Chapter - 54
By Tea Time Translations
---
If there are any mistakes in translation, please feel free to comment! Please support us @TeaTime.
---
On the way back, Jiafu still sat in the same carriage with the Second Lady.
Jiafu had long realized that the Second Lady must be quite excited at this moment—actually, apart from her, many of the ladies present tonight should share the same feeling: originally just intending to attend a scene, adding luster to the birthday celebration of the Crown Prince's consort's mother, who would have thought that a well-prepared birthday feast would come to such an abrupt end? Not only did it reveal the insider information about the sudden death of the Crown Prince's concubine a few days ago, but it also confirmed a previously rumored event, namely the simultaneous romantic interest of the Crown Prince and Pei You'an in the Lady Zhen from Quanzhou, and ultimately, the Emperor's decision to give Lady Zhen to Pei You'an. After all, the members of the Zhen family were ordered to follow the provincial governor of Fujian into the capital, and later eunuchs were sent to deliver the imperial decree to the Zhen family. The commotion was not small, and it was impossible for no one to know about the news. Moreover, this matter involved two people: the Crown Prince and a capable minister highly favored by the new Emperor, and it was also related to romantic affairs. Such news was originally the fastest to spread and the most eagerly awaited gossip. However, it had always been circulating in secret before. Who would have thought that tonight it would be revealed so openly and directly? Most importantly, the one who spoke these words was none other than the Crown Princess, who was known for her wisdom!
The Second Lady had been paying close attention to Jiafu's expression, waiting for her to speak out and complain about being wronged. When Jiafu remained silent after coming up, she herself endured for a moment, but couldn't resist any longer. She leaned closer and said, "Tonight was quite strange indeed. That Crown Princess was clearly drunk, behaving so erratically. It's really disgraceful, spouting nonsense to such an extent. Not only did she lash out at the Crown Prince, but she even dragged you and You'an into it! Not that I'm being disrespectful behind her back, but I think she must have lost her mind! I used to think she was so dignified and virtuous, but in just a few days, she has revealed such an ugly side!" She shook her head with a click of her tongue.
Jiafu still didn't speak.
She simply didn't have the mood or the energy to deal with this aunt by her side.
Just now, when Zhang Fengtong's father spoke to Pei You'an, Jiafu could guess what they were talking about. There were simply too many people in the birthday hall, and with all eyes watching, it was impossible to suppress the commotion caused by Zhang Fengtong.
When Pei You'an returned, Jiafu had once peeked at him by lifting a corner of the carriage curtain and saw his solemn expression.
She became even more certain that he was truly angry.
From the very beginning, he knew Xiao Yintang's intentions towards her. Their relationship had its origins in this matter. However, before tonight, to outsiders, it was a secret affair at most, with only suspicions, and no one would bring it out into the open.
But after tonight, it was different.
There was no need to wait until tomorrow; it was likely that everyone in the court would know about this affair.
The wife of a prominent court official being coveted by the Crown Prince. It was certainly a scandal for the Crown Prince. But for Pei You'an, having such romantic entanglements discussed behind his back was certainly not an honorable matter.
He would be ashamed because of her.
Jiafu truly regretted it. She regretted her impulsive decision to switch the cup of wine with the medicine in front of Zhang Fengtong. If she had known that she would say such things after drinking it, she would have endured it rather than do it.
The Second Lady glanced at Jiafu, seeing her still lost in thought. She then took her hand and changed her tone to a comforting one, saying, "Ah Fu, Auntie knows you're upset, but what kind of person are you? If others don't know, how could Auntie not know? Don't take it to heart. Anyone with a bit of sense won't believe the nonsense the Crown Prince's consort just spouted. You've just fallen victim to circumstances. You'an must surely think the same. When you go back, explain things to him properly."
Ever since Jiafu started calling her "Auntie" after the last time she referred to herself as "Auntie," the Second Lady no longer used "Auntie" when speaking to Jiafu.
Feeling increasingly annoyed by the Second Lady's incessant chatter, Jiafu turned her head slightly and lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, glancing outside.
He was riding a horse, leisurely moving alongside the carriage on the side of the road.
The group arrived at the Pei residence, and the carriages stopped one by one at the entrance. The maidservants and servants from the carriage behind came down and brought over the stepping stool to place it beside the carriage. The Second Lady was assisted down first by the maid, followed by Jiafu. As Tanxiang was about to assist Jiafu, Pei You'an reached out and lightly supported her arm. Jiafu steadied herself, and he let go of her hand.
They were going to escort Lady Xin back to her quarters first. Lady Xin said there was no need, but then she added, "You'an, if you have a moment, there are a few words I'd like to speak with you."
Pei You'an responded with a word of acknowledgment, then turned to Jiafu and said, "You go back to our room first. Rest early. I'll be back later."
His tone was gentle as he instructed Tanxiang and Liu Mama to escort the grandmother back first.
Jiafu glanced at Lady Xin, suppressing her inner apprehension, and turned to leave first.
Pei You'an escorted Lady Xin to her room and asked, "Mother, is there something you'd like to tell me?"
Lady Xin looked at him, a smile playing on her lips. "You'an, I know we've never been close, and perhaps you've felt that I've favored your younger brother. It's not that I have any prejudice against you. You're still my son, my eldest son. Now that the family relies on you entirely, and as I grow older, I'll rely on you too. It's just that you've always been so responsible since you were young, never giving me any trouble, while your younger brother isn't as capable, which is why I paid more attention to him. I hope you can understand the challenges of being a mother."
Pei You'an responded, "I already understand these things, Mother. Is there something you wanted to instruct me?"
Lady Xin sighed, "You must have heard about what happened tonight at the Zhang family's house. The Crown Princess, in front of everyone, mentioned that the Crown Prince had thoughts about our new daughter-in-law, even mentioning her by name, implicating you as well. You might have felt a bit embarrassed in front of the Emperor and your colleagues; after all, it's not a pleasant thing to hear. Our new daughter-in-law has been with us for some time now, and I'm not saying there's anything wrong with her. I'm telling you this not for any other reason but because you're my son. I can't stand by and watch your reputation being tarnished like this. When you return, it might be best to discuss this matter with her, just to prevent any further embarrassment."
Pei You'an asked, "Mother, what do you think I should say to her?"
Lady Xin was momentarily taken aback, hesitating for a moment. "How could the Crown Princess slander the Crown Prince out of thin air? It must be because she was truly furious and couldn't hold it in anymore. As the saying goes, if one is upright, they need not fear slanted shadows. It's likely that she and the Crown Prince have some dealings..."
"It's getting late! If you have no other matters, you should rest, and I'll also retire," Pei You'an interjected.
He gave a slight bow to Lady Xin and then turned to leave.
"You'an! I'm also concerned about your reputation—" Lady Xin called out.
Pei You'an suddenly stopped in his tracks, turning back with a gaze that carried a chilling intensity.
Over the years, despite the distant relationship between Lady Xin and her "eldest son," Pei You'an had always maintained decorum in his dealings with her, upholding his duties as a son.
Lady Xin was taken aback by the expression she saw on Pei You'an's face, a look she had never seen before. Instinctively, she took a step back.
"I know what kind of person she is better than you, Mother. Aren't you aware of the principle of 'holding a tiger by the tail'? Do you think the ramblings of a hysterical woman are worth interrogating me like this?" The use of "interrogating" carried a clear implication.
Lady Xin's shock was not unwarranted; she looked at Pei You'an, her expression gradually turning grim.
"How... how can you speak to me like this..."
Her voice trembled slightly, mixed with a hint of anger. However, facing her eldest son, who seemed to have been suddenly provoked, she didn't dare to say anything more.
Pei You'an took a slow breath, and when he spoke again, although his voice no longer carried anger, his tone was as cold as ice.
"Mother!" he said, "The so-called reputation you speak of, I lost it when I was sixteen, far more than today. Back then, I never even uttered a word in my own defense. Do you think I still care today?"
"In the past, you were my mother, and you still are. As you said just now, if you truly need my support in your old age, then if I am still around at that time, I will not refuse. But that's all. My affairs, as well as Jiafu's, you need not concern yourself with in the future. I know very well what needs to be done."
"It's late, you should rest,"
She stood there, watching as Pei You'an's figure disappeared, her whole body frozen in place. Only her lips trembled incessantly.
.....
Jiafu entered the room listlessly, took a bath, and changed into fresh clothes. Just a moment after, Pei You'an returned.
Jiafu had a feeling that Lady Xin might have said something to him. She discreetly observed his expression, but his face showed no signs of anything amiss. After bathing and changing, he came out and, as usual, went to the study.
He had the habit of going to the study every night.
Lately, sometimes she would accompany him there, while other times he would go first and she would join him later.
In the study, Pei You'an would sometimes get distracted by her presence, drop his work and make out with her, and the two of them would go back to the bedroom together.
However, sometimes, despite her allure, he would remain focused on his work, paying no heed to her presence. In such cases, Jiafu would sit aside, reading a book to pass the time. Eventually, she would end up falling asleep on the books, either to be carried back to their bedroom by him later or to leave him and return to their room on her own.
In any case, as their relationship grew more intimate, Jiafu's visits to his study became as casual as going to their bedroom, without needing to ask for his permission.
She could have gone directly to his study as she did the previous nights, but because of what happened tonight, she felt somewhat hesitant. She stayed in their bedroom, waiting until the hour of the Pig (9-11 pm) - by this time on previous nights, both of them had already retired to bed, as it was the latest bedtime Jiafu set for him.
She had her reasons, and she was quite articulate about them. Her grandmother had instructed her to ensure that he didn't work too late. At the time, he seemed somewhat unwilling to comply, but eventually nodded in agreement.
Tonight was particularly stifling, even though all the windows in the room were open, there was no breeze, making it difficult to breathe.
Jiafu entered the study and gently pushed open the partially closed door. To her surprise, she found him not seated behind his desk as usual but standing by the north window, hands clasped behind his back, gazing out at the murky night sky. His silhouette appeared heavy with thought, as if he had been standing like that for quite some time.
Jiafu's footsteps came to an abrupt halt at the door.
Pei You'an heard the sound she made and turned his head, casting her a glance with a slightly somber expression.
Jiafu hesitated for a moment before whispering, "It's late, aren't you going to sleep?"
Pei You'an smiled faintly, turned off the lights, and said, "Let's go."
The two of them returned to their bedroom. The lights went out. Pei You'an seemed a bit weary. After lying down, he closed his eyes as if falling into a deep sleep.
However, Jiafu found the inside of the canopy stifling and hot. Despite having taken a bath, she felt sweaty all over, and her mind was filled with worries. She couldn't sleep. After a moment, she opened her eyes and, looking at the blurry shadows within the canopy, summoned up the courage to speak, "Cousin, are you angry with me? It's my fault, causing you embarrassment..."
"I have no issues, nor am I angry with you. Don't overthink it," his voice came in response near her ear.
She slept for a while longer, but then she felt the clothes sticking uncomfortably to her back. She murmured softly, "I feel a bit hot. I'll go wipe myself again..."
Slowly, she sat up, feeling her way to pull back the canopy in the darkness. As she climbed down from the bed and sat on its edge, bending down to find her shoes, she suddenly felt a tightness around her waist. Hands clasped around her from behind, and she let out a soft gasp as she was pulled back into the canopy, pressed against the pillows.
Jiafu's blood surged through her body, her heart rate accelerating suddenly. Before she could react, she felt a weight pressing down on her, his body firmly holding her underneath him. Then, he lowered his head and found her lips with his own.
As Pei You'an kissed her, Jiafu felt his desire quickly rising, leaving her somewhat bewildered, unsure why he had suddenly acted this way.
He had kissed her more than once, each time with tenderness, and their lips meeting brought her pleasure and sweetness.
But this time was different. His breath felt hot against her face, and the kiss felt possessive, pressing heavily against her lips and tongue, making her uncomfortable.
"Cousin... you're hurting me..."
Jiafu gasped for breath, shaking her head continuously. She struggled to break free, finally managing to push him away. Swallowing hard, she complained in a muffled voice.
"Call me husband!" his voice commanded with undeniable authority.
"Husband..." Jiafu's body trembled, her breaths becoming soft and submissive as she complied with his words.
In this stifling and prolonged summer night, Pei You'an possessed the sweet, intoxicating body beneath him, a body that belonged solely to him.
Outside, at some point, the night rain began to fall. The rainwater washed over the trees in the courtyard, pooling at the eaves of the veranda, and cascading down with a soothing sound. The night breeze, carrying the scent of rain, infiltrated the gauze curtains, gradually dispelling the stuffiness and heat within the canopy.
Chapter - 54
By Tea Time Translations
---
If there are any mistakes in translation, please feel free to comment! Please support us @TeaTime.
---
On the way back, Jiafu still sat in the same carriage with the Second Lady.
Jiafu had long realized that the Second Lady must be quite excited at this moment—actually, apart from her, many of the ladies present tonight should share the same feeling: originally just intending to attend a scene, adding luster to the birthday celebration of the Crown Prince's consort's mother, who would have thought that a well-prepared birthday feast would come to such an abrupt end? Not only did it reveal the insider information about the sudden death of the Crown Prince's concubine a few days ago, but it also confirmed a previously rumored event, namely the simultaneous romantic interest of the Crown Prince and Pei You'an in the Lady Zhen from Quanzhou, and ultimately, the Emperor's decision to give Lady Zhen to Pei You'an. After all, the members of the Zhen family were ordered to follow the provincial governor of Fujian into the capital, and later eunuchs were sent to deliver the imperial decree to the Zhen family. The commotion was not small, and it was impossible for no one to know about the news. Moreover, this matter involved two people: the Crown Prince and a capable minister highly favored by the new Emperor, and it was also related to romantic affairs. Such news was originally the fastest to spread and the most eagerly awaited gossip. However, it had always been circulating in secret before. Who would have thought that tonight it would be revealed so openly and directly? Most importantly, the one who spoke these words was none other than the Crown Princess, who was known for her wisdom!
The Second Lady had been paying close attention to Jiafu's expression, waiting for her to speak out and complain about being wronged. When Jiafu remained silent after coming up, she herself endured for a moment, but couldn't resist any longer. She leaned closer and said, "Tonight was quite strange indeed. That Crown Princess was clearly drunk, behaving so erratically. It's really disgraceful, spouting nonsense to such an extent. Not only did she lash out at the Crown Prince, but she even dragged you and You'an into it! Not that I'm being disrespectful behind her back, but I think she must have lost her mind! I used to think she was so dignified and virtuous, but in just a few days, she has revealed such an ugly side!" She shook her head with a click of her tongue.
Jiafu still didn't speak.
She simply didn't have the mood or the energy to deal with this aunt by her side.
Just now, when Zhang Fengtong's father spoke to Pei You'an, Jiafu could guess what they were talking about. There were simply too many people in the birthday hall, and with all eyes watching, it was impossible to suppress the commotion caused by Zhang Fengtong.
When Pei You'an returned, Jiafu had once peeked at him by lifting a corner of the carriage curtain and saw his solemn expression.
She became even more certain that he was truly angry.
From the very beginning, he knew Xiao Yintang's intentions towards her. Their relationship had its origins in this matter. However, before tonight, to outsiders, it was a secret affair at most, with only suspicions, and no one would bring it out into the open.
But after tonight, it was different.
There was no need to wait until tomorrow; it was likely that everyone in the court would know about this affair.
The wife of a prominent court official being coveted by the Crown Prince. It was certainly a scandal for the Crown Prince. But for Pei You'an, having such romantic entanglements discussed behind his back was certainly not an honorable matter.
He would be ashamed because of her.
Jiafu truly regretted it. She regretted her impulsive decision to switch the cup of wine with the medicine in front of Zhang Fengtong. If she had known that she would say such things after drinking it, she would have endured it rather than do it.
The Second Lady glanced at Jiafu, seeing her still lost in thought. She then took her hand and changed her tone to a comforting one, saying, "Ah Fu, Auntie knows you're upset, but what kind of person are you? If others don't know, how could Auntie not know? Don't take it to heart. Anyone with a bit of sense won't believe the nonsense the Crown Prince's consort just spouted. You've just fallen victim to circumstances. You'an must surely think the same. When you go back, explain things to him properly."
Ever since Jiafu started calling her "Auntie" after the last time she referred to herself as "Auntie," the Second Lady no longer used "Auntie" when speaking to Jiafu.
Feeling increasingly annoyed by the Second Lady's incessant chatter, Jiafu turned her head slightly and lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, glancing outside.
He was riding a horse, leisurely moving alongside the carriage on the side of the road.
The group arrived at the Pei residence, and the carriages stopped one by one at the entrance. The maidservants and servants from the carriage behind came down and brought over the stepping stool to place it beside the carriage. The Second Lady was assisted down first by the maid, followed by Jiafu. As Tanxiang was about to assist Jiafu, Pei You'an reached out and lightly supported her arm. Jiafu steadied herself, and he let go of her hand.
They were going to escort Lady Xin back to her quarters first. Lady Xin said there was no need, but then she added, "You'an, if you have a moment, there are a few words I'd like to speak with you."
Pei You'an responded with a word of acknowledgment, then turned to Jiafu and said, "You go back to our room first. Rest early. I'll be back later."
His tone was gentle as he instructed Tanxiang and Liu Mama to escort the grandmother back first.
Jiafu glanced at Lady Xin, suppressing her inner apprehension, and turned to leave first.
Pei You'an escorted Lady Xin to her room and asked, "Mother, is there something you'd like to tell me?"
Lady Xin looked at him, a smile playing on her lips. "You'an, I know we've never been close, and perhaps you've felt that I've favored your younger brother. It's not that I have any prejudice against you. You're still my son, my eldest son. Now that the family relies on you entirely, and as I grow older, I'll rely on you too. It's just that you've always been so responsible since you were young, never giving me any trouble, while your younger brother isn't as capable, which is why I paid more attention to him. I hope you can understand the challenges of being a mother."
Pei You'an responded, "I already understand these things, Mother. Is there something you wanted to instruct me?"
Lady Xin sighed, "You must have heard about what happened tonight at the Zhang family's house. The Crown Princess, in front of everyone, mentioned that the Crown Prince had thoughts about our new daughter-in-law, even mentioning her by name, implicating you as well. You might have felt a bit embarrassed in front of the Emperor and your colleagues; after all, it's not a pleasant thing to hear. Our new daughter-in-law has been with us for some time now, and I'm not saying there's anything wrong with her. I'm telling you this not for any other reason but because you're my son. I can't stand by and watch your reputation being tarnished like this. When you return, it might be best to discuss this matter with her, just to prevent any further embarrassment."
Pei You'an asked, "Mother, what do you think I should say to her?"
Lady Xin was momentarily taken aback, hesitating for a moment. "How could the Crown Princess slander the Crown Prince out of thin air? It must be because she was truly furious and couldn't hold it in anymore. As the saying goes, if one is upright, they need not fear slanted shadows. It's likely that she and the Crown Prince have some dealings..."
"It's getting late! If you have no other matters, you should rest, and I'll also retire," Pei You'an interjected.
He gave a slight bow to Lady Xin and then turned to leave.
"You'an! I'm also concerned about your reputation—" Lady Xin called out.
Pei You'an suddenly stopped in his tracks, turning back with a gaze that carried a chilling intensity.
Over the years, despite the distant relationship between Lady Xin and her "eldest son," Pei You'an had always maintained decorum in his dealings with her, upholding his duties as a son.
Lady Xin was taken aback by the expression she saw on Pei You'an's face, a look she had never seen before. Instinctively, she took a step back.
"I know what kind of person she is better than you, Mother. Aren't you aware of the principle of 'holding a tiger by the tail'? Do you think the ramblings of a hysterical woman are worth interrogating me like this?" The use of "interrogating" carried a clear implication.
Lady Xin's shock was not unwarranted; she looked at Pei You'an, her expression gradually turning grim.
"How... how can you speak to me like this..."
Her voice trembled slightly, mixed with a hint of anger. However, facing her eldest son, who seemed to have been suddenly provoked, she didn't dare to say anything more.
Pei You'an took a slow breath, and when he spoke again, although his voice no longer carried anger, his tone was as cold as ice.
"Mother!" he said, "The so-called reputation you speak of, I lost it when I was sixteen, far more than today. Back then, I never even uttered a word in my own defense. Do you think I still care today?"
"In the past, you were my mother, and you still are. As you said just now, if you truly need my support in your old age, then if I am still around at that time, I will not refuse. But that's all. My affairs, as well as Jiafu's, you need not concern yourself with in the future. I know very well what needs to be done."
"It's late, you should rest,"
She stood there, watching as Pei You'an's figure disappeared, her whole body frozen in place. Only her lips trembled incessantly.
.....
Jiafu entered the room listlessly, took a bath, and changed into fresh clothes. Just a moment after, Pei You'an returned.
Jiafu had a feeling that Lady Xin might have said something to him. She discreetly observed his expression, but his face showed no signs of anything amiss. After bathing and changing, he came out and, as usual, went to the study.
He had the habit of going to the study every night.
Lately, sometimes she would accompany him there, while other times he would go first and she would join him later.
In the study, Pei You'an would sometimes get distracted by her presence, drop his work and make out with her, and the two of them would go back to the bedroom together.
However, sometimes, despite her allure, he would remain focused on his work, paying no heed to her presence. In such cases, Jiafu would sit aside, reading a book to pass the time. Eventually, she would end up falling asleep on the books, either to be carried back to their bedroom by him later or to leave him and return to their room on her own.
In any case, as their relationship grew more intimate, Jiafu's visits to his study became as casual as going to their bedroom, without needing to ask for his permission.
She could have gone directly to his study as she did the previous nights, but because of what happened tonight, she felt somewhat hesitant. She stayed in their bedroom, waiting until the hour of the Pig (9-11 pm) - by this time on previous nights, both of them had already retired to bed, as it was the latest bedtime Jiafu set for him.
She had her reasons, and she was quite articulate about them. Her grandmother had instructed her to ensure that he didn't work too late. At the time, he seemed somewhat unwilling to comply, but eventually nodded in agreement.
Tonight was particularly stifling, even though all the windows in the room were open, there was no breeze, making it difficult to breathe.
Jiafu entered the study and gently pushed open the partially closed door. To her surprise, she found him not seated behind his desk as usual but standing by the north window, hands clasped behind his back, gazing out at the murky night sky. His silhouette appeared heavy with thought, as if he had been standing like that for quite some time.
Jiafu's footsteps came to an abrupt halt at the door.
Pei You'an heard the sound she made and turned his head, casting her a glance with a slightly somber expression.
Jiafu hesitated for a moment before whispering, "It's late, aren't you going to sleep?"
Pei You'an smiled faintly, turned off the lights, and said, "Let's go."
The two of them returned to their bedroom. The lights went out. Pei You'an seemed a bit weary. After lying down, he closed his eyes as if falling into a deep sleep.
However, Jiafu found the inside of the canopy stifling and hot. Despite having taken a bath, she felt sweaty all over, and her mind was filled with worries. She couldn't sleep. After a moment, she opened her eyes and, looking at the blurry shadows within the canopy, summoned up the courage to speak, "Cousin, are you angry with me? It's my fault, causing you embarrassment..."
"I have no issues, nor am I angry with you. Don't overthink it," his voice came in response near her ear.
She slept for a while longer, but then she felt the clothes sticking uncomfortably to her back. She murmured softly, "I feel a bit hot. I'll go wipe myself again..."
Slowly, she sat up, feeling her way to pull back the canopy in the darkness. As she climbed down from the bed and sat on its edge, bending down to find her shoes, she suddenly felt a tightness around her waist. Hands clasped around her from behind, and she let out a soft gasp as she was pulled back into the canopy, pressed against the pillows.
Jiafu's blood surged through her body, her heart rate accelerating suddenly. Before she could react, she felt a weight pressing down on her, his body firmly holding her underneath him. Then, he lowered his head and found her lips with his own.
As Pei You'an kissed her, Jiafu felt his desire quickly rising, leaving her somewhat bewildered, unsure why he had suddenly acted this way.
He had kissed her more than once, each time with tenderness, and their lips meeting brought her pleasure and sweetness.
But this time was different. His breath felt hot against her face, and the kiss felt possessive, pressing heavily against her lips and tongue, making her uncomfortable.
"Cousin... you're hurting me..."
Jiafu gasped for breath, shaking her head continuously. She struggled to break free, finally managing to push him away. Swallowing hard, she complained in a muffled voice.
"Call me husband!" his voice commanded with undeniable authority.
"Husband..." Jiafu's body trembled, her breaths becoming soft and submissive as she complied with his words.
In this stifling and prolonged summer night, Pei You'an possessed the sweet, intoxicating body beneath him, a body that belonged solely to him.
Outside, at some point, the night rain began to fall. The rainwater washed over the trees in the courtyard, pooling at the eaves of the veranda, and cascading down with a soothing sound. The night breeze, carrying the scent of rain, infiltrated the gauze curtains, gradually dispelling the stuffiness and heat within the canopy.
