Chapter - 57
By Tea Time Translations
---
If there are any mistakes in translation, please feel free to comment! Please support us @TeaTime.
---
The crown prince's matters concern the state. Although this incident has caused some embarrassment, even if it were true, at most it would only prove that the crown prince has a violent temperament and some shortcomings in his private conduct. These are all intangible things, and with proper guidance, there is the possibility of a change of heart. The idea that princes should be punished for their crimes like commoners is just an ideal from ancient sages, akin to the concept of a utopian world where all is shared equally. However, even if he killed a concubine, it still falls short of crossing the emperor's intolerable bottom line. Moreover, the emperor has recently ascended the throne, and stability is paramount in all court matters. It's unlikely that the emperor would take action against the crown prince because of this.
He needs a ladder to climb out of this situation, and now that the ladder has been offered, he will take it. Whether it's true or false, whether to believe it or not, is secondary.
These were explanations given by Pei You'an to Jiafu as they accompanied each other to the study one evening after the events had unfolded.
Jiafu felt a sense of enlightenment.
She had initially regretted her impulsive actions that night, but hearing his tone, it seemed that what she did wasn't considered a bad deed after all.
Finally, he seated her on his lap and assured her that he had been negligent before, leading to her almost getting into trouble. He promised Jiafu that he would be extra careful from now on and wouldn't let her encounter such danger again.
With him by her side, Jiafu felt truly at ease. Besides nodding in agreement, she didn't need to think about much else.
She had worked so hard and gone through so much to marry this man, and now, having him felt like having a towering tree to shelter her from the wind and rain.
.....
Two days later, Jiafu's brother, Zhen Yaoting, arrived in the capital.
Not having seen each other for nearly half a year, although traces of his former youthful demeanor could still be glimpsed in his words and actions, he appeared more mature and slightly thinner than before. When the siblings met, they were overjoyed. Jiafu stayed at home until evening, and when Pei You'an came out from the palace, he joined them for dinner before taking Jiafu back to their residence.
The next day, Meng Shi brought her son to pay respects to the elders. After bowing, the elderly lady remarked that they were all family and there was no need for such formality, allowing Zhen Yaoting to stay and chat with them. When asked about his marriage prospects, the elderly lady learned that due to some delays, he hadn't found a suitable match yet. She advised, "Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and it's best not to rush. Take your time to find someone suitable."
Meng Shi nodded in agreement, saying, "I've always thought the same. Yaoting was mischievous since he was young and didn't listen to me. I've always hoped that his future wife would be responsible and help me manage him."
As Meng Shi spoke, Jiafu noticed her brother glancing towards the back door curtain, likely looking for Yuzhu. Seeing only two little maids standing there without her presence, he looked somewhat disappointed.
After a while, the elderly lady mentioned that they were preparing to return to Quanzhou soon. She suggested, "If there's no urgency to leave, why not stay a bit longer? In a few days, it will be my Second grandson's wedding. Since we're all relatives, let's celebrate together and enjoy the festivities before returning."
Upon hearing that Pei Xiuzhi was finally getting married, Meng Shi felt relieved and inquired about the bride's family. Satisfied with the response, she smiled at her son and said, "This couldn't be better. Let's stay a bit longer, just the two of us."
Zhen Yaoting was reluctant to leave just yet, so he happily agreed to stay longer.
Mrs. Pei's body had rapidly declined in health in the previous years, and it was only in the past six months that her spirits had somewhat improved. However, her condition was still fragile, and after sitting for a while, she began to show signs of fatigue. Concerned about disturbing her rest, Meng Shi stood up to bid farewell.
Calling for Yuzhu, the elderly lady asked her to see off their guests. Yuzhu happily complied and escorted Meng Shi and Zhen Yaoting out. Jiafu followed along as well.
During their visit, Meng Shi had privately reminded her son multiple times not to engage in any secretive confrontations like he had done last year, to avoid embarrassing his sister. Zhen Yaoting had promised to comply. Indeed, throughout the entire visit today, except for glancing back a few times when he overheard the elderly lady and Meng Shi discussing his marriage, he behaved impeccably, showing no signs of disrespect. As they left, he helped his mother onto the carriage and reluctantly glanced back a few more times before they departed.
Yuzhu turned her face away.
Jiafu noticed this with some regret.
It seemed that her brother was truly smitten with Yuzhu. Even after all this time, during their recent visit to the capital, when they met yesterday, he had quietly asked her about Yuzhu's recent situation before she left. Hearing that she wasn't betrothed to anyone yet, he had breathed a sigh of relief.
The Pei family would release maids once a year, and it was almost time for it this year. Some of the older maids in the mansion had found their places already, either married off or leaving the mansion for other opportunities. Yet Yuzhu, being the oldest maid among them, still seemed to have no plans. Just a few days ago, when Jiafu visited the old lady, she heard the old lady ask Yuzhu if she had any thoughts about her future. Yuzhu's face had flushed slightly, and she glanced quickly at Jiafu before shaking her head, saying she had no particular aspirations and still wished to serve the old lady for the rest of her life. The old lady had sighed and smiled at the time, saying she didn't know when she would leave this world and didn't want to burden Yuzhu anymore.
Thinking back to that day when they returned from Baihe Temple together, Yuzhu had been unusually silent, with a hint of melancholy in her expression. Perhaps the discussion about the maiden's future had stirred up memories of her own childhood struggles in her mind.
Jiafu had originally considered speaking to the old lady on Yuzhu's behalf if she harbored feelings for her brother. Her mother had always liked Yuzhu, so she would surely approve. With the old lady's endorsement, it would be difficult for her grandmother to oppose it.
If her brother could marry Yuzhu, then she could finally rest assured about the affairs of the household.
However, observing Yuzhu during this entire journey, she only spoke with her mother and herself, completely ignoring her brother. It seemed as if she had no interest whatsoever.
If Yuzhu showed no interest and her brother was enthusiastic, it would be futile for her to intervene. Moreover, she didn't want to appear overly pushy by bringing up the topic rashly.
She blamed her brother's past frivolous behavior for leaving a poor impression on Yuzhu.
Jiafu had no choice but to give up the idea.
Soon, everyone in the Pei family was busy with Pei Xiuzhi's wedding. The chosen bride, Zhou Jiao'e, had been engaged once before, but the marriage had been called off due to astrological incompatibility. She had been at home for two years now, and both sides were eager to proceed with the wedding as smoothly as possible. Before long, Pei Xiuzhi was married.
Mrs. Pei was particularly invested in Pei Xiuzhi's marriage. Despite her declining health, she not only frequently inquired about the arrangements but also contributed a significant amount of money to cover the expenses.
After Pei Xiuzhi committed the crime, he not only lost his title but was also relieved of his previous position as an officer. He was now essentially starting over. With his impending marriage, Pei You'an managed to secure a favor from the Emperor, allowing Pei Xiuzhi to join the ranks as a junior officer, granting him the position of a cavalry officer.
The "Cavalry Officer" position belonged to the Jingying Five Army Camp. Although this position couldn't be compared to the title of a duke, those who could enter the camp were all children of distinguished families, such as dukes, marquises, and counts. With proper training for a year or two, as long as one had the ability, they could quickly rise through the ranks. It was always in high demand, and many aristocratic children who wanted to enter couldn't get the opportunity.
Despite being a second marriage, when Pei Xiuzhi got married, the ceremony was no less grand than Pei You'an's wedding. Many guests came to the Pei residence, not only for Pei You'an but also from the Zhou family, the Empress's side. The festivities lasted from morning till night, bustling with activity. Mrs. Xin, who was usually stern and rarely smiled, had a rosy complexion and her laughter could be heard everywhere, as she busily attended to the guests.
The next morning, Jiafu saw her sister-in-law, Zhou Jiao'e, who was a bit older than her, around eighteen or nineteen years old. True to her name, she had a good appearance and was finely dressed. Her lips were thin, and she was very eloquent. Pei Xiuzhi stood beside her, wearing a smile on his face, but for some reason, it seemed forced. His gaze was wandering, briefly landing on Jiafu's face before quickly moving away, seemingly tinged with disappointment and embarrassment.
At the time, Jiafu didn't pay much attention to it. However, a few days later, she heard from Liu Mama that on the night of Pei Xiuzhi and Zhou Jiao'e's wedding, everything seemed fine at first. However, shortly afterward, there were faint sounds of argument from inside the bridal chamber. It then became quiet, and for several nights, there was no disturbance. But last night, in the middle of the night, Pei Xiuzhi and Zhou Jiao'e suddenly started quarreling again. Initially, the argument was quiet, but it escalated, and some words were heard from outside. It was said that Pei Xiuzhi accused her of being shameless and not following the ways of a wife, while Zhou Jiao'e smashed things on the ground. Pei Xiuzhi stormed out of the bedroom in anger and went to the study, while Zhou Jiao'e cried incessantly. The servants quickly woke up Mrs. Xin, who hurried over to comfort the new bride and personally went to the study to call her son back to the bedroom.
Afterward, although Mrs. Xin also called the maidservant in the courtyard and strictly ordered them not to spread the news, the disturbance was too significant, and the noise could be heard outside the courtyard. Liu Mama, who usually liked to meddle in affairs, had already recognized several goddaughters since entering the Pei family with Jiafu a few months ago. As soon as she heard the news from one of her goddaughters, she immediately came to inform Jiafu.
Jiafu remembered Pei Xiuzhi's expression the morning after his wedding and vaguely understood what was happening.
Liu Mama also seemed to have thought of something and whispered, "It seems that this second wife was rejected from a marriage a few years ago when she was still a girl at home. It might not have been due to incompatible astrological signs. Maybe the man's family heard something, which led to her staying at home for two years. Now that the Empress has risen, someone proposed a marriage, and she married Second Master. She's only been here for a few days, yet she walks with her chin up, disregarding everyone except for the Old Madam. I heard she said a lot of things behind Second Madam's back, which angered her. I thought she was so noble, but only the Old Madam treats her like a treasure."
Liu Mama's face showed disdain.
Jiafu told her not to spread the news further, and Liu Mama nodded. "The Old Madam is kind-hearted and soft-hearted. Am I not afraid that you will be bullied by her, so I am asking for news for you? You just need to know what you know. Don't worry, my mouth has a handle; I know what I'm doing."
The next morning, both branches of the Pei family, along with relatives and other families who had frequent contacts with the Pei family, gathered in front of the gate of the Pei family one after another before dawn, preparing to set off for Ci'en Temple to celebrate the Old Duke's seventieth birthday.
These celebrations only happened every ten years, so this occasion was exceptionally grand. The Pei family arranged for a seven-day celebration at Ci'en Temple to ensure the auspiciousness of the event. Additionally, the Emperor sent eunuchs with imperial gifts to the temple.
In preparation for the ancestral rites, meant to honor the past and ensure prosperity for the future, family members naturally did not need to wear mournful faces. The women dressed in their finest attire for the occasion. Pei You'an had specially requested leave from the Emperor for this day. Before even the fourth watch of the night, when it was still pitch dark, he rose from bed, advising Jiafu to go back to sleep, and then he left the house with Pei Quan to oversee various arrangements.
Now that Jiafu had finished dressing, she went to her grandmother's room. Together, they headed towards the gate as dawn began to break, carrying lanterns along the way. Upon reaching the main gate, which was brightly lit with torches, they saw a bustling scene with many people coming and going. Amidst the crowd, Jiafu immediately spotted Pei You'an's figure.
As they waited in a flower hall beside the entrance to be assigned to their carriages, she saw him approaching with a steward. Seizing the opportunity, she positioned herself behind a decorative wall, waiting for him to pass by. Pei You'an, engaged in conversation with the steward, caught sight of her from the corner of his eye. Seeing her gesturing to him with one hand behind her back, while the other hand beckoned him, he halted the steward and walked over to where Jiafu stood, blocking her from the view of others and positioning himself between her and the wall. He then lowered his head to meet her gaze and smiled gently, asking, "What is it?"
Jiafu quickly glanced around to ensure nobody was watching, then extended her arm from behind her back, offering a handkerchief wrapped around a bundle of items to Pei You'an. "You woke up in the middle of the night with so much to do, and when we depart later and arrive at the temple, you might not have time to eat anything. I'm worried you might get hungry, so I quickly packed some snacks for you. There are mung bean cakes, lactose biscuits, and almond pastries. The almond pastries were just made by the chef last night and are best eaten in the morning. They're fragrant and crispy, one bite at a time. If you get hungry, they'll fill your stomach..."
"Master, Jing'an Marquis has arrived!" A steward called out loudly from the entrance.
Jiafu hurriedly stuffed the snacks into Pei You'an's hand and then slipped away from his side before darting off.
Pei You'an lowered his head to glance at the snacks forcefully stuffed into his hand by Jiafu. Then, lifting his head, he noticed she had already darted into the flower hall like a little rabbit, disappearing from sight. A faint smile involuntarily curved his lips.
His naive little wife seemed to be pampering him with her own taste. Since he never refused, starting from the earliest bowl of snow fungus and taro milk soup, he couldn't seem to stop. All the snacks she made for him in the evening were sweet, and now the ones she gave him were enough to give someone a sugar rush.
But he seemed to gradually acquire a taste for sweet treats, not entirely disliking them.
After being busy since the early hours, the little something he ate earlier was long gone, and now, upon hearing her words, he did feel a bit hungry.
Pei You'an unfolded the handkerchief, picked up a piece of almond pastry, and tossed it into his mouth. With a few quick bites, he swallowed it down, then wrapped up the rest and tucked it into his sleeve before heading towards the main entrance.
Chapter - 57
By Tea Time Translations
---
If there are any mistakes in translation, please feel free to comment! Please support us @TeaTime.
---
The crown prince's matters concern the state. Although this incident has caused some embarrassment, even if it were true, at most it would only prove that the crown prince has a violent temperament and some shortcomings in his private conduct. These are all intangible things, and with proper guidance, there is the possibility of a change of heart. The idea that princes should be punished for their crimes like commoners is just an ideal from ancient sages, akin to the concept of a utopian world where all is shared equally. However, even if he killed a concubine, it still falls short of crossing the emperor's intolerable bottom line. Moreover, the emperor has recently ascended the throne, and stability is paramount in all court matters. It's unlikely that the emperor would take action against the crown prince because of this.
He needs a ladder to climb out of this situation, and now that the ladder has been offered, he will take it. Whether it's true or false, whether to believe it or not, is secondary.
These were explanations given by Pei You'an to Jiafu as they accompanied each other to the study one evening after the events had unfolded.
Jiafu felt a sense of enlightenment.
She had initially regretted her impulsive actions that night, but hearing his tone, it seemed that what she did wasn't considered a bad deed after all.
Finally, he seated her on his lap and assured her that he had been negligent before, leading to her almost getting into trouble. He promised Jiafu that he would be extra careful from now on and wouldn't let her encounter such danger again.
With him by her side, Jiafu felt truly at ease. Besides nodding in agreement, she didn't need to think about much else.
She had worked so hard and gone through so much to marry this man, and now, having him felt like having a towering tree to shelter her from the wind and rain.
.....
Two days later, Jiafu's brother, Zhen Yaoting, arrived in the capital.
Not having seen each other for nearly half a year, although traces of his former youthful demeanor could still be glimpsed in his words and actions, he appeared more mature and slightly thinner than before. When the siblings met, they were overjoyed. Jiafu stayed at home until evening, and when Pei You'an came out from the palace, he joined them for dinner before taking Jiafu back to their residence.
The next day, Meng Shi brought her son to pay respects to the elders. After bowing, the elderly lady remarked that they were all family and there was no need for such formality, allowing Zhen Yaoting to stay and chat with them. When asked about his marriage prospects, the elderly lady learned that due to some delays, he hadn't found a suitable match yet. She advised, "Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and it's best not to rush. Take your time to find someone suitable."
Meng Shi nodded in agreement, saying, "I've always thought the same. Yaoting was mischievous since he was young and didn't listen to me. I've always hoped that his future wife would be responsible and help me manage him."
As Meng Shi spoke, Jiafu noticed her brother glancing towards the back door curtain, likely looking for Yuzhu. Seeing only two little maids standing there without her presence, he looked somewhat disappointed.
After a while, the elderly lady mentioned that they were preparing to return to Quanzhou soon. She suggested, "If there's no urgency to leave, why not stay a bit longer? In a few days, it will be my Second grandson's wedding. Since we're all relatives, let's celebrate together and enjoy the festivities before returning."
Upon hearing that Pei Xiuzhi was finally getting married, Meng Shi felt relieved and inquired about the bride's family. Satisfied with the response, she smiled at her son and said, "This couldn't be better. Let's stay a bit longer, just the two of us."
Zhen Yaoting was reluctant to leave just yet, so he happily agreed to stay longer.
Mrs. Pei's body had rapidly declined in health in the previous years, and it was only in the past six months that her spirits had somewhat improved. However, her condition was still fragile, and after sitting for a while, she began to show signs of fatigue. Concerned about disturbing her rest, Meng Shi stood up to bid farewell.
Calling for Yuzhu, the elderly lady asked her to see off their guests. Yuzhu happily complied and escorted Meng Shi and Zhen Yaoting out. Jiafu followed along as well.
During their visit, Meng Shi had privately reminded her son multiple times not to engage in any secretive confrontations like he had done last year, to avoid embarrassing his sister. Zhen Yaoting had promised to comply. Indeed, throughout the entire visit today, except for glancing back a few times when he overheard the elderly lady and Meng Shi discussing his marriage, he behaved impeccably, showing no signs of disrespect. As they left, he helped his mother onto the carriage and reluctantly glanced back a few more times before they departed.
Yuzhu turned her face away.
Jiafu noticed this with some regret.
It seemed that her brother was truly smitten with Yuzhu. Even after all this time, during their recent visit to the capital, when they met yesterday, he had quietly asked her about Yuzhu's recent situation before she left. Hearing that she wasn't betrothed to anyone yet, he had breathed a sigh of relief.
The Pei family would release maids once a year, and it was almost time for it this year. Some of the older maids in the mansion had found their places already, either married off or leaving the mansion for other opportunities. Yet Yuzhu, being the oldest maid among them, still seemed to have no plans. Just a few days ago, when Jiafu visited the old lady, she heard the old lady ask Yuzhu if she had any thoughts about her future. Yuzhu's face had flushed slightly, and she glanced quickly at Jiafu before shaking her head, saying she had no particular aspirations and still wished to serve the old lady for the rest of her life. The old lady had sighed and smiled at the time, saying she didn't know when she would leave this world and didn't want to burden Yuzhu anymore.
Thinking back to that day when they returned from Baihe Temple together, Yuzhu had been unusually silent, with a hint of melancholy in her expression. Perhaps the discussion about the maiden's future had stirred up memories of her own childhood struggles in her mind.
Jiafu had originally considered speaking to the old lady on Yuzhu's behalf if she harbored feelings for her brother. Her mother had always liked Yuzhu, so she would surely approve. With the old lady's endorsement, it would be difficult for her grandmother to oppose it.
If her brother could marry Yuzhu, then she could finally rest assured about the affairs of the household.
However, observing Yuzhu during this entire journey, she only spoke with her mother and herself, completely ignoring her brother. It seemed as if she had no interest whatsoever.
If Yuzhu showed no interest and her brother was enthusiastic, it would be futile for her to intervene. Moreover, she didn't want to appear overly pushy by bringing up the topic rashly.
She blamed her brother's past frivolous behavior for leaving a poor impression on Yuzhu.
Jiafu had no choice but to give up the idea.
Soon, everyone in the Pei family was busy with Pei Xiuzhi's wedding. The chosen bride, Zhou Jiao'e, had been engaged once before, but the marriage had been called off due to astrological incompatibility. She had been at home for two years now, and both sides were eager to proceed with the wedding as smoothly as possible. Before long, Pei Xiuzhi was married.
Mrs. Pei was particularly invested in Pei Xiuzhi's marriage. Despite her declining health, she not only frequently inquired about the arrangements but also contributed a significant amount of money to cover the expenses.
After Pei Xiuzhi committed the crime, he not only lost his title but was also relieved of his previous position as an officer. He was now essentially starting over. With his impending marriage, Pei You'an managed to secure a favor from the Emperor, allowing Pei Xiuzhi to join the ranks as a junior officer, granting him the position of a cavalry officer.
The "Cavalry Officer" position belonged to the Jingying Five Army Camp. Although this position couldn't be compared to the title of a duke, those who could enter the camp were all children of distinguished families, such as dukes, marquises, and counts. With proper training for a year or two, as long as one had the ability, they could quickly rise through the ranks. It was always in high demand, and many aristocratic children who wanted to enter couldn't get the opportunity.
Despite being a second marriage, when Pei Xiuzhi got married, the ceremony was no less grand than Pei You'an's wedding. Many guests came to the Pei residence, not only for Pei You'an but also from the Zhou family, the Empress's side. The festivities lasted from morning till night, bustling with activity. Mrs. Xin, who was usually stern and rarely smiled, had a rosy complexion and her laughter could be heard everywhere, as she busily attended to the guests.
The next morning, Jiafu saw her sister-in-law, Zhou Jiao'e, who was a bit older than her, around eighteen or nineteen years old. True to her name, she had a good appearance and was finely dressed. Her lips were thin, and she was very eloquent. Pei Xiuzhi stood beside her, wearing a smile on his face, but for some reason, it seemed forced. His gaze was wandering, briefly landing on Jiafu's face before quickly moving away, seemingly tinged with disappointment and embarrassment.
At the time, Jiafu didn't pay much attention to it. However, a few days later, she heard from Liu Mama that on the night of Pei Xiuzhi and Zhou Jiao'e's wedding, everything seemed fine at first. However, shortly afterward, there were faint sounds of argument from inside the bridal chamber. It then became quiet, and for several nights, there was no disturbance. But last night, in the middle of the night, Pei Xiuzhi and Zhou Jiao'e suddenly started quarreling again. Initially, the argument was quiet, but it escalated, and some words were heard from outside. It was said that Pei Xiuzhi accused her of being shameless and not following the ways of a wife, while Zhou Jiao'e smashed things on the ground. Pei Xiuzhi stormed out of the bedroom in anger and went to the study, while Zhou Jiao'e cried incessantly. The servants quickly woke up Mrs. Xin, who hurried over to comfort the new bride and personally went to the study to call her son back to the bedroom.
Afterward, although Mrs. Xin also called the maidservant in the courtyard and strictly ordered them not to spread the news, the disturbance was too significant, and the noise could be heard outside the courtyard. Liu Mama, who usually liked to meddle in affairs, had already recognized several goddaughters since entering the Pei family with Jiafu a few months ago. As soon as she heard the news from one of her goddaughters, she immediately came to inform Jiafu.
Jiafu remembered Pei Xiuzhi's expression the morning after his wedding and vaguely understood what was happening.
Liu Mama also seemed to have thought of something and whispered, "It seems that this second wife was rejected from a marriage a few years ago when she was still a girl at home. It might not have been due to incompatible astrological signs. Maybe the man's family heard something, which led to her staying at home for two years. Now that the Empress has risen, someone proposed a marriage, and she married Second Master. She's only been here for a few days, yet she walks with her chin up, disregarding everyone except for the Old Madam. I heard she said a lot of things behind Second Madam's back, which angered her. I thought she was so noble, but only the Old Madam treats her like a treasure."
Liu Mama's face showed disdain.
Jiafu told her not to spread the news further, and Liu Mama nodded. "The Old Madam is kind-hearted and soft-hearted. Am I not afraid that you will be bullied by her, so I am asking for news for you? You just need to know what you know. Don't worry, my mouth has a handle; I know what I'm doing."
The next morning, both branches of the Pei family, along with relatives and other families who had frequent contacts with the Pei family, gathered in front of the gate of the Pei family one after another before dawn, preparing to set off for Ci'en Temple to celebrate the Old Duke's seventieth birthday.
These celebrations only happened every ten years, so this occasion was exceptionally grand. The Pei family arranged for a seven-day celebration at Ci'en Temple to ensure the auspiciousness of the event. Additionally, the Emperor sent eunuchs with imperial gifts to the temple.
In preparation for the ancestral rites, meant to honor the past and ensure prosperity for the future, family members naturally did not need to wear mournful faces. The women dressed in their finest attire for the occasion. Pei You'an had specially requested leave from the Emperor for this day. Before even the fourth watch of the night, when it was still pitch dark, he rose from bed, advising Jiafu to go back to sleep, and then he left the house with Pei Quan to oversee various arrangements.
Now that Jiafu had finished dressing, she went to her grandmother's room. Together, they headed towards the gate as dawn began to break, carrying lanterns along the way. Upon reaching the main gate, which was brightly lit with torches, they saw a bustling scene with many people coming and going. Amidst the crowd, Jiafu immediately spotted Pei You'an's figure.
As they waited in a flower hall beside the entrance to be assigned to their carriages, she saw him approaching with a steward. Seizing the opportunity, she positioned herself behind a decorative wall, waiting for him to pass by. Pei You'an, engaged in conversation with the steward, caught sight of her from the corner of his eye. Seeing her gesturing to him with one hand behind her back, while the other hand beckoned him, he halted the steward and walked over to where Jiafu stood, blocking her from the view of others and positioning himself between her and the wall. He then lowered his head to meet her gaze and smiled gently, asking, "What is it?"
Jiafu quickly glanced around to ensure nobody was watching, then extended her arm from behind her back, offering a handkerchief wrapped around a bundle of items to Pei You'an. "You woke up in the middle of the night with so much to do, and when we depart later and arrive at the temple, you might not have time to eat anything. I'm worried you might get hungry, so I quickly packed some snacks for you. There are mung bean cakes, lactose biscuits, and almond pastries. The almond pastries were just made by the chef last night and are best eaten in the morning. They're fragrant and crispy, one bite at a time. If you get hungry, they'll fill your stomach..."
"Master, Jing'an Marquis has arrived!" A steward called out loudly from the entrance.
Jiafu hurriedly stuffed the snacks into Pei You'an's hand and then slipped away from his side before darting off.
Pei You'an lowered his head to glance at the snacks forcefully stuffed into his hand by Jiafu. Then, lifting his head, he noticed she had already darted into the flower hall like a little rabbit, disappearing from sight. A faint smile involuntarily curved his lips.
His naive little wife seemed to be pampering him with her own taste. Since he never refused, starting from the earliest bowl of snow fungus and taro milk soup, he couldn't seem to stop. All the snacks she made for him in the evening were sweet, and now the ones she gave him were enough to give someone a sugar rush.
But he seemed to gradually acquire a taste for sweet treats, not entirely disliking them.
After being busy since the early hours, the little something he ate earlier was long gone, and now, upon hearing her words, he did feel a bit hungry.
Pei You'an unfolded the handkerchief, picked up a piece of almond pastry, and tossed it into his mouth. With a few quick bites, he swallowed it down, then wrapped up the rest and tucked it into his sleeve before heading towards the main entrance.
