Chapter - 29
By Tea Time Translations
At mealtime, Jiafu heard footsteps outside her door and recognized them as Yin Huan's. She quickly lay down on the bed, fully clothed, and closed her eyes.
Yin Huan entered the room and said, "Young Madam, don't sleep. The master asked me to come and fetch you for dinner."
Jiafu replied, "I'm not hungry, and I can't eat anything right now. Tell him not to wait for me and to go ahead and eat."
Yin Huan left the room, and Jiafu climbed back onto the bed, lying down again. She waited for Pei You'an to come and check on her. However, as time passed, she grew hungry, and the evening grew dark, but there was still no sign of him. Yin Huan didn't return to call her again. Eventually, unable to bear it any longer, she got up and walked to the window, looking down. She saw that the light in his study was on.
It turned out that he had already finished his meal and had gone to his study.
Jiafu was stunned for a moment, realizing that he had seen through her intentions and chose to ignore them.
She felt extremely frustrated and suppressed her feelings of defeat. She stared at the illuminated window of the study for a long time.
...
The evening hour had arrived, and it was already pitch dark outside. Jiafu arrived at the study, knocked on the door a few times, and then pushed it open. She approached the desk and gently placed a white porcelain cup from the tray next to Pei You'an's hand. She softly said, "Cousin, I've brought you a late-night snack."
Pei You'an's gaze remained fixed on the book in his hand. He calmly replied, "I'm not hungry; you can eat it yourself."
Jiafu said, "Earlier, I went to the kitchen to find something to eat. I happened to see that the cook had prepared snow ear fungus, so I personally made a dessert from my hometown, snow ear and taro milk pudding. It's my favorite from childhood. I added just a spoonful of honey, as I heard you don't like things too sweet. I tasted it myself, and it's still palatable, so I brought it for you to try. Cousin, please have a taste."
Pei You'an raised his eyes and looked at Jiafu. Her long, jet-black hair was arranged in a maiden's coiffure, with the hair bun secured at the top of her head, and the loose ends of her hair cascading naturally over her shoulders. She wore a light pink dress, delicate as a blooming begonia. She stood there by his side, staring at him with slightly anxious eyes, filled with anticipation.
Pei You'an's eyebrows twitched slightly, but his tone remained even. "You've come down for dinner?"
Jiafu replied, "I...I was actually upset earlier because Cousin wouldn't take me with you. That's why I didn't come down... But later, I felt really hungry, and I couldn't stand it anymore, so I went to the kitchen by myself... The cook said you had instructed her to keep some hot food for me... Cousin, you've been so kind to me, yet I keep acting difficult towards you... I know I was wrong..."
Jiafu's voice grew lower as she spoke.
Pei You'an silently picked up the spoon and took a bite, then paused.
"Is it not to your liking?"
Jiafu anxiously watched him.
Pei You'an took another bite and said, "This is a sweet dessert. Next time, you can add a bit more honey. It might taste even better."
Jiafu breathed a sigh of relief, and her eyes suddenly sparkled with enthusiasm. She nodded vigorously. "I'll remember that! Besides this, I can also make dishes from our hometown, like beef soup, rice cakes, taro treats... My mother asked me to learn these in case I get married..."
She suddenly covered her mouth and looked at Pei You'an with a hint of embarrassment. She mumbled, "Anyway, if Cousin wants to eat, I'll make them for you every day..."
Pei You'an's expression softened unconsciously. He smiled faintly and said, "I don't usually eat late-night snacks. You don't need to make them for me every day. Have you eaten your dinner?"
Jiafu's cheeks blushed slightly, and she whispered, "I had dinner earlier."
Pei You'an's eyes inadvertently revealed a trace of a smile he didn't even notice himself. He nodded slightly and then gestured for her to sit in a nearby chair.
Jiafu was momentarily taken aback but followed his instructions. She extended her hand hesitantly and placed it flat on the table. Pei You'an gently rolled up her sleeve, making sure his fingers didn't touch her skin. He exposed a section of her fair, unblemished wrist, gently placed two fingers on her pulse, and after a moment, he withdrew his hand. He picked up a pen and wrote a few lines on a piece of paper, saying, "There's no major issue. I'll have someone prepare the medicine based on this prescription. Starting tonight, take it two hours before bedtime. It will help calm your nerves and improve your sleep."
"The medicine won't taste too bitter, and its properties, combined with warm honey, will nourish your blood and yin."
He thought for a moment and added a few more words with his pen.
Jiafu stared at Pei You'an with unwavering eyes. Her eyes started to glisten with tears, and when he turned his head slightly to look at her, she quickly averted her gaze, wiping her eyes with her fingers.
"What's wrong? Apart from frequent nightmares, do you feel uncomfortable anywhere else? Please tell me," Pei You'an said, looking at her, his voice now notably gentle.
Jiafu shook her head and whispered, "I was thinking that you've been so kind to me. Even if I take the medicine you prescribed and still have nightmares, I shouldn't trouble you anymore."
Pei You'an raised an eyebrow and glanced at her.
However, Jiafu didn't look at him and just kept her head down. She took another deep breath and added, "Cousin, you're leaving early tomorrow morning, so you should get some rest tonight. Don't worry about me anymore. You can leave with peace of mind. I'll be fine on my own."
She lifted her face, revealing a forced cheerful smile, and stood up. She picked up the tray, exited the study, and disappeared behind the door, accompanied by soft and quiet footsteps.
.....
Yinhuan brought the brewed medicine and a jar of mature honey and waited for it to cool down before adding the honey. Jiafu told her that she could handle it and sent her away.
Once Yinhuan had left, Jiafu picked up the medicine and poured it into the pot of azaleas in the corner of the room.
It was evident that Pei You'an's knowledge of Princess Zhou and Xiao Yintang was far less profound than hers. However, there were some things she couldn't explain to him.
Regardless of whether Xiao Yintang would make a move on her or when he would do it, she wanted to stay by Pei You'an's side. Wherever he went, she would follow.
Tomorrow morning, he would be leaving, so she decided to stay awake all night, seizing the last opportunity and taking one last gamble.
She desperately wanted him to stay by her side. Only when she could see his figure constantly would she feel completely at ease.
As the night grew deeper, Jiafu crawled out of bed once more and returned to the window. When she looked towards the study, her heart skipped a beat.
The light in the study, which had been on all this time, had gone out. In the moonlight, she saw a figure emerging from the study. Pei You'an was heading towards his bedroom. After walking a few steps, he stopped, turned his head.
The moonlight was exceptionally bright tonight, and she could see clearly. His face was turned towards her window.
She hastily withdrew, and once her pounding heart settled, she peeked out again.
The figure had disappeared. The courtyard was empty, bathed in the silvery moonlight, a tranquil expanse.
....
The following day, Pei You'an got up before dawn. His attendants and guards who were accompanying him on the journey had already arrived, and a group of horses and men were ready outside, fully prepared.
He didn't see Jiafu at breakfast, and when he was about to leave, she didn't appear to see him off. He turned around and glanced a few times, hesitating for a moment.
He didn't know if she had taken the medicine he prescribed, and how she had slept last night.
Pei You'an was about to call Yinhuan to inquire when he remembered that it was still early in the morning. She was probably still asleep, so he dismissed the thought.
Pei You'an was sent off by the stewards and other servants out to the second hall. As he walked, he thought of the time when Jiafu had confided her fears to him. She had been tormented by nightmares, likely due to Xiao Yintang's coercion. He couldn't help but look back, gazing at the circular tower behind him.
Although he had already given orders, he decided to call Captain Yang Yun, a capable and reliable guard, and remind him once more.
Yang Yun swore his loyalty.
Pei You'an knew that Yang Yun was highly skilled and always acted responsibly. He felt somewhat relieved and continued on his way out. When he reached the main gate, the steward and some servants came out to send him off respectfully.
Pei You'an ordered them to disperse, took the reins from one of the guards, and was about to leave when a sudden thought crossed his mind.
He remembered the scene from last night when she had been left alone in the study after he had treated her coldly. He regretted his harsh treatment.
Last night, he hadn't slept well either. His sleep had been restless, and every time he closed his eyes, he could see her trying to please him with a forced smile, fearing his anger.
Pei You'an suddenly regretted being so cold to her.
She had been upset, refusing to come down for dinner, and wanted him to comfort her. It was just a normal girl's emotional reaction, albeit a bit childish. It wouldn't have hurt to indulge her.
He couldn't resist glancing back once more, looking towards the circular tower.
The hour was still early, the sun had not yet risen, and it wasn't that she was running late; it was that he had risen earlier than usual. She was probably still sleeping peacefully, and he dismissed his concerns.
Pei You'an exhaled a sigh, diverted his gaze, turned around to leave, but his eyes suddenly locked onto something.
Behind a pillar near the main gate, there was a figure.
Jiafu was standing there, and he didn't know when she had arrived. Her petite figure was partially hidden behind the pillar, and only a portion of her delicate face was visible. When their eyes met, she looked like a startled rabbit, and her head immediately retracted behind the pillar, hiding her face.
Pei You'an's palm suddenly felt hot. He handed the reins back to a nearby guard and told him to go outside. Then he raised his foot and quickly walked toward her.
Jiafu, flustered, turned to run when Pei You'an quickly stepped onto the steps and called out, "Cousin."
Jiafu halted her steps, slowly turned, and softly replied, "Cousin," lowering her gaze.
Just like yesterday, there were faint bruises under her eyes, and her face showed signs of exhaustion.
"You didn't sleep well last night again?" Pei You'an observed her closely and inquired.
Jiafu, with her hands behind her back, shook her head and said, "I took the medicine, slept much better than usual, and didn't have any nightmares. Cousin, you don't need to worry."
Pei You'an knew she was lying. After hesitating for a moment, he changed his question, "Why did you come here so early in the morning? When did you wake up?"
Jiafu slowly raised her petite face, biting her lips tightly until they turned pale, but she looked at him with eager eyes, not saying a word.
In the faint morning light, a cool breeze swept by, gently moving a few strands of her hair that hung near her ear. Pei You'an gazed at her, feeling a strange sense of familiarity. Before him, he saw her crying, with a runny nose and tears, on that night when he had discovered her attempt to jump from the balcony. His heart softened at the thought, and a certain spot on the left side of his chest felt oddly tender.
"Hurry up and change into some clothes," he said. "Go and get ready."
Jiafu's eyes lit up suddenly. Without waiting for him to finish, she immediately turned and hurriedly replied, "I've already prepared everything, Cousin. Please wait a moment; I'll be right out."
Before he could respond, she dashed back inside.
Pei You'an turned to watch her retreating figure, feeling somewhat bewildered.
Chapter - 29
By Tea Time Translations
At mealtime, Jiafu heard footsteps outside her door and recognized them as Yin Huan's. She quickly lay down on the bed, fully clothed, and closed her eyes.
Yin Huan entered the room and said, "Young Madam, don't sleep. The master asked me to come and fetch you for dinner."
Jiafu replied, "I'm not hungry, and I can't eat anything right now. Tell him not to wait for me and to go ahead and eat."
Yin Huan left the room, and Jiafu climbed back onto the bed, lying down again. She waited for Pei You'an to come and check on her. However, as time passed, she grew hungry, and the evening grew dark, but there was still no sign of him. Yin Huan didn't return to call her again. Eventually, unable to bear it any longer, she got up and walked to the window, looking down. She saw that the light in his study was on.
It turned out that he had already finished his meal and had gone to his study.
Jiafu was stunned for a moment, realizing that he had seen through her intentions and chose to ignore them.
She felt extremely frustrated and suppressed her feelings of defeat. She stared at the illuminated window of the study for a long time.
...
The evening hour had arrived, and it was already pitch dark outside. Jiafu arrived at the study, knocked on the door a few times, and then pushed it open. She approached the desk and gently placed a white porcelain cup from the tray next to Pei You'an's hand. She softly said, "Cousin, I've brought you a late-night snack."
Pei You'an's gaze remained fixed on the book in his hand. He calmly replied, "I'm not hungry; you can eat it yourself."
Jiafu said, "Earlier, I went to the kitchen to find something to eat. I happened to see that the cook had prepared snow ear fungus, so I personally made a dessert from my hometown, snow ear and taro milk pudding. It's my favorite from childhood. I added just a spoonful of honey, as I heard you don't like things too sweet. I tasted it myself, and it's still palatable, so I brought it for you to try. Cousin, please have a taste."
Pei You'an raised his eyes and looked at Jiafu. Her long, jet-black hair was arranged in a maiden's coiffure, with the hair bun secured at the top of her head, and the loose ends of her hair cascading naturally over her shoulders. She wore a light pink dress, delicate as a blooming begonia. She stood there by his side, staring at him with slightly anxious eyes, filled with anticipation.
Pei You'an's eyebrows twitched slightly, but his tone remained even. "You've come down for dinner?"
Jiafu replied, "I...I was actually upset earlier because Cousin wouldn't take me with you. That's why I didn't come down... But later, I felt really hungry, and I couldn't stand it anymore, so I went to the kitchen by myself... The cook said you had instructed her to keep some hot food for me... Cousin, you've been so kind to me, yet I keep acting difficult towards you... I know I was wrong..."
Jiafu's voice grew lower as she spoke.
Pei You'an silently picked up the spoon and took a bite, then paused.
"Is it not to your liking?"
Jiafu anxiously watched him.
Pei You'an took another bite and said, "This is a sweet dessert. Next time, you can add a bit more honey. It might taste even better."
Jiafu breathed a sigh of relief, and her eyes suddenly sparkled with enthusiasm. She nodded vigorously. "I'll remember that! Besides this, I can also make dishes from our hometown, like beef soup, rice cakes, taro treats... My mother asked me to learn these in case I get married..."
She suddenly covered her mouth and looked at Pei You'an with a hint of embarrassment. She mumbled, "Anyway, if Cousin wants to eat, I'll make them for you every day..."
Pei You'an's expression softened unconsciously. He smiled faintly and said, "I don't usually eat late-night snacks. You don't need to make them for me every day. Have you eaten your dinner?"
Jiafu's cheeks blushed slightly, and she whispered, "I had dinner earlier."
Pei You'an's eyes inadvertently revealed a trace of a smile he didn't even notice himself. He nodded slightly and then gestured for her to sit in a nearby chair.
Jiafu was momentarily taken aback but followed his instructions. She extended her hand hesitantly and placed it flat on the table. Pei You'an gently rolled up her sleeve, making sure his fingers didn't touch her skin. He exposed a section of her fair, unblemished wrist, gently placed two fingers on her pulse, and after a moment, he withdrew his hand. He picked up a pen and wrote a few lines on a piece of paper, saying, "There's no major issue. I'll have someone prepare the medicine based on this prescription. Starting tonight, take it two hours before bedtime. It will help calm your nerves and improve your sleep."
"The medicine won't taste too bitter, and its properties, combined with warm honey, will nourish your blood and yin."
He thought for a moment and added a few more words with his pen.
Jiafu stared at Pei You'an with unwavering eyes. Her eyes started to glisten with tears, and when he turned his head slightly to look at her, she quickly averted her gaze, wiping her eyes with her fingers.
"What's wrong? Apart from frequent nightmares, do you feel uncomfortable anywhere else? Please tell me," Pei You'an said, looking at her, his voice now notably gentle.
Jiafu shook her head and whispered, "I was thinking that you've been so kind to me. Even if I take the medicine you prescribed and still have nightmares, I shouldn't trouble you anymore."
Pei You'an raised an eyebrow and glanced at her.
However, Jiafu didn't look at him and just kept her head down. She took another deep breath and added, "Cousin, you're leaving early tomorrow morning, so you should get some rest tonight. Don't worry about me anymore. You can leave with peace of mind. I'll be fine on my own."
She lifted her face, revealing a forced cheerful smile, and stood up. She picked up the tray, exited the study, and disappeared behind the door, accompanied by soft and quiet footsteps.
.....
Yinhuan brought the brewed medicine and a jar of mature honey and waited for it to cool down before adding the honey. Jiafu told her that she could handle it and sent her away.
Once Yinhuan had left, Jiafu picked up the medicine and poured it into the pot of azaleas in the corner of the room.
It was evident that Pei You'an's knowledge of Princess Zhou and Xiao Yintang was far less profound than hers. However, there were some things she couldn't explain to him.
Regardless of whether Xiao Yintang would make a move on her or when he would do it, she wanted to stay by Pei You'an's side. Wherever he went, she would follow.
Tomorrow morning, he would be leaving, so she decided to stay awake all night, seizing the last opportunity and taking one last gamble.
She desperately wanted him to stay by her side. Only when she could see his figure constantly would she feel completely at ease.
As the night grew deeper, Jiafu crawled out of bed once more and returned to the window. When she looked towards the study, her heart skipped a beat.
The light in the study, which had been on all this time, had gone out. In the moonlight, she saw a figure emerging from the study. Pei You'an was heading towards his bedroom. After walking a few steps, he stopped, turned his head.
The moonlight was exceptionally bright tonight, and she could see clearly. His face was turned towards her window.
She hastily withdrew, and once her pounding heart settled, she peeked out again.
The figure had disappeared. The courtyard was empty, bathed in the silvery moonlight, a tranquil expanse.
....
The following day, Pei You'an got up before dawn. His attendants and guards who were accompanying him on the journey had already arrived, and a group of horses and men were ready outside, fully prepared.
He didn't see Jiafu at breakfast, and when he was about to leave, she didn't appear to see him off. He turned around and glanced a few times, hesitating for a moment.
He didn't know if she had taken the medicine he prescribed, and how she had slept last night.
Pei You'an was about to call Yinhuan to inquire when he remembered that it was still early in the morning. She was probably still asleep, so he dismissed the thought.
Pei You'an was sent off by the stewards and other servants out to the second hall. As he walked, he thought of the time when Jiafu had confided her fears to him. She had been tormented by nightmares, likely due to Xiao Yintang's coercion. He couldn't help but look back, gazing at the circular tower behind him.
Although he had already given orders, he decided to call Captain Yang Yun, a capable and reliable guard, and remind him once more.
Yang Yun swore his loyalty.
Pei You'an knew that Yang Yun was highly skilled and always acted responsibly. He felt somewhat relieved and continued on his way out. When he reached the main gate, the steward and some servants came out to send him off respectfully.
Pei You'an ordered them to disperse, took the reins from one of the guards, and was about to leave when a sudden thought crossed his mind.
He remembered the scene from last night when she had been left alone in the study after he had treated her coldly. He regretted his harsh treatment.
Last night, he hadn't slept well either. His sleep had been restless, and every time he closed his eyes, he could see her trying to please him with a forced smile, fearing his anger.
Pei You'an suddenly regretted being so cold to her.
She had been upset, refusing to come down for dinner, and wanted him to comfort her. It was just a normal girl's emotional reaction, albeit a bit childish. It wouldn't have hurt to indulge her.
He couldn't resist glancing back once more, looking towards the circular tower.
The hour was still early, the sun had not yet risen, and it wasn't that she was running late; it was that he had risen earlier than usual. She was probably still sleeping peacefully, and he dismissed his concerns.
Pei You'an exhaled a sigh, diverted his gaze, turned around to leave, but his eyes suddenly locked onto something.
Behind a pillar near the main gate, there was a figure.
Jiafu was standing there, and he didn't know when she had arrived. Her petite figure was partially hidden behind the pillar, and only a portion of her delicate face was visible. When their eyes met, she looked like a startled rabbit, and her head immediately retracted behind the pillar, hiding her face.
Pei You'an's palm suddenly felt hot. He handed the reins back to a nearby guard and told him to go outside. Then he raised his foot and quickly walked toward her.
Jiafu, flustered, turned to run when Pei You'an quickly stepped onto the steps and called out, "Cousin."
Jiafu halted her steps, slowly turned, and softly replied, "Cousin," lowering her gaze.
Just like yesterday, there were faint bruises under her eyes, and her face showed signs of exhaustion.
"You didn't sleep well last night again?" Pei You'an observed her closely and inquired.
Jiafu, with her hands behind her back, shook her head and said, "I took the medicine, slept much better than usual, and didn't have any nightmares. Cousin, you don't need to worry."
Pei You'an knew she was lying. After hesitating for a moment, he changed his question, "Why did you come here so early in the morning? When did you wake up?"
Jiafu slowly raised her petite face, biting her lips tightly until they turned pale, but she looked at him with eager eyes, not saying a word.
In the faint morning light, a cool breeze swept by, gently moving a few strands of her hair that hung near her ear. Pei You'an gazed at her, feeling a strange sense of familiarity. Before him, he saw her crying, with a runny nose and tears, on that night when he had discovered her attempt to jump from the balcony. His heart softened at the thought, and a certain spot on the left side of his chest felt oddly tender.
"Hurry up and change into some clothes," he said. "Go and get ready."
Jiafu's eyes lit up suddenly. Without waiting for him to finish, she immediately turned and hurriedly replied, "I've already prepared everything, Cousin. Please wait a moment; I'll be right out."
Before he could respond, she dashed back inside.
Pei You'an turned to watch her retreating figure, feeling somewhat bewildered.
