night, until late.
That night, she didn't know how many times she got up and peeked from behind the window. Finally, exhausted, she watched for the last time, then fell asleep with her eyes closed. When she woke up the next morning, Pei You'an had already left. Xiao Yinhuan said that the master had left a message before leaving, telling her not to wait for him to have dinner at night.
Sure enough, he came back very late that night, and it was the same for several days, busy and preoccupied.
The events of that night seemed to pass like this. Finally, on that day, he came back earlier and told Jiafu that he would be going to Mengmu Mansion in a couple of days, for about half a month. During these days, he would leave someone to protect her and asked her to stay at home. Before he returned, she shouldn't go anywhere.
Mengmu Chieftain and Mengding Chieftain were the two largest chieftains in the southwest, and they had been in conflict for many years due to territorial disputes. Two years ago, during a conflict, the eldest son of Mengmu Chieftain was seriously injured and saved by Pei You'an using his medical skills. The chieftain was very grateful and accepted Pei You'an's advice to negotiate with Mengding Chieftain. With Pei You'an's mediation, the two sides finally ended their years of conflict and shook hands in peace. However, unexpectedly, when the previous imperial envoy, Lord Ma, came, he deliberately favored one side over the other and sowed discord. Once Lord Ma left, the two chieftains resumed their conflict, mobilizing their forces, and war was imminent. This news reached Xiao Liezhong before he left.
If Mengmu and Mengding, these two major chieftains, were to resume their conflict, it would affect the other prefectures in the southwest. In such a situation, if Yunnan became unstable, it would be very unfavorable for Xiao Liezhong. Pei You'an naturally had to step in and mediate again. He had sent letters to both sides in the past few days, and both sides gave him face and were willing to temporarily cease hostilities. These days, he had to go there in person.
When Jiafu heard that he was going elsewhere, she felt anxious. Her first thought was to go with him, but when she heard that he had already made arrangements for her in his absence, she knew he wouldn't easily agree to take her along.
If it weren't for her reckless behavior last time, she could have found an opportunity to pout and act cute in front of him, or even cry to soften his heart, and he might have agreed. But now she didn't dare to be impulsive, she simply lowered her head and said nothing.
Pei You'an glanced at her and then turned and left.
The next day, Pei You'an left, and Xiao Yinhuan packed his luggage for him. Jiafu felt empty inside, and while she was lost in thought, a well-dressed woman was escorted in by a servant. The servant said that the Wangfei of Yunzhong had requested her presence, and the carriage was already waiting at the door.
Jiafu recognized the woman, whose surname was Lin. She was a trusted confidant of the Wangfei of Yunzhong. Jiafu was startled, and her first instinct was to refuse.
First, it was Zhang Fengtong, and now it was the Wangfei of Yunzhong. Jiafu knew it must be related to Xiao Yintang. If she stayed in her room and wasn't seen by Lin, she could pretend to be ill and make excuses, waiting for Pei You'an to return. But now that they were face to face, there was no way to refuse. She had to agree. She went back to her room to comb her hair and change clothes, then had Xiao Yinhuan inform Pei You'an, and finally came out. She reluctantly followed the woman out and got into the carriage, heading to the Princess Consort of Yunzhong's residence.
The Wangfei of Yunzhong, surnamed Zhou, was nearly in her forties, but she had maintained her appearance well. She was elegantly dressed and looked like she was in her early thirties. She wore luxurious clothing and exuded an air of nobility.
Xiao Yintang's appearance was actually more reminiscent of his father, Xiao Lie.
Despite Xiao Lie's status and position, there had been only one legitimate wife in the royal mansion for many years, without any concubines or maidservants. It wasn't because Consort Zhou had not allowed it, but because Xiao Lie himself had chosen not to take any others. In the earlier years, when they were still in the capital, people said that the Third Prince was faithful to Consort Zhou, and among the noble ladies of the imperial court, Consort Zhou had earned a good reputation.
Jiafu naturally recognized Consort Zhou and had some knowledge of her temperament.
In theory, Xiao Lie, being monogamous for decades, should have a deep and loving relationship with his wife. But in Jiafu's impression, the royal couple in Yunzhong didn't seem as intimate as others had portrayed. Consort Zhou was more focused on her son, Xiao Yintang. She pampered him to the extreme and accommodated his every whim. On the journey to Yunnan during the New Year, the woman responsible for taking care of her was Madame Zhu, which indicated that she should have known what her son had done. Perhaps in her eyes, taking a girl from a Quanzhou merchant family whom her son fancied wasn't that big of a deal.
What made Jiafu uneasy was why she was being summoned now. Could it be that, like Zhang Fengtong, she wanted her to yield to her son?
With an anxious heart, Jiafu was brought before the Wangfei of Yunzhong. After kowtowing and paying her respects, the princess consort smiled and gestured for Jiafu to come closer. She praised her for a moment before saying, "I know about what my son did to you, and I was extremely angry. Not only did I punish that woman, but I also scolded him severely. He regrets his actions deeply. As for your cousin, I've talked to him too. I assured him that such a thing will never happen again."
When the princess spoke, she surprisingly began to reprimand her own son. Jiafu was a bit puzzled, but it was better than being coerced, so she lowered her head and remained silent.
The princess spoke kindly and engaged in some casual conversation with Jiafu, asking about her usual reading materials, her skills, her family members, and her relationship with the Duke's Mansion. Jiafu answered cautiously, feeling like she was standing on a slippery surface while being polite. She just wanted to leave as soon as possible. Finally, nearing the end of their conversation, the princess called for someone.
Lin, the woman who had accompanied Jiafu, came forward holding an intricately decorated tray with a red velvet cover. She lifted the cover to reveal a Ruyi scepter, a pair of jade bracelets, and a box of palace ornaments, all studded with pearls and shining brightly.
The princess smiled and said, "I called you here not for any other reason but to make sure you're okay. You are Right An's cousin, and my son offended you first. It's your first time visiting me, so how could I have you leave empty-handed? Take these as tokens."
Relieved to finally hear that the audience was over, Jiafu politely declined the gifts, but the princess insisted, and no matter how much Jiafu thanked her, she had no choice but to accept them. She kowtowed once again to express her gratitude.
With a smile on her face, the princess called Lin to escort Jiafu out. Just as Jiafu stepped across the threshold, her footsteps faltered.
The person she least wanted to see, she couldn't avoid him.
Xiao Yintang was standing in the distance, by another pathway, not too close, but Jiafu could still feel his intense gaze fixed on her. He squinted his eyes but didn't approach.
The sunlight shone on the golden crown on his head, casting a dazzling radiance.
Jiafu's hair stood on end, but she forced herself to stay composed and looked ahead, keeping her expression neutral as she continued to walk forward. She finally got out of his sight.
Once they were outside the palace and back in the carriage, Jiafu's palms were sweaty. The more she resisted, the less likely Xiao Yintang was to let her go. She knew he was holding back for the right moment.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yintang continued to stare at the fading figure turning the corner, completely concealed by the flowers and trees. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he turned and entered the princess's residence. He said, "Mother, why fear Pei You'an's influence? He's just a discarded son. Even if he's capable, it's because of Father's guidance."
The princess replied, "Do you think I'm afraid of Pei You'an? I'm afraid of your father finding out about what you've done! I can't help but feel that your father values him more than you, his own son. Haven't you noticed? If he ever decides to go against you and says something negative about you in front of your father, it won't end well for you! I'm trying to resolve this for your sake!"
Xiao Yintang chuckled and said, "Mother, I indeed miscalculated this time. But you also know, I've never done anything like this for a woman before. She helped me escape from the city, and I was smitten with her at first sight. I couldn't resist bringing her here. If it weren't for Pei You'an meddling, everything would have been fine. What kind of cousin is she, as good as a sister, you say? She's just a relative from the second branch of the Pei family. What kind of cousinship is that? She's clearly going against me!"
The princess sighed and said, "I know you have feelings for that girl from the Zhen family, but the timing is wrong now. No matter how infatuated you are, you must restrain yourself. Pei You'an can't be offended at the moment. Your father trusts him, and he has a significant role in the court. He works for your father, and in a way, he works for you too. Even if you see it this way, you must exercise patience for now."
Xiao Yintang smirked, "Do you really need to remind me, Mother? If it weren't for restraining myself, I wouldn't let him get involved with that girl."
The princess said, "I'm glad you understand. At the moment, you can't do anything more with that girl. If you genuinely like her, we'll figure something out when the time is right."
Xiao Yintang smiled and leaned over to massage his mother's shoulders. "Mother, you're always the one who cares for me the most."
The princess chuckled, "You're my only son. If I don't treat you well, who will?"
...
Not long after Jiafu returned, Pei You'an hurried back as well. He called her out and asked about what had happened earlier.
Jiafu briefly recounted the encounter, and Pei You'an nodded. "It's as I expected. The princess approached me yesterday and mentioned this matter. Rest assured, with the concerns in place, the Crown Prince will surely restrain himself."
Jiafu remained silent. Pei You'an glanced at her and saw her pale face, with faint shadows under her eyes, looking somewhat tired. He paused and asked, "What's wrong? Are you not feeling well?"
Jiafu whispered, "Cousin, I've been having nightmares every night lately. I keep dreaming that there's a ferocious tiger chasing me, trying to eat me. I can't sleep... And now you're leaving, I'm very scared. Can you take me with you? I can disguise myself as your servant boy, and I promise no one will be able to tell."
Pei You'an immediately refused, "I have important matters to attend to, and it's not suitable to bring you along. Go back to your room for now. I'll come and check your pulse later and prescribe a calming medicine. If you follow the prescription, you'll feel better."
Jiafu's head shook like a rattle, "Your medicine is too bitter, it makes me want to vomit. Cousin, please, I beg you, take me with you. I won't cause any trouble, I promise."
Pei You'an hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Listen to me. Wait for me at home. I'll be back in at most half a month..."
Jiafu bit her lip and gave him a resentful look, not waiting for him to finish speaking. She turned and left, leaving him behind.
Chapter - 28
By Tea Time Translations
During dinner, the two of them still sat in their usual seats. Pei You'an remained silent, his expression stern.
At first, Jiafu thought he was still upset about the recent quarrel, so she felt a bit awkward and didn't dare to act as charming as usual. She simply lowered her head and ate her food, not taking much on her plate. The servants standing by, waiting to serve, were bewildered, and the atmosphere was a bit strange.
However, Jiafu soon realized that Pei You'an clearly had something else on his mind. He quickly put down his chopsticks and said nothing, then turned and went to his study.
Jiafu finished her meal listlessly, returned to her room, took a bath, and went to bed. Her mind was filled with the events of the day, sometimes it was the smile of Zhang Fengtong, sometimes it was the gaze of Xiao Yintang fixed on her, and sometimes it was Pei You'an's anger. Her thoughts were in turmoil, and she couldn't sleep at all.
Pei You'an's study was directly opposite the circular tower where Jiafu lived, and she could see it from her window.
Jiafu secretly looked down from the window. The light in the study was on all night, until late.
That night, she didn't know how many times she got up and peeked from behind the window. Finally, exhausted, she watched for the last time, then fell asleep with her eyes closed. When she woke up the next morning, Pei You'an had already left. Xiao Yinhuan said that the master had left a message before leaving, telling her not to wait for him to have dinner at night.
Sure enough, he came back very late that night, and it was the same for several days, busy and preoccupied.
The events of that night seemed to pass like this. Finally, on that day, he came back earlier and told Jiafu that he would be going to Mengmu Mansion in a couple of days, for about half a month. During these days, he would leave someone to protect her and asked her to stay at home. Before he returned, she shouldn't go anywhere.
Mengmu Chieftain and Mengding Chieftain were the two largest chieftains in the southwest, and they had been in conflict for many years due to territorial disputes. Two years ago, during a conflict, the eldest son of Mengmu Chieftain was seriously injured and saved by Pei You'an using his medical skills. The chieftain was very grateful and accepted Pei You'an's advice to negotiate with Mengding Chieftain. With Pei You'an's mediation, the two sides finally ended their years of conflict and shook hands in peace. However, unexpectedly, when the previous imperial envoy, Lord Ma, came, he deliberately favored one side over the other and sowed discord. Once Lord Ma left, the two chieftains resumed their conflict, mobilizing their forces, and war was imminent. This news reached Xiao Liezhong before he left.
If Mengmu and Mengding, these two major chieftains, were to resume their conflict, it would affect the other prefectures in the southwest. In such a situation, if Yunnan became unstable, it would be very unfavorable for Xiao Liezhong. Pei You'an naturally had to step in and mediate again. He had sent letters to both sides in the past few days, and both sides gave him face and were willing to temporarily cease hostilities. These days, he had to go there in person.
When Jiafu heard that he was going elsewhere, she felt anxious. Her first thought was to go with him, but when she heard that he had already made arrangements for her in his absence, she knew he wouldn't easily agree to take her along.
If it weren't for her reckless behavior last time, she could have found an opportunity to pout and act cute in front of him, or even cry to soften his heart, and he might have agreed. But now she didn't dare to be impulsive, she simply lowered her head and said nothing.
Pei You'an glanced at her and then turned and left.
The next day, Pei You'an left, and Xiao Yinhuan packed his luggage for him. Jiafu felt empty inside, and while she was lost in thought, a well-dressed woman was escorted in by a servant. The servant said that the Wangfei of Yunzhong had requested her presence, and the carriage was already waiting at the door.
Jiafu recognized the woman, whose surname was Lin. She was a trusted confidant of the Wangfei of Yunzhong. Jiafu was startled, and her first instinct was to refuse.
First, it was Zhang Fengtong, and now it was the Wangfei of Yunzhong. Jiafu knew it must be related to Xiao Yintang. If she stayed in her room and wasn't seen by Lin, she could pretend to be ill and make excuses, waiting for Pei You'an to return. But now that they were face to face, there was no way to refuse. She had to agree. She went back to her room to comb her hair and change clothes, then had Xiao Yinhuan inform Pei You'an, and finally came out. She reluctantly followed the woman out and got into the carriage, heading to the Princess Consort of Yunzhong's residence.
The Wangfei of Yunzhong, surnamed Zhou, was nearly in her forties, but she had maintained her appearance well. She was elegantly dressed and looked like she was in her early thirties. She wore luxurious clothing and exuded an air of nobility.
Xiao Yintang's appearance was actually more reminiscent of his father, Xiao Lie.
Despite Xiao Lie's status and position, there had been only one legitimate wife in the royal mansion for many years, without any concubines or maidservants. It wasn't because Consort Zhou had not allowed it, but because Xiao Lie himself had chosen not to take any others. In the earlier years, when they were still in the capital, people said that the Third Prince was faithful to Consort Zhou, and among the noble ladies of the imperial court, Consort Zhou had earned a good reputation.
Jiafu naturally recognized Consort Zhou and had some knowledge of her temperament.
In theory, Xiao Lie, being monogamous for decades, should have a deep and loving relationship with his wife. But in Jiafu's impression, the royal couple in Yunzhong didn't seem as intimate as others had portrayed. Consort Zhou was more focused on her son, Xiao Yintang. She pampered him to the extreme and accommodated his every whim. On the journey to Yunnan during the New Year, the woman responsible for taking care of her was Madame Zhu, which indicated that she should have known what her son had done. Perhaps in her eyes, taking a girl from a Quanzhou merchant family whom her son fancied wasn't that big of a deal.
What made Jiafu uneasy was why she was being summoned now. Could it be that, like Zhang Fengtong, she wanted her to yield to her son?
With an anxious heart, Jiafu was brought before the Wangfei of Yunzhong. After kowtowing and paying her respects, the princess consort smiled and gestured for Jiafu to come closer. She praised her for a moment before saying, "I know about what my son did to you, and I was extremely angry. Not only did I punish that woman, but I also scolded him severely. He regrets his actions deeply. As for your cousin, I've talked to him too. I assured him that such a thing will never happen again."
When the princess spoke, she surprisingly began to reprimand her own son. Jiafu was a bit puzzled, but it was better than being coerced, so she lowered her head and remained silent.
The princess spoke kindly and engaged in some casual conversation with Jiafu, asking about her usual reading materials, her skills, her family members, and her relationship with the Duke's Mansion. Jiafu answered cautiously, feeling like she was standing on a slippery surface while being polite. She just wanted to leave as soon as possible. Finally, nearing the end of their conversation, the princess called for someone.
Lin, the woman who had accompanied Jiafu, came forward holding an intricately decorated tray with a red velvet cover. She lifted the cover to reveal a Ruyi scepter, a pair of jade bracelets, and a box of palace ornaments, all studded with pearls and shining brightly.
The princess smiled and said, "I called you here not for any other reason but to make sure you're okay. You are Right An's cousin, and my son offended you first. It's your first time visiting me, so how could I have you leave empty-handed? Take these as tokens."
Relieved to finally hear that the audience was over, Jiafu politely declined the gifts, but the princess insisted, and no matter how much Jiafu thanked her, she had no choice but to accept them. She kowtowed once again to express her gratitude.
With a smile on her face, the princess called Lin to escort Jiafu out. Just as Jiafu stepped across the threshold, her footsteps faltered.
The person she least wanted to see, she couldn't avoid him.
Xiao Yintang was standing in the distance, by another pathway, not too close, but Jiafu could still feel his intense gaze fixed on her. He squinted his eyes but didn't approach.
The sunlight shone on the golden crown on his head, casting a dazzling radiance.
Jiafu's hair stood on end, but she forced herself to stay composed and looked ahead, keeping her expression neutral as she continued to walk forward. She finally got out of his sight.
Once they were outside the palace and back in the carriage, Jiafu's palms were sweaty. The more she resisted, the less likely Xiao Yintang was to let her go. She knew he was holding back for the right moment.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yintang continued to stare at the fading figure turning the corner, completely concealed by the flowers and trees. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he turned and entered the princess's residence. He said, "Mother, why fear Pei You'an's influence? He's just a discarded son. Even if he's capable, it's because of Father's guidance."
The princess replied, "Do you think I'm afraid of Pei You'an? I'm afraid of your father finding out about what you've done! I can't help but feel that your father values him more than you, his own son. Haven't you noticed? If he ever decides to go against you and says something negative about you in front of your father, it won't end well for you! I'm trying to resolve this for your sake!"
Xiao Yintang chuckled and said, "Mother, I indeed miscalculated this time. But you also know, I've never done anything like this for a woman before. She helped me escape from the city, and I was smitten with her at first sight. I couldn't resist bringing her here. If it weren't for Pei You'an meddling, everything would have been fine. What kind of cousin is she, as good as a sister, you say? She's just a relative from the second branch of the Pei family. What kind of cousinship is that? She's clearly going against me!"
The princess sighed and said, "I know you have feelings for that girl from the Zhen family, but the timing is wrong now. No matter how infatuated you are, you must restrain yourself. Pei You'an can't be offended at the moment. Your father trusts him, and he has a significant role in the court. He works for your father, and in a way, he works for you too. Even if you see it this way, you must exercise patience for now."
Xiao Yintang smirked, "Do you really need to remind me, Mother? If it weren't for restraining myself, I wouldn't let him get involved with that girl."
The princess said, "I'm glad you understand. At the moment, you can't do anything more with that girl. If you genuinely like her, we'll figure something out when the time is right."
Xiao Yintang smiled and leaned over to massage his mother's shoulders. "Mother, you're always the one who cares for me the most."
The princess chuckled, "You're my only son. If I don't treat you well, who will?"
...
Not long after Jiafu returned, Pei You'an hurried back as well. He called her out and asked about what had happened earlier.
Jiafu briefly recounted the encounter, and Pei You'an nodded. "It's as I expected. The princess approached me yesterday and mentioned this matter. Rest assured, with the concerns in place, the Crown Prince will surely restrain himself."
Jiafu remained silent. Pei You'an glanced at her and saw her pale face, with faint shadows under her eyes, looking somewhat tired. He paused and asked, "What's wrong? Are you not feeling well?"
Jiafu whispered, "Cousin, I've been having nightmares every night lately. I keep dreaming that there's a ferocious tiger chasing me, trying to eat me. I can't sleep... And now you're leaving, I'm very scared. Can you take me with you? I can disguise myself as your servant boy, and I promise no one will be able to tell."
Pei You'an immediately refused, "I have important matters to attend to, and it's not suitable to bring you along. Go back to your room for now. I'll come and check your pulse later and prescribe a calming medicine. If you follow the prescription, you'll feel better."
Jiafu's head shook like a rattle, "Your medicine is too bitter, it makes me want to vomit. Cousin, please, I beg you, take me with you. I won't cause any trouble, I promise."
Pei You'an hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Listen to me. Wait for me at home. I'll be back in at most half a month..."
Jiafu bit her lip and gave him a resentful look, not waiting for him to finish speaking. She turned and left, leaving him behind.
