Chapter - 50
By Tea Time Translations
---
If there are any mistakes in translation, please feel free to comment! Please support us @TeaTime.
---
The next morning, the entire household of the Pei family began to stir, preparing for the old lady's departure to Baihe Temple. As it was outside the city and the journey was somewhat long, they decided to travel by carriage instead of sedan chair. The old lady asked Jiafu and herself to sit in one carriage, accompanied by Yuzhu. Xin Madam and the second Madam occupied another carriage, while the servants from various courtyards took separate seats in the remaining carriages. In total, there were dozens of people in the procession, with a line of horse carriages adorned with colorful canopies departing amidst the gaze of onlookers. After traveling a few miles outside the South Gate, they arrived at a secluded and verdant spot where the moat flowed past, which was Baihe Temple.
Pei You'an knew that the old lady was going out today with many female relatives, and although Pei Xiuzhi had already gone ahead to prepare, Pei Xiuluo and the stewards were accompanying them on the journey. Nevertheless, he was still concerned and afraid that they might encounter any trouble, so he specially submitted a request for leave early in the morning and accompanied them himself.
Upon their arrival, the female Taoist at Baihe Temple, known as Xuchen, who was in her middle age, had already known that the old lady of the Pei family was coming today to hold a ceremony. She had cleaned and prepared the temple in advance, and now she came out to greet them accompanied by her disciples, with Pei Xiuzhi already present.
Pei You'an escorted the old lady to the entrance of the temple. The old lady urged him to return home after several reminders, saying, "You've taken leave to accompany me today out of filial piety, but many eyes are watching you. It wouldn't be good for you to be implicated because of me. Once I'm here, it's no longer your concern. Hurry back, and there's no need for you to come to pick us up later. Your second uncle will come to escort us."
Xuchen smiled and reassured him, "When the old lady of the Pei family comes to visit me, it's like a deity visiting from the heavens. How dare I slack off? Mr. Pei, you can rest assured."
Pei You'an thanked Xuchen for her kind attention and then reminded Pei Xiuzhi and Pei Xiuluo to take good care of things. He instructed the stewards to have the servants guard the gates and not allow outsiders to enter casually. After giving these instructions, just before turning away, he glanced at Jiafu standing beside the old lady Pei.
Jiafu had been looking at him all along, and when she saw his gaze, she couldn't help but remember the scene of last night when they returned to the study. After they finished, he personally helped her wipe herself, treating her with various signs of affection. It made her feel like she was in a dream, unreal yet sweetly satisfying, beyond words to describe.
Jiafu knew he liked her smile, but in such a public setting, she naturally dared not smile at him directly. She only pursed her lips slightly, revealing a small dimple, which was quite lovely.
Pei You'an didn't show much expression, just glanced at her again, then turned and mounted his horse, gradually disappearing from sight.
The old lady Pei asked Jiafu and Yuzhu to support her and followed Xuchen into the temple gate. Behind them, Madam Xin, Madam Er, and all the accompanying servants and maids entered in an orderly manner. Despite the large number of people, there was no noise. The old lady Pei went to the main hall first, where she respectfully offered incense to the Three Saints of Qingxu, silently recited prayers, and made offerings. Afterward, she was guided around to see various places.
Baihe Temple was quite large, with three courtyards arranged front to back, each with its own attractions. After briefly viewing several places, the old lady Pei stopped and Xuchen thought she might be tired, so she wanted to lead her to her own meditation room for a rest. But the old lady Pei waved her hand and said, "Why haven't I seen Hanzhen yet?"
Xuchen hurriedly replied, "She is here in the temple. But as you may not know, she is different from others. Although she is registered as my disciple, I dare not truly regard myself as her master. She has always been aloof and doesn't like to be disturbed. So I arranged a secluded place for her to meditate. Whether the door is open or closed is entirely up to her. Moreover, these past few months, a seriously ill child, said to be her younger brother, came to her. He was suffering from an illness before and now she has taken him in. He's staying with her. I'm afraid of any mishaps, so it's better not to disturb her. I just see to her needs and send things to her as necessary."
There was a hint of dissatisfaction in Xuchen's tone, but the old lady Pei couldn't bear it more. She sighed, "She was originally a daughter of a reputable family, elegant and talented. I remember when she visited our house when she was young. Although she was a bit reserved and not as clingy as other girls, she was extremely sensible. It's a pity her fate has turned out like this. It's even harder to maintain that kind of integrity now. If an ordinary person were to stand before her, I'm afraid they wouldn't compare."
Xuchen smiled and said, "With the presence of the old lady Pei, it's naturally different. Let me summon her to see the old lady Pei."
The old lady Pei said, "She is not the same as before. She is now a person of the cloth, beyond the mundane world. How can I ask her to come to me, a worldly person? I'd better go and see her myself." With that, she took Jiafu's hand and continued forward.
Xuchen said, "Madam Pei's compassionate heart, as well as her sympathy for the weak and the young, I have heard of it before. Now that I see it with my own eyes, it is not just hearsay." While guiding the old lady, he signaled to a young disciple beside him. The young disciple understood and quickly ran off.
Jiafu supported the old lady Pei, followed by Madam Xin, Madam Er, and others, making their way toward the rear of the temple as indicated by Xuchen. Gradually, they entered a serene area. At the end of the path, there was a green wall with two black doors, and several green bamboo shoots could be seen within the wall.
"Madam Pei, it's right ahead." Xuchen pointed ahead.
Jiafu looked and saw a quiet gate with a plaque hanging above it, bearing the three characters "Tai Su Pavilion."
Jiafu's calligraphy was also decent, but tended to be more rounded and charming. However, these three characters were elegant and powerful, showing great skill. Jiafu felt inferior, knowing that without many years of dedicated practice, she could never write such excellent characters. But upon closer inspection, the strokes between the lifting and turning seemed vaguely familiar to Jiafu, as if she had seen them somewhere before, but she couldn't remember exactly. As she pondered, the two black doors creaked open, and a figure in pale yellow attire emerged, followed by two young nuns, hastily coming forward to greet them.
It was none other than Chi Hanzhen.
Chi Hanzhen hurriedly walked up to the old lady Pei and bowed respectfully, saying, "I've just learned that Madam Pei has come here in person to see me. How can I, a humble person, bear such an honor?"
Her tone was extremely respectful, but there was no hint of flattery in her eyes. Just like her attitude towards Empress Dowager Zhou in the palace that day, she was neither servile nor overbearing, displaying remarkable grace.
Seeing such a pure and virtuous person, whom she had mistakenly thought to be scheming the other day, Jiafu couldn't help but feel ashamed again.
The old lady smiled and said, "It's no bother. I'm just wandering around and happened to come here. I hope I haven't disturbed your peace."
Chi hanzhen replied, "Madam, you honor me. If you don't mind the simple tea and snacks here, please feel free to relax."
The old lady then turned around and instructed all the maids and servants to stay outside. She continued to support Jiafu and, along with the two other ladies, entered through the peeling black door. Inside the room, there was a bookshelf against the wall, filled with yellow scrolls, and a desk by the window with the four treasures of the study: a brush from Lake Tai, ink from Hui County, paper from Xuanzhou, and an inkstone from She County. Every detail exuded elegance. There was also a half-written piece of paper on the table, with the tip of the pen still containing ink. The old lady Pei saw this and said, "I've disturbed you."
Chi hanzhen smiled faintly and replied, "My little brother's condition has stabilized these past few days, so I had some free time and wrote a few words randomly. Please don't mind, Madam." She then instructed a junior nun to serve tea and respectfully greeted Madam Xin, Madam Er, and Jiafu.
Madam Xin didn't like her arrogance and remained indifferent, while Madam Er smiled warmly, walked to the table, glanced at the paper, and praised, "Excellent handwriting."
Jiafu glanced at it.
Coincidentally, the words on the paper were exactly the "Tai Su Hall" that she had just seen on the door.
Jiafu finally remembered that the reason she felt familiar with these three characters earlier was because they resembled the handwriting of Pei You'an.
Lost in thought, Jiafu realized that the old lady and Chi hanzhen were still talking. The old lady asked about Chi hanzhen's younger brother's condition and mentioned him a few times. Chi hanzhen gradually lost her usual coldness, with tears shimmering in her eyes, and said, "A few days ago, the Empress summoned me to the palace and asked about returning to secular life. I was worried about my brother at the time and naturally didn't want to. When I left, I happened to meet Mr. Pei. Remembering that Dr. Hu mentioned Mr. Pei's exceptional medical skills, even surpassing his own, I impulsively asked for help. Fortunately, Mr. Pei came to see my brother and consulted with Dr. Hu. With their combined efforts, my brother's condition has finally stabilized these past two days. I am truly grateful. As a nun, I have nothing to offer. Since Madam is here, please accept my bow as a token of gratitude on behalf of my brother." With that, she solemnly bowed.
The old lady hurriedly asked the second lady to help her up and comforted, "There's no need for this. You'an was once a student of your grandfather. Now that he can treat, he will do his best."
Chihan Zhen thanked again. The old lady then got up to visit the child. Seeing that the child had just fallen asleep, she did not enter but stood at the doorway. Jiafu took a glance and saw the child lying on the bed, pale and thin. According to Chihan Zhen, the child was about ten years old but appeared much younger, perhaps seven or eight, due to his frailty.
The old lady was probably reminded of her grandson's childhood situation and felt even more compassion. After a while, she left and, after being escorted out by Chihan Zhen, said to Xuchen, "She is proud. If I were to give her something, it might make her feel sorry for herself. So, I only ordered some precious medicinal materials to be prepared for her. You can send them to her later."
Xuchen agreed and flattered her. He escorted her all the way back to the main hall, where the ritual platform was already set up. After wearing the ritual robe and completing the first half of the ceremony, the old lady, Jiafu, and others had their lunch and rested briefly. In the afternoon, they continued with the second half of the ceremony. After it was finished, a divination cylinder was brought forward. The old lady drew a stick from it, and Xuchen picked it up, looked at it, and joyfully said, "The 64th stick, Guan Bao divides gold. It is beneficial for all undertakings. Everything will go well. It's an auspicious sign!" With that, he presented it to the old lady.
Naturally, the old lady was delighted and made another donation. Finally, as it was nearing evening and everyone looked tired, they were sent away. Pei Quan had already arrived and was waiting with Pei Xiuzhi and Pei Xiuluo in the outer hall. When they saw the people coming out, they quickly directed the stewards to arrange for the return journey. After a short flurry of activity, everyone boarded the horse carriages one by one, and they headed back towards the city as they had come in the morning.
On the way back, Jiafu seemed preoccupied, the old lady appeared somewhat fatigued and closed her eyes to rest, and even Yuzhu seemed troubled, not initiating conversation. The carriage was silent, only the sound of the wheels rolling. As they approached a fork in the road near the city gate, a group of more than ten people riding colorful horses swiftly approached. The lead carriage driver of the Pei family was momentarily caught off guard, abruptly stopping the horses. Due to the abrupt stop, not only did the two carriage doors swing open, but the old lady inside the carriage also swayed forward. Fortunately, Jiafu and Yuzhu both managed to support her in time to prevent her from falling forward. However, both Jiafu and Yuzhu themselves had been bumped against the carriage wall, causing their shoulders to ache. They instinctively raised their heads and looked ahead.
The carriage doors had just swung open and closed again, but in that brief moment, Jiafu had already seen that the person who had caused the Pei family carriage driver to make a mistake at the fork in the road was Xiao Yintang and his entourage.
His gaze also turned towards her, and his lips moved slightly, his gaze becoming peculiar in an instant.
The carriage door snapped shut, instantly obscuring the people inside the carriage once again.
Madam Pei opened her eyes.
Jiafu collected herself and listened intently. Outside, Pei Quan quickly dismounted, leading Pei Xiuzhi, Pei Xiuluo, and a group of servants towards the direction from which Xiao Yintang had just come on horseback, coincidentally heading back to the city. After a few words, footsteps approached rapidly, stopping in front of the carriage. Then, Xiao Yintang's voice came through, sounding respectful, "I apologize for the recklessness just now. If there was any collision, I hope Madam Pei won't blame me."
According to court protocol, officials of the first and second ranks and their wives would normally kneel to the Crown Prince when encountered. Madam Pei, from inside the carriage, replied loudly, "How could I accept such a gesture from the Crown Prince? It was our fault for obstructing the Crown Prince's path. I'll have someone clear the way immediately. Please, let the Crown Prince go first."
Xiao Yintang responded, "Madam Pei is esteemed and respected, even His Majesty holds her in high regard. How could I, a mere prince, compare? Please, Madam, go ahead first, we won't be delayed." His tone sounded sincerely humble, accompanied by the sound of his entourage moving aside, making way for the carriage.
Madam Pei said, "I'm grateful for the Crown Prince's humility, but I must insist on giving way."
Seeing Xiao Yintang's gaze fall on the carriage doors, smiling genuinely, seeming sincere in wanting to yield the way, Pei Quan had no choice but to lead his people to get up and urge the carriage convoy to pass through.
Xiao Yintang stood by the roadside, watching the carriage carrying her gradually disappear, his eyes flickering with hidden thoughts.
....
Nightfall. Xiao Yintang returned from the farewell banquet set up by the Emperor for his uncle, Zhou Jin. He was half-drunk, his steps unsteady. Upon entering the East Palace's sleeping quarters, he recalled the woman he had glimpsed in the carriage during the day. Though it was just a brief glance, her delicate beauty became more etched in his mind, haunting him. Filled with agitation, he hadn't even entered his own chamber when he carelessly dragged a newly appointed concubine, surnamed Cao, onto a couch. In a fit of drunkenness, he stared at the woman beneath him, her face seeming to morph into that of someone else in his mind, and through gritted teeth, he muttered, "Zhen Shi (Ms. Zhen)! Do you think you can escape me just because you married Pei You'an? Dream on!"
Cao was left breathless by his actions, and when she heard his words, her eyes widened in fear. She frantically protested, "Your Highness, you've mistaken me. I am Cao, not that Zhen Shi!"
Xiao Yintang's drunken haze slowly dissipated as he stopped his actions, gazing coldly at the woman beneath him. His hand reached out, lightly tracing her fair and smooth neck.
Thinking he was about to resume, Cao closed her eyes slightly, letting out a soft moan. But suddenly, her throat tightened as a hand gripped her tightly, squeezing harder and harder. Her face turned red from the pressure, and she struggled desperately, but she couldn't break free. In a last-ditch effort, she kicked out, knocking over a folding screen at the end of the couch with a loud crash. Her throat choked as her eyes rolled back, her body gradually going limp.
Zhang Fengtong, who had heard the commotion from outside, knew the Crown Prince was favoring Cao. Suppressing her jealousy, she dismissed the palace maids and waited outside. When she heard the Crown Prince's words just now, she felt something was amiss. Hurriedly entering the room, she found Cao lying lifelessly on the couch, her neck bearing five deep finger marks. She had been strangled to death by him.
Zhang Fengtong was shocked, staring at Cao's body in disbelief.
Cao, though of humble origins, was exceptionally beautiful and skilled in seduction. She had always been favored by Xiao Yintang, and even after Zhang Fengtong's arrival as a new bride, the Crown Prince hadn't shared a bed with her more than once or twice. Cao had been feeling smug, thinking herself secure in the Crown Prince's favor. Zhang Fengtong had been quietly enduring it all, but she hadn't expected this sudden and brutal death.
Killing someone was one thing, but Cao had been recently appointed as a concubine, entering the imperial genealogy, and her father had been promoted to a high-ranking official. This violent death needed to be explained.
She looked at Xiao Yintang, who had rolled off the couch and sat up, coldly stating, "Aren't you renowned for being gentle and wise? Take care of this."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Xiao Yintang alone with the lifeless body of Cao.
Zhang Fengtong gazed at Xiao Yintang's retreating figure, then turned back to the dead Cao. After a long moment of contemplation, she spoke softly, "Don't blame me. Blame the woman who brought this upon you."
Chapter - 50
By Tea Time Translations
---
If there are any mistakes in translation, please feel free to comment! Please support us @TeaTime.
---
The next morning, the entire household of the Pei family began to stir, preparing for the old lady's departure to Baihe Temple. As it was outside the city and the journey was somewhat long, they decided to travel by carriage instead of sedan chair. The old lady asked Jiafu and herself to sit in one carriage, accompanied by Yuzhu. Xin Madam and the second Madam occupied another carriage, while the servants from various courtyards took separate seats in the remaining carriages. In total, there were dozens of people in the procession, with a line of horse carriages adorned with colorful canopies departing amidst the gaze of onlookers. After traveling a few miles outside the South Gate, they arrived at a secluded and verdant spot where the moat flowed past, which was Baihe Temple.
Pei You'an knew that the old lady was going out today with many female relatives, and although Pei Xiuzhi had already gone ahead to prepare, Pei Xiuluo and the stewards were accompanying them on the journey. Nevertheless, he was still concerned and afraid that they might encounter any trouble, so he specially submitted a request for leave early in the morning and accompanied them himself.
Upon their arrival, the female Taoist at Baihe Temple, known as Xuchen, who was in her middle age, had already known that the old lady of the Pei family was coming today to hold a ceremony. She had cleaned and prepared the temple in advance, and now she came out to greet them accompanied by her disciples, with Pei Xiuzhi already present.
Pei You'an escorted the old lady to the entrance of the temple. The old lady urged him to return home after several reminders, saying, "You've taken leave to accompany me today out of filial piety, but many eyes are watching you. It wouldn't be good for you to be implicated because of me. Once I'm here, it's no longer your concern. Hurry back, and there's no need for you to come to pick us up later. Your second uncle will come to escort us."
Xuchen smiled and reassured him, "When the old lady of the Pei family comes to visit me, it's like a deity visiting from the heavens. How dare I slack off? Mr. Pei, you can rest assured."
Pei You'an thanked Xuchen for her kind attention and then reminded Pei Xiuzhi and Pei Xiuluo to take good care of things. He instructed the stewards to have the servants guard the gates and not allow outsiders to enter casually. After giving these instructions, just before turning away, he glanced at Jiafu standing beside the old lady Pei.
Jiafu had been looking at him all along, and when she saw his gaze, she couldn't help but remember the scene of last night when they returned to the study. After they finished, he personally helped her wipe herself, treating her with various signs of affection. It made her feel like she was in a dream, unreal yet sweetly satisfying, beyond words to describe.
Jiafu knew he liked her smile, but in such a public setting, she naturally dared not smile at him directly. She only pursed her lips slightly, revealing a small dimple, which was quite lovely.
Pei You'an didn't show much expression, just glanced at her again, then turned and mounted his horse, gradually disappearing from sight.
The old lady Pei asked Jiafu and Yuzhu to support her and followed Xuchen into the temple gate. Behind them, Madam Xin, Madam Er, and all the accompanying servants and maids entered in an orderly manner. Despite the large number of people, there was no noise. The old lady Pei went to the main hall first, where she respectfully offered incense to the Three Saints of Qingxu, silently recited prayers, and made offerings. Afterward, she was guided around to see various places.
Baihe Temple was quite large, with three courtyards arranged front to back, each with its own attractions. After briefly viewing several places, the old lady Pei stopped and Xuchen thought she might be tired, so she wanted to lead her to her own meditation room for a rest. But the old lady Pei waved her hand and said, "Why haven't I seen Hanzhen yet?"
Xuchen hurriedly replied, "She is here in the temple. But as you may not know, she is different from others. Although she is registered as my disciple, I dare not truly regard myself as her master. She has always been aloof and doesn't like to be disturbed. So I arranged a secluded place for her to meditate. Whether the door is open or closed is entirely up to her. Moreover, these past few months, a seriously ill child, said to be her younger brother, came to her. He was suffering from an illness before and now she has taken him in. He's staying with her. I'm afraid of any mishaps, so it's better not to disturb her. I just see to her needs and send things to her as necessary."
There was a hint of dissatisfaction in Xuchen's tone, but the old lady Pei couldn't bear it more. She sighed, "She was originally a daughter of a reputable family, elegant and talented. I remember when she visited our house when she was young. Although she was a bit reserved and not as clingy as other girls, she was extremely sensible. It's a pity her fate has turned out like this. It's even harder to maintain that kind of integrity now. If an ordinary person were to stand before her, I'm afraid they wouldn't compare."
Xuchen smiled and said, "With the presence of the old lady Pei, it's naturally different. Let me summon her to see the old lady Pei."
The old lady Pei said, "She is not the same as before. She is now a person of the cloth, beyond the mundane world. How can I ask her to come to me, a worldly person? I'd better go and see her myself." With that, she took Jiafu's hand and continued forward.
Xuchen said, "Madam Pei's compassionate heart, as well as her sympathy for the weak and the young, I have heard of it before. Now that I see it with my own eyes, it is not just hearsay." While guiding the old lady, he signaled to a young disciple beside him. The young disciple understood and quickly ran off.
Jiafu supported the old lady Pei, followed by Madam Xin, Madam Er, and others, making their way toward the rear of the temple as indicated by Xuchen. Gradually, they entered a serene area. At the end of the path, there was a green wall with two black doors, and several green bamboo shoots could be seen within the wall.
"Madam Pei, it's right ahead." Xuchen pointed ahead.
Jiafu looked and saw a quiet gate with a plaque hanging above it, bearing the three characters "Tai Su Pavilion."
Jiafu's calligraphy was also decent, but tended to be more rounded and charming. However, these three characters were elegant and powerful, showing great skill. Jiafu felt inferior, knowing that without many years of dedicated practice, she could never write such excellent characters. But upon closer inspection, the strokes between the lifting and turning seemed vaguely familiar to Jiafu, as if she had seen them somewhere before, but she couldn't remember exactly. As she pondered, the two black doors creaked open, and a figure in pale yellow attire emerged, followed by two young nuns, hastily coming forward to greet them.
It was none other than Chi Hanzhen.
Chi Hanzhen hurriedly walked up to the old lady Pei and bowed respectfully, saying, "I've just learned that Madam Pei has come here in person to see me. How can I, a humble person, bear such an honor?"
Her tone was extremely respectful, but there was no hint of flattery in her eyes. Just like her attitude towards Empress Dowager Zhou in the palace that day, she was neither servile nor overbearing, displaying remarkable grace.
Seeing such a pure and virtuous person, whom she had mistakenly thought to be scheming the other day, Jiafu couldn't help but feel ashamed again.
The old lady smiled and said, "It's no bother. I'm just wandering around and happened to come here. I hope I haven't disturbed your peace."
Chi hanzhen replied, "Madam, you honor me. If you don't mind the simple tea and snacks here, please feel free to relax."
The old lady then turned around and instructed all the maids and servants to stay outside. She continued to support Jiafu and, along with the two other ladies, entered through the peeling black door. Inside the room, there was a bookshelf against the wall, filled with yellow scrolls, and a desk by the window with the four treasures of the study: a brush from Lake Tai, ink from Hui County, paper from Xuanzhou, and an inkstone from She County. Every detail exuded elegance. There was also a half-written piece of paper on the table, with the tip of the pen still containing ink. The old lady Pei saw this and said, "I've disturbed you."
Chi hanzhen smiled faintly and replied, "My little brother's condition has stabilized these past few days, so I had some free time and wrote a few words randomly. Please don't mind, Madam." She then instructed a junior nun to serve tea and respectfully greeted Madam Xin, Madam Er, and Jiafu.
Madam Xin didn't like her arrogance and remained indifferent, while Madam Er smiled warmly, walked to the table, glanced at the paper, and praised, "Excellent handwriting."
Jiafu glanced at it.
Coincidentally, the words on the paper were exactly the "Tai Su Hall" that she had just seen on the door.
Jiafu finally remembered that the reason she felt familiar with these three characters earlier was because they resembled the handwriting of Pei You'an.
Lost in thought, Jiafu realized that the old lady and Chi hanzhen were still talking. The old lady asked about Chi hanzhen's younger brother's condition and mentioned him a few times. Chi hanzhen gradually lost her usual coldness, with tears shimmering in her eyes, and said, "A few days ago, the Empress summoned me to the palace and asked about returning to secular life. I was worried about my brother at the time and naturally didn't want to. When I left, I happened to meet Mr. Pei. Remembering that Dr. Hu mentioned Mr. Pei's exceptional medical skills, even surpassing his own, I impulsively asked for help. Fortunately, Mr. Pei came to see my brother and consulted with Dr. Hu. With their combined efforts, my brother's condition has finally stabilized these past two days. I am truly grateful. As a nun, I have nothing to offer. Since Madam is here, please accept my bow as a token of gratitude on behalf of my brother." With that, she solemnly bowed.
The old lady hurriedly asked the second lady to help her up and comforted, "There's no need for this. You'an was once a student of your grandfather. Now that he can treat, he will do his best."
Chihan Zhen thanked again. The old lady then got up to visit the child. Seeing that the child had just fallen asleep, she did not enter but stood at the doorway. Jiafu took a glance and saw the child lying on the bed, pale and thin. According to Chihan Zhen, the child was about ten years old but appeared much younger, perhaps seven or eight, due to his frailty.
The old lady was probably reminded of her grandson's childhood situation and felt even more compassion. After a while, she left and, after being escorted out by Chihan Zhen, said to Xuchen, "She is proud. If I were to give her something, it might make her feel sorry for herself. So, I only ordered some precious medicinal materials to be prepared for her. You can send them to her later."
Xuchen agreed and flattered her. He escorted her all the way back to the main hall, where the ritual platform was already set up. After wearing the ritual robe and completing the first half of the ceremony, the old lady, Jiafu, and others had their lunch and rested briefly. In the afternoon, they continued with the second half of the ceremony. After it was finished, a divination cylinder was brought forward. The old lady drew a stick from it, and Xuchen picked it up, looked at it, and joyfully said, "The 64th stick, Guan Bao divides gold. It is beneficial for all undertakings. Everything will go well. It's an auspicious sign!" With that, he presented it to the old lady.
Naturally, the old lady was delighted and made another donation. Finally, as it was nearing evening and everyone looked tired, they were sent away. Pei Quan had already arrived and was waiting with Pei Xiuzhi and Pei Xiuluo in the outer hall. When they saw the people coming out, they quickly directed the stewards to arrange for the return journey. After a short flurry of activity, everyone boarded the horse carriages one by one, and they headed back towards the city as they had come in the morning.
On the way back, Jiafu seemed preoccupied, the old lady appeared somewhat fatigued and closed her eyes to rest, and even Yuzhu seemed troubled, not initiating conversation. The carriage was silent, only the sound of the wheels rolling. As they approached a fork in the road near the city gate, a group of more than ten people riding colorful horses swiftly approached. The lead carriage driver of the Pei family was momentarily caught off guard, abruptly stopping the horses. Due to the abrupt stop, not only did the two carriage doors swing open, but the old lady inside the carriage also swayed forward. Fortunately, Jiafu and Yuzhu both managed to support her in time to prevent her from falling forward. However, both Jiafu and Yuzhu themselves had been bumped against the carriage wall, causing their shoulders to ache. They instinctively raised their heads and looked ahead.
The carriage doors had just swung open and closed again, but in that brief moment, Jiafu had already seen that the person who had caused the Pei family carriage driver to make a mistake at the fork in the road was Xiao Yintang and his entourage.
His gaze also turned towards her, and his lips moved slightly, his gaze becoming peculiar in an instant.
The carriage door snapped shut, instantly obscuring the people inside the carriage once again.
Madam Pei opened her eyes.
Jiafu collected herself and listened intently. Outside, Pei Quan quickly dismounted, leading Pei Xiuzhi, Pei Xiuluo, and a group of servants towards the direction from which Xiao Yintang had just come on horseback, coincidentally heading back to the city. After a few words, footsteps approached rapidly, stopping in front of the carriage. Then, Xiao Yintang's voice came through, sounding respectful, "I apologize for the recklessness just now. If there was any collision, I hope Madam Pei won't blame me."
According to court protocol, officials of the first and second ranks and their wives would normally kneel to the Crown Prince when encountered. Madam Pei, from inside the carriage, replied loudly, "How could I accept such a gesture from the Crown Prince? It was our fault for obstructing the Crown Prince's path. I'll have someone clear the way immediately. Please, let the Crown Prince go first."
Xiao Yintang responded, "Madam Pei is esteemed and respected, even His Majesty holds her in high regard. How could I, a mere prince, compare? Please, Madam, go ahead first, we won't be delayed." His tone sounded sincerely humble, accompanied by the sound of his entourage moving aside, making way for the carriage.
Madam Pei said, "I'm grateful for the Crown Prince's humility, but I must insist on giving way."
Seeing Xiao Yintang's gaze fall on the carriage doors, smiling genuinely, seeming sincere in wanting to yield the way, Pei Quan had no choice but to lead his people to get up and urge the carriage convoy to pass through.
Xiao Yintang stood by the roadside, watching the carriage carrying her gradually disappear, his eyes flickering with hidden thoughts.
....
Nightfall. Xiao Yintang returned from the farewell banquet set up by the Emperor for his uncle, Zhou Jin. He was half-drunk, his steps unsteady. Upon entering the East Palace's sleeping quarters, he recalled the woman he had glimpsed in the carriage during the day. Though it was just a brief glance, her delicate beauty became more etched in his mind, haunting him. Filled with agitation, he hadn't even entered his own chamber when he carelessly dragged a newly appointed concubine, surnamed Cao, onto a couch. In a fit of drunkenness, he stared at the woman beneath him, her face seeming to morph into that of someone else in his mind, and through gritted teeth, he muttered, "Zhen Shi (Ms. Zhen)! Do you think you can escape me just because you married Pei You'an? Dream on!"
Cao was left breathless by his actions, and when she heard his words, her eyes widened in fear. She frantically protested, "Your Highness, you've mistaken me. I am Cao, not that Zhen Shi!"
Xiao Yintang's drunken haze slowly dissipated as he stopped his actions, gazing coldly at the woman beneath him. His hand reached out, lightly tracing her fair and smooth neck.
Thinking he was about to resume, Cao closed her eyes slightly, letting out a soft moan. But suddenly, her throat tightened as a hand gripped her tightly, squeezing harder and harder. Her face turned red from the pressure, and she struggled desperately, but she couldn't break free. In a last-ditch effort, she kicked out, knocking over a folding screen at the end of the couch with a loud crash. Her throat choked as her eyes rolled back, her body gradually going limp.
Zhang Fengtong, who had heard the commotion from outside, knew the Crown Prince was favoring Cao. Suppressing her jealousy, she dismissed the palace maids and waited outside. When she heard the Crown Prince's words just now, she felt something was amiss. Hurriedly entering the room, she found Cao lying lifelessly on the couch, her neck bearing five deep finger marks. She had been strangled to death by him.
Zhang Fengtong was shocked, staring at Cao's body in disbelief.
Cao, though of humble origins, was exceptionally beautiful and skilled in seduction. She had always been favored by Xiao Yintang, and even after Zhang Fengtong's arrival as a new bride, the Crown Prince hadn't shared a bed with her more than once or twice. Cao had been feeling smug, thinking herself secure in the Crown Prince's favor. Zhang Fengtong had been quietly enduring it all, but she hadn't expected this sudden and brutal death.
Killing someone was one thing, but Cao had been recently appointed as a concubine, entering the imperial genealogy, and her father had been promoted to a high-ranking official. This violent death needed to be explained.
She looked at Xiao Yintang, who had rolled off the couch and sat up, coldly stating, "Aren't you renowned for being gentle and wise? Take care of this."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Xiao Yintang alone with the lifeless body of Cao.
Zhang Fengtong gazed at Xiao Yintang's retreating figure, then turned back to the dead Cao. After a long moment of contemplation, she spoke softly, "Don't blame me. Blame the woman who brought this upon you."
