Wish You All the Best - Chapter 57

Chapter 57

The Crown Prince is a matter of national importance. Although this incident was rather unsightly, even if it were true, at best it would only prove that the Crown Prince has a tyrannical temperament and flawed personal morals. These are intangible things; as long as he is properly guided, there is still the possibility of him turning over a new leaf. The saying "the prince who commits a crime is judged the same as the commoner" is like the concept of a Great Unity or a world held in common—it is merely an ideal of the sages from antiquity. Even killing a secondary consort does not touch the bottom line that an emperor cannot tolerate. Furthermore, the Emperor has only recently ascended the throne, and the entire political situation demands stability. It is unlikely that he would truly move against the Crown Prince over this.

He was precisely in need of a ladder to climb down and gloss over this matter, and now that the ladder had been presented, he took it. As for whether the claims were true or false, or whether he believed them or not, that was secondary.

These were things Pei You’an explained to Jiafu one evening after the incident, when she had accompanied him to the study to keep him company while he read.

Jiafu felt as though a light had suddenly gone on in her mind.

She had originally felt quite regretful about her impulsive actions that night, but listening to his tone, what she did that night was not considered a bad thing at all.

Finally, he pulled her onto his lap and told her that he had been too negligent previously, which had almost led to her being harmed. He promised Jiafu that he would be doubly careful in the future and would never again let her encounter such dangerous situations as before.

With him there, Jiafu felt truly at ease; other than nodding, she hardly needed to think about anything else.

This man, whom she had worked so hard to marry by alternating between threats and deception, was like a towering tree, sheltering her from the wind and rain.

...

Two days later, Jiafu’s brother, Zhen Yaoting, arrived in the capital.

It had been half a year since they last met. Although one could still occasionally see shadows of the childishness in his speech and actions, he was much more steady than before. He had also grown a bit darker and thinner. When the siblings met, they were overjoyed. Jiafu stayed at the residence until evening, and when Pei You’an returned from the palace, he came over to join them for dinner before taking Jiafu back to their manor. The following day, Madam Meng brought her son to visit the elders. After they performed the kowtows, the Old Madam remarked that they were all family and need not be so formal, keeping Zhen Yaoting there to talk. When the Old Madam asked about Zhen Yaoting’s marriage, she learned that because of delays earlier, there was currently no suitable match. She said, "The child is not yet old, and marriage is a lifelong matter. It is not something to be rushed. Take time to search; finding the right person is what matters most."

Madam Meng nodded repeatedly. "That is exactly what I think. Yaoting has been mischievous since he was small and doesn't always listen to me. I have always thought that for a future daughter-in-law, the most important thing is for her to be sensible and steady, so she can help me out."

While this was being said, Jiafu noticed her brother turn his head to glance toward the door curtain behind him, as if looking for Yuzhu. Seeing that only two little maidservants were standing there and she had not appeared, a look of disappointment crossed his face.

After they chatted for a while longer, the Old Madam heard Madam Meng mention that she was preparing to return to Quanzhou soon. She said, "If you are not in a hurry to return, why not stay a while longer? In a few more days, it will be my second grandson's wedding. We are all relatives; why not stay for the bustle, have some wedding wine, and then return?"

Upon hearing that Pei Xiuzhi was finally getting married, Madam Meng’s heart was at ease. She asked about the bride, agreed wholeheartedly, and turned to smile at her son. "This couldn't be better. Let us two stay for a few more days."

Zhen Yaoting, who had been reluctant to return so soon, found this to be exactly what he wanted and happily agreed.

Pei Old Madam’s health had declined rapidly over the past few years, and only in the last half-year had her spirit recovered slightly. However, her constitution had been hollowed out. After sitting for a while, she began to show signs of fatigue. Fearing to disturb her rest, Madam Meng rose to take her leave.

The Old Madam called out for Yuzhu. Yuzhu lifted the curtain and entered; upon hearing that Madam Meng and her son were leaving, she was asked to see them out and smilingly agreed, leading Madam Meng and Zhen Yaoting out. Jiafu accompanied them.

During this visit, Madam Meng had been worried and had privately reminded her son several times, ordering him not to repeat the act of cornering people in private like he did last year, so as not to bring shame upon his sister again. Zhen Yaoting had promised. Indeed, throughout the day, except for glancing back a few times when the Old Madam and Madam Meng mentioned his marriage, he had behaved without any rudeness. However, after helping his mother onto the carriage outside, he was reluctant to part and couldn't help but look back a few more times.

Yuzhu turned her face away.

Jiafu watched this and felt a sense of regret.

Her brother truly had Yuzhu on his heart; so much time had passed, and yet, upon entering the capital and meeting his sister yesterday, he had specifically and quietly asked about Yuzhu’s situation before Jiafu left. When he heard she was not betrothed, he had breathed a sigh of relief.

The Pei family released maidservants once a year, and this year that time was approaching. The maidservants in the manor who had reached the appropriate age were finding their futures one after another, either by being matched in marriage or by leaving the manor. Only Yuzhu, who was the oldest "old maid" of the group, seemed to have no plans. Just a few days ago, when Jiafu went to the Old Madam’s side, she heard the Old Madam ask Yuzhu if she had any plans, telling her to speak up if she did. Yuzhu had blushed, glanced swiftly at Jiafu, and shook her head, saying she had no plans and only wished to serve the Old Madam for the rest of her life. The Old Madam had sighed with a smile, saying that she didn't know when she herself would depart, and since Yuzhu had served her for so many years, she didn't want to delay her any longer.

Jiafu remembered that day when she sat in the carriage with her returning from White Crane Temple; Yuzhu had been unusually silent, and her expression was filled with sorrow. It was likely the story of that Taoist nun had evoked memories of her own childhood hardships.

Jiafu had originally thought that if Yuzhu also had feelings for her brother, she might as well be thick-skinned and speak to the Old Madam about it. Her mother had always liked Yuzhu and would only approve, and with the Old Madam’s support, the grandmother would likely not hold out against it.

If her brother could marry Yuzhu, then she could truly be at peace regarding matters inside and outside the home.

But seeing Yuzhu on the way out, talking only to her mother and herself without even glancing at her brother, it seemed she was completely indifferent.

If she were indifferent, her brother’s one-sided affection would be to no avail, and she certainly could not bring up the subject rashly, lest she appear coercive.

It was only to blame her brother for being too reckless in the past, leaving Yuzhu with a terrible impression.

Jiafu had no choice but to dismiss the thought.

Soon, the entire Pei household became busy with Pei Xiuzhi’s wedding. Because she was a secondary wife, and Zhou Jiao’e had been engaged once before—only to have it canceled due to an supposed astrological incompatibility—she had remained at home for two years. Now, both sides wanted to hold the wedding quickly, and all the rituals proceeded smoothly. Before long, Pei Xiuzhi was married.

Pei Old Madam appeared exceptionally attentive to Pei Xiuzhi’s marriage. Ignoring her own lack of energy, she not only inquired about things personally but also contributed a large sum of money to subsidize the preparations.

After Pei Xiuzhi’s misconduct, he had not only lost his title but was also stripped of his position as a Captain of the Martial Might. He was now a commoner. With his marriage approaching, Pei You’an managed to secure an inherited favor from the Emperor for him, allowing him to enter the Young Official’s Guard Camp and attain the position of a Saber-Wielding Cavalry Attendant.

The Guard Camp belonged under the Five-Army Camp of the capital. Although this position could not compare to a Duke’s title, those who could enter the camp were all sons of merit-holding families—Dukes, Marquises, and Earls. As long as one spent a year or two training properly and possessed ability, one could soon rise above the rest. It was a coveted position with more applicants than spots, and many children of noble families could not enter even if they wanted to.

Although this was Pei Xiuzhi’s second marriage, aside from the honor of an imperial decree, the spectacle of the wedding ceremony was in no way inferior to Pei You’an’s earlier grand wedding. Many guests came to the Pei manor, including not only those who came for Pei You’an but also many from the Empress’s Zhou family. The day was lively from dawn until dusk, and Madam Xin, whose face was rarely seen with a smile, was radiant and beaming, her laughter echoing everywhere.

The next morning, Jiafu met her sister-in-law, Zhou Jiao’e, who was slightly older than her, perhaps eighteen or nineteen. She was as her name suggested, possessed a rather good appearance, and was dressed exquisitely. With her two thin lips, she was quite eloquent. Pei Xiuzhi stood by her side with a smile on his face, but for some reason, the smile looked rather strained. His gaze wandered and drifted to Jiafu’s face, only to quickly shift away, appearing to harbor hidden frustration and shame.

Jiafu didn't pay much attention at the time, but not a few days later, she heard news from Nanny Liu, who said that on the night of the wedding, things started off fine, but soon the night-watchmen outside vaguely heard sounds of an argument. Then it became quiet, and the next few nights were uneventful. But last night, in the middle of the night, Pei Xiuzhi and Zhou Jiao’e suddenly started arguing again. At first, the sound of the quarrel was muffled, but the louder it got, the more it was heard by those outside. It turned out Pei Xiuzhi was cursing her for being shameless and unchaste, and Zhou Jiao’e had smashed things all over the floor. Pei Xiuzhi stormed out of the bedroom and went to the study. Zhou Jiao’e cried incessantly, and the servants hurried to wake Madam Xin. Madam Xin came over in a rush to comfort the new bride, then went to the study to call her son, forcing him to return to the bedroom.

Although Madam Xin had called over the maidservants and old women serving in the courtyard afterward and strictly forbidden them from speaking of the matter, the commotion had been too great; it could be heard even outside the courtyard. Nanny Liu was usually a busybody, and having been in the Pei family for only a few months since following Jiafu, she had already recognized several goddaughters. Having heard the news from one of them just now, she immediately came to tell Jiafu.

Jiafu remembered the expression on Pei Xiuzhi’s face the morning after the wedding and vaguely began to understand.

Nanny Liu must have thought the same, for she lowered her voice and said, "It seems that this Second Young Mistress being engaged before and then having it canceled years ago was not because of some astrological incompatibility. It might be that the groom's family heard something, which is why she was left at home for two years. It just so happens that now that the Empress is in power, someone asked for her hand, and she married the Second Master. She hasn't been in the house for many days, yet she walks with her chin held high. Apart from flattering the Old Madam, she doesn't even put the mistress of the second branch in her eyes. I heard the Second Mistress was so angry that she said a lot of things behind her back. I thought she was so lofty, yet only the Mistress treats her like a treasure."

A look of disdain appeared on Nanny Liu’s face.

Jiafu told her not to spread the word any further, and Nanny Liu nodded. "The Eldest Young Mistress is kind and soft-hearted; I was only worried you would be bullied by her, so I asked around for information on your behalf. Just keep this in mind. Don't worry, my mouth has a lock on it; I know what I'm doing."

The next morning, the two branches of the Pei family, along with the clan and families who had regular dealings with the Pei family, mobilized several hundred people. Before the sky was even bright, they gathered one after another in front of the Pei family’s main gate, preparing to depart for Ci’en Temple to hold the seventieth memorial birthday ceremony for the Old Duke.

Memorial birthdays were only held every ten years, so this time, not only were the Pei family’s arrangements exceptionally grand—they were to hold ceremonies in Ci’en Temple for seven consecutive days to ensure the auspiciousness of the actual day—but the Emperor in the palace also sent eunuchs to bestow imperial gifts.

Performing a memorial birthday for one’s ancestors was intended to honor the past and benefit the future; the family naturally didn't need to wear long faces, and the women were all dressed grandly. For the sake of this day, Pei You’an specifically requested leave from the Emperor. Before the fourth watch, while it was still pitch black outside, he had already risen and urged Jiafu to sleep more while he went out to arrange various matters with Pei Quan. By the time Jiafu had finished dressing and went to the Old Madam’s place to head out together, the sky was just barely beginning to lighten. Along the way, while carrying lanterns, she turned around the screen wall and saw the main gate glowing with torches, with shadows flickering. The gentlemen and stewards were coming and going in a hurry. Amidst the crowd, she still caught sight of Pei You’an in an instant. While they were waiting for arrangements to be made for their horses in a flower hall near the gatehouse, she saw him walking by with a steward and, finding a gap, waited behind the screen wall.

Pei You’an was talking to the steward, but he had caught sight of her out of the corner of his eye. Seeing her with one hand behind her back and the other beckoning to him, he stopped his pace, told the steward to go ahead, and walked to Jiafu. He blocked her between himself and the screen wall before looking down at her, smiling slightly, "What is it?"

Jiafu looked left and right, and seeing no one, the arm she had held behind her back quickly stretched out, handing him a handkerchief wrapped around something. "You got up in the middle of the night and have so many things to do. When you set off later and arrive at the temple, you probably won't have time to eat. I was afraid you would be hungry, so I packed a few types of pastries for you along the way. There are mung bean cakes, milk sugar biscuits, and almond crisps. The almond crisps were just made by the cook last night, so they are best eaten this morning—fragrant and crispy, one mouthful at a time. If you get hungry, fill your stomach..."

"Master, the Marquis of Jing'an has arrived!"

A steward shouted for him at the entrance.

Jiafu hurriedly stuffed the pastries into his hand, turned, and slipped away from beside his arm.

Pei You’an looked down at the pastries she had forcibly stuffed into his hand, then looked up to see her running into the flower hall like a little rabbit, her figure disappearing, and his lips curled up slightly and involuntarily.

His little wife was truly raising him according to her own tastes. Because he had never refused, it had started from that first bowl of white fungus and taro milk porridge, and now it was out of control. The food she made for him at night was all sweet, and what she stuffed into his hands now were pastries that could make one's teeth ache from sweetness.

But he seemed to have gradually discovered the taste of desserts and didn't seem to dislike them as much as he thought.

Busy since the fourth watch, the bit of food he had eaten upon waking had long since been gone. Now, hearing her words, he actually felt a bit hungry.

Pei You’an unfolded the handkerchief, picked up an almond crisp, threw it into his mouth, swallowed it in a few gulps, folded up the rest, and tucked it into his sleeve before turning past the screen wall and heading toward the main gate.