Two days later, Pei You An brought Jia Fu into Wuding City. After settling her in his residence, he changed clothes and went to the Prince’s mansion.

The Prince of Yunzhong, Xiao Lie, stood alone in his study before an enormous map hanging on the wall. He had been standing there for some time, his silhouette motionless.

This map was normally kept secretly rolled up behind the wall, only unfolded when being consulted. When Xiao Lie heard the announcement from outside that Pei You An was seeking an audience, he didn’t put the map away, but merely drew a curtain over it before ordering the visitor to be admitted.

Pei You An entered swiftly and paid his respects to Xiao Lie.

Xiao Lie was already over forty years old, but his appearance remained imposing. One could still glimpse the handsomeness of his youth. He looked Pei You An over, his eyes showing delight as he smiled and said, “It’s good that you’re back. This trip of yours has taken several months in the blink of an eye, and I’ve been quite concerned. How was it? Is your grandmother well? Did everything go smoothly?”

The connection between Pei You An and Prince Xiao Lie of Yunzhong dates back many years. After young Pei You An left the capital, he returned to the frontier where his father, the Duke of Weiguo, had once been stationed. The once bright and cheerful eldest son seemed to have become a different person, daily taciturn and withdrawn. In every battle, he charged at the forefront as a suicide cavalry rider. Once, after being wounded and going missing, when he was on the brink of death in the ice and snow, he was found by the Prince of Yunzhong, who secretly brought him to Yunnan. Perhaps Pei You An was not destined to die; after careful nursing, he ultimately overcame the danger and survived. From then on, the Prince of Yunzhong had the merit of saving his life. Later, when the Young Emperor disappeared and Prince Shun’an took power, the southwestern border was often unstable during those years, with constant conflicts. Pei You An gradually stayed on, helping Xiao Lie stabilize the southwest. He was fair in his dealings, strict in maintaining regulations, and able to adapt strategies to local conditions and different individuals. He cleverly mediated multiple times, resolving conflicts among the Yi tribes. The various ethnicities in the southwest greatly respected him and would turn to no one else in times of need. Xiao Lie valued him even more, often seeking his advice on difficult military and political matters. At the end of last year, Pei You An, missing his grandmother, requested leave from Xiao Lie and returned to the capital, which he hadn’t set foot in for many years. After several months, he was finally back. Xiao Lie also greatly respected Pei’s grandmother and, seeing Pei You An finally return, was joyful in his heart and asked a few questions.

Pei You An replied, “Although we hadn’t seen each other for many years, fortunately, Grandmother is well in all respects.”

Xiao Lie sighed, “I lost my mother at a young age, which inevitably left me with regrets. When I was a child still in the capital, I was fortunate to receive the Lady’s affection, which I still remember gratefully. Unfortunately, I now have many constraints and am not free to move about; otherwise, I should personally go to wish her longevity and well-being.”

“You An conveys Grandmother’s thanks to Your Highness.”

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Xiao Lie’s expression became solemn. He paced in the study with his hands behind his back for a moment, then suddenly turned to look at Pei You An and said, “Now that Prince Shun’an has usurped the throne and is sharpening his knives against me, You An, you also know that over these years, I’ve been searching for the Young Emperor’s whereabouts. If the Young Emperor is alive, I will surely restore him to his position. Unfortunately, I’ve found nothing so far; the Young Emperor’s fate remains unknown. I know you can’t let him go either. Do you have any new information?”

His tone was quite sincere. Pei You An’s expression remained unchanged as he said, “To be honest with Your Highness, taking advantage of this trip outside Yunnan, after seeing my grandmother, I specifically went to the Quanzhou area to secretly investigate the possible whereabouts of the Young Emperor. I encountered a conflict between the Imperial Guard and the Golden-Faced Dragon King, but unfortunately obtained no news of the Young Emperor. Since I had been away for some time, I could only return without accomplishing my mission.”

Xiao Lie frowned slightly, “This Golden-Faced Dragon King, what exactly is his background? Why would he conflict with the Imperial Guard?”

“I’m not entirely clear myself, but judging from the Golden-Faced Dragon King’s actions, he seems to oppose Prince Shun’an. It’s only natural that Prince Shun’an wants to eliminate him.”

Xiao Lie pondered for a moment, then nodded, “Well, as they say, man proposes but Heaven disposes; we still need to see if fate will grant us those few strokes of luck. You’ve just returned and must be tired. Rest well these next few days, don’t go anywhere. Your health is most important; you must take good care of yourself.”

Pei You An smiled slightly, “Thank you for Your Highness’s concern. You An will remember.”

Xiao Lie gazed at him for a moment, then nodded, “You may go. Remember, if you need anything, feel free to come to me. You know that your father and I were childhood friends. I have always regarded you as a nephew or son. In the future, there will still be many places where I need you.”

“Your Highness once saved my life, and over these years, you’ve continued to value me. Being able to share your burdens is You An’s fortune.”

Pei You An respectfully bowed to Xiao Lie, “You An will take his leave now.”

As he turned to leave the study, Xiao Lie suddenly called him back and said, “You An, you’re twenty-three now, aren’t you? Yin Tang is younger than you, and although he too remains unmarried, he has been betrothed for some time. He only waits for the Zhang family’s daughter to complete her mourning period before they can marry. You should also start a family so that someone can take care of you. Do you have someone you admire? If so, I can arrange it for you; if not, I can keep an eye out for you.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. How can I establish a family before establishing myself? You An has no interest in this matter yet and dares not trouble Your Highness.”

Xiao Lie watched him leave, the smile gradually disappearing from his lips. He paced to the window, hands behind his back, gazing northward in a trance for a long time. Suddenly, he murmured with a sigh, “Ah Jing, do you see? In the blink of an eye, my temples have turned white, and he has grown so much…”

……

Pei You An left the Prince of Yunzhong’s study and walked toward the main gate of the mansion.

Xiao Yin Tang stood on a pavilion terrace by the path, with sunlight shining on the gold embroidery of his princely robes, creating a dazzling effect.

Pei You An continued walking forward. As he approached, he nodded slightly to Xiao Yin Tang and addressed him as “Young Master.” Xiao Yin Tang smiled, walked over, and said, “I heard you’ve returned. We haven’t seen each other for some time. I was just thinking of looking for you, but unexpectedly, you came yourself. How was it? Was your journey smooth?”

Pei You An smiled, “Thank you for your concern, Young Master. It was fairly smooth.”

Xiao Yin Tang also smiled, “Good to hear it was smooth. To be honest, I also went out for a while some time ago. Although I returned without achieving my goal, I did gain something… Don’t laugh, but when I was in danger, I received help from a young woman. I fell for her at first sight.”

Pei You An smiled, “A beautiful and virtuous woman is desired by gentlemen. This is a good thing; why would I laugh? Congratulations, Young Master.”

Xiao Yin Tang gave a half-smile, staring at Pei You An, “That young woman was taken away midway. The one who took my beloved happened to be a friend of mine. I’m truly in a difficult position. You An, you are known for your wisdom. If it were you, how would you handle this?”

Pei You An looked steadily at Xiao Yin Tang and said, “Since the Young Master has asked me, I’ll speak frankly. To be honest, a few days ago, passing through Chengjiang Prefecture, I stayed overnight at a post house and indeed did take someone’s beloved midway. That young woman is my cousin, from Quanzhou, the daughter of a respectable family. By coincidence, she caught the eye of a noble person. This would normally be her good fortune—as a wife, a great blessing; as a concubine, not too much of a grievance. Yet that noble person, instead of following proper betrothal customs, actually had people directly abduct her from Quanzhou to Yunnan. The Book of Rites says: ‘With betrothal comes a wife; with elopement, a concubine.’ Parents and countrymen look down upon the latter. Forgive my frankness, but if that noble person had succeeded, my cousin would likely not even be regarded as a concubine. This is intolerable. What position did that noble person intend for my cousin? Did he ever consider how anxious her family would be, not knowing the fate of their beloved daughter, while he satisfied his momentary desires? Thus, I spoiled the occasion and ruined his plan. Now let me ask the Young Master a question: Was I right or wrong to intercept the woman?”

Xiao Yin Tang’s face gradually darkened.

Pei You An smiled slightly, “That night, I told that impudent servant that my cousin is like my own sister, and this was from the bottom of my heart. Young Master, put yourself in my position. If someone treated the Young Master’s sister this way, would you remain unmoved? I, Pei You An, am willing to help others achieve happiness, but I will not allow anyone to dishonor my cousin in this manner, regardless of their rank or status. What does the Young Master think?”

Xiao Yin Tang remained silent.

Pei You An raised his hands in farewell, “I shall take my leave.”

“You An, wait!” Xiao Yin Tang suddenly said, quickly catching up.

Pei You An stopped.

Xiao Yin Tang paced back and forth by the roadside for a moment, then said, “After hearing your words, I feel as if I’ve been enlightened and deeply regret my actions. I believe you’ve already figured out that the one who brought your Zhen family cousin from Quanzhou here was none other than me. I was indeed inconsiderate earlier and wronged her. You know that my status restricts me—I cannot step foot outside Yunnan. She lives in Quanzhou, east and west apart. When we met, it happened to coincide with unrest in Quanzhou. At such a time, how could I send someone to formally propose marriage by revealing my identity? I also considered waiting, but you know my father has long been under suspicion from the court. If I waited, who knows how many years it would take, and would the Zhen family keep their daughter at home indefinitely? After thinking it through, and being utterly captivated by her, I resorted to extraordinary measures. I was too impatient. Your reproach just now was entirely justified! I was wrong first, and I hope for your forgiveness.”

Pei You An looked at him, his expression finally softening. “It’s good that the Young Master recognizes that his previous actions were inappropriate. In that case, I will choose a day to send her back to Quanzhou. I hope the Young Master will not disturb her peace again.”

“No!” Xiao Yin Tang immediately said.

“At least not now,” he added after a pause.

Pei You An looked at him.

“Don’t misunderstand. You know that Official Ma, sent by the court, is trying to find fault with my father. The Prince of Yunzhong’s household is in a precarious situation, facing trouble at any moment. She knows I went to Quanzhou, and now she also knows my identity. If she returns and someone learns of her connection to me, it would not only be disastrous for my father but also disadvantageous to her. It’s not that I don’t trust her, but there are times when one has no control over circumstances. This is for the consideration of both the Prince’s household and her safety. The stakes are high, so we must be cautious.”

Pei You An pondered for a moment, then slowly said, “The Young Master’s concerns are not unfounded. I will consider an appropriate time to send her back.”

Xiao Yin Tang nodded, his expression sincere: “You An, you are her elder brother, and I have always regarded you as my brother. Since this matter has ultimately come before you, let me speak directly. I fell for her at first sight. If I could have her companionship in this life, I would die without regrets. I admit I was too offensive earlier, frightening her. Could you allow me to see her once, to apologize for my mistakes? Whether she hits or scolds me, I’ll gladly accept it!”

Pei You An looked at Xiao Yin Tang, but in his mind appeared the scene from that night: the disheveled girl rushing toward him, desperately clinging to him and refusing to let go. He recalled how she was wrapped in his clothes, sitting obediently, looking up at him with wide eyes. A strange feeling slowly welled up inside him.

“Very well, I’ll go back and convey your message,” he said after a pause.

……

Pei You An’s residence had previously belonged to a local tusi (native chieftain). It wasn’t very large, with a three-courtyard layout, but the building had distinctive local characteristics, with carvings everywhere, giving one a sense of entering another world. In the main courtyard stood a three-story round tower with a pointed roof. From the third-floor bedroom, one could see the entire city. The bedroom was decorated in an exotic style, magnificent, with thick carpets woven with intricate patterns covering the floor. But Pei You An didn’t like it much and had left it vacant. Now that Jia Fu had arrived, he had it cleaned and let her stay there. Jia Fu rather liked the place. Early that morning before Pei You An left, he had told her he had already sent someone to Quanzhou to inform her family of her safety, so now Jia Fu was just waiting for him to take her home. During the day, she wandered around his residence, in high spirits, as if she had returned to the carefree times of her childhood when her father was still alive.

As the sky gradually darkened, Pei You An finally returned.

After nightfall, Jia Fu had been listening for sounds from the front, ears perked. Upon hearing his footsteps entering, she quickly went out to greet him, like a joyful little bird.

“Elder Cousin! Have you eaten? I’ve been waiting to have dinner with you!” she said sweetly, smiling at him.

A maid reached out to take the outer cloak Pei You An had removed, but Jia Fu rushed to take it first and hung it up.

Pei You An watched her bustling figure and smiled slightly, saying, “From now on, eat first yourself. There’s no need to specifically wait for me.”

Jia Fu agreed. During the meal, he sat in his usual main seat, while she sat at his side, passing him food and soup, showing extreme attentiveness—just short of massaging his shoulders. Whether Pei You An was unaccustomed to this or had something else on his mind, he soon put down his chopsticks, sat up straight, and said to Jia Fu, “Take your time eating. When you’re finished, come to my study.”

Once Pei You An left, Jia Fu lost her appetite. Recalling his solemn expression just now, she couldn’t help feeling anxious. She quickly finished eating, brought a pot of tea, and, arriving at the study door, knocked gently before pushing it open.

He sat behind his desk, writing with a brush. Jia Fu placed the tea beside him and said softly, “Elder Cousin, tea.”

Pei You An gestured for her to place it to one side. Jia Fu did so and stood nearby.

Pei You An didn’t stop writing, nor did he look at her, only saying, “I have already spoken with the Young Master about your matter. Such things will not happen again.”

Jia Fu’s face broke into a smile, her eyes bright: “Thank you, Elder Cousin!”

Pei You An paused and glanced at her, “However, the Young Master said he would like to see you once more to apologize for his previous actions. Do you want to see him?”

Jia Fu was startled, her eyes immediately growing wide: “No! I don’t want to see him! Nor do I want him to apologize for anything! Besides, I have no connection with him, so what would the meeting be about? Elder Cousin, you didn’t agree, did you?”

Pei You An made a noncommittal sound, “I understand. I will decline on your behalf.”

Jia Fu finally let out a breath of relief, thought for a moment, and then asked, “Elder Cousin, when can I return to Quanzhou?”

To be honest, she felt somewhat reluctant to leave. That is, reluctant to leave Pei You An.

For some reason, just seeing him nearby gave her an inexplicable sense of security.

Pei You An said, “After some time. When the timing is appropriate, I’ll send you home.”

Seeing Jia Fu’s confusion, Pei You An explained Xiao Yin Tang’s concerns, saying, “His thoughts are not without reason. Your family is completely unaware of his identity, which is better. You know too much, which increases your danger. I’ve thought about it and believe you should stay with me for a few more days. It’s also for your good.”

Jia Fu knew Pei You An genuinely had her best interests at heart. She didn’t resist his decision. But once she became associated with Xiao Yin Tang, Jia Fu immediately felt uneasy.

Would Xiao Yin Tang truly let her go just like that?

Jia Fu couldn’t help but think of the past. The first time, it was also like this: she had caught Xiao Yin Tang’s eye and fallen into his hands. After Pei You An brought her back, she ultimately failed to escape from Xiao Yin Tang.

For something he desired, would a man like Xiao Yin Tang give up so easily?

Jia Fu’s worries about Xiao Yin Tang were soon confirmed.

Half a month later, on this day, Jia Fu received a visitor—a visitor she had completely failed to anticipate.

Zhang Feng Tong, Xiao Yin Tang’s fiancée.

Zhang Feng Tong was the daughter of the Zhang family, a prominent clan in Chuxiong. Since childhood, she had been renowned for her feminine virtues, famous far and wide. The Prince of Yunzhong, having heard of her virtuous reputation, arranged this marriage for his son when she was fourteen. Unfortunately for her, by this year—at nineteen—due to consecutive mourning periods for her mother, grandmother, and grandfather, she still had several months before the mourning period would end, so she hadn’t yet married Xiao Yin Tang. But the entire Prince’s household already regarded her as the future Young Mistress, and she often visited Wuding Prefecture. Even before formally entering the household, she had already won praise from everyone in the Prince’s mansion.

She had arrived in Wuding Prefecture a few days earlier and was originally scheduled to leave today. Upon learning that Pei You An’s cousin had come from afar, she specifically stayed an extra day and, not looking down on the Zhen family’s background, condescended to personally visit her.

Pei You An wasn’t home. To avoid trouble, Jia Fu hadn’t dared step outside for half a month. Bored at the time, she was leaning against her bedroom window, idly counting passersby in the distance to pass the time, when she suddenly saw an ornate carriage coming along the street and stopping at the door. Then, Pei’s household manager came to report that Zhang Feng Tong had come to see her.

Zhang Feng Tong’s appearance was ordinary, but she had a round, doll-like face. Before even speaking, she carried a hint of a smile. Listening to her speak was like feeling a spring breeze. No one could dislike such a woman.

In her previous life, Jia Fu only learned at the very end that she wasn’t a saint either.

She was just an ordinary woman who felt pain and resentment when her husband favored another woman.

Jia Fu sat opposite the nineteen-year-old Zhang Feng Tong, watching her smile and call her “cousin” in a gentle voice. The bone-deep despair and pain she had suffered before death surged through her entire body once more the moment she saw this face.

Her entire body shuddered. Suppressing the wave of coldness rising in her heart, she lowered her eyes and remained silent.

Zhang Feng Tong didn’t mind whether her companion was talkative, because usually, in any gathering where she was present, she was the one who dominated everything.

After sincerely praising Jia Fu’s beauty and demeanor, she sent all the servants away, moved to sit beside Jia Fu, gently took her hand, and gazed at her, sighing softly: “What a beautiful sister you are. Even I can’t help but be moved looking at you. No wonder the Young Master can’t bear to forget you.”