During dinner, they sat in their usual places. Pei You’an remained silent with a serious expression.
At first, Jia Fu thought he was still upset about the earlier scene, so she felt somewhat awkward and didn’t dare act charming or pleasing as usual. She just quietly lowered her head to eat her rice, not even taking extra servings of dishes. The servants standing by and waiting to serve looked at each other in confusion, creating a strange atmosphere.
But soon, Jia Fu noticed that Pei You’an had other things on his mind. He quickly put down his bowl and chopsticks, said nothing, and went to his study.
Jia Fu finished her meal listlessly, returned to her room, bathed, and went to bed. Her mind was filled with the day’s events—one moment it was Zhang Fengtong’s smile, then Xiao Yintang’s gaze fixed on her, then Pei You’an’s anger. Her thoughts were in such disarray that she couldn’t sleep at all.
Pei You’an’s study was diagonal across from the round tower where Jia Fu lived, and from her window, she could see it.
Jia Fu secretly peeked down from her window. The light in the study remained on until late at night.
That evening, she didn’t know how many times she got up to spy from behind her window. Finally, after her last look, she fell back and closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep. When she woke up the next morning, Pei You’an had already left. Yin Huan said that before leaving, the master had left a message that she needn’t wait for him for dinner.
That night he indeed returned very late, and the pattern continued for several days, showing how busy he was.
The events of that night seemed to have simply passed. Finally, on this day, he returned earlier and told Jia Fu that in a couple of days, he would go to Mengmu Prefecture for about half a month. During this time, he would leave people to protect her, and she should stay at home and not go anywhere until he returned.
The Tusi (local chieftain) of Mengmu and the Tusi of Mengding were the two most powerful Tusi in the southwest. Years ago, they had become hostile over territorial divisions, with constant conflicts. Two years earlier, during one conflict, the only son of the Mengmu Tusi was injured and on the verge of death when Pei You’an saved him with his medical skills. The Tusi were extremely grateful to him and accepted Pei You’an’s advice to negotiate with the Mengding Tusi. Under Pei You’an’s mediation, the two sides finally ended years of conflict and reconciled. Unexpectedly, during his previous visit, Pacification Commissioner Lord Ma had deliberately shown favoritism and sowed discord under the pretext of imperial orders. Once Lord Ma left, the two prefectures clashed again, gathering troops with conflict imminent, and the news reached Xiao Lie.
If these two major Tusi were to renew their dispute, the rest of the southwestern prefectures would inevitably be affected. At such a time, if Yunnan were in chaos, it would be extremely disadvantageous for Xiao Lie. Pei You’an naturally had to step in to mediate again. He had sent messages earlier, and both sides had given him face by agreeing to a temporary ceasefire. In the next few days, he needed to personally visit again.
When Jia Fu heard he was going elsewhere, she became anxious. Her first thought was to go with him, but hearing that he had already arranged everything for her during his absence, she knew he wouldn’t easily take her along.
If it hadn’t been for her recklessness the last time, she could have found an opportunity to act coquettish or cry in front of him, softening his heart so that he might agree. But now she didn’t dare to misbehave, so she just lowered her head listlessly without saying a word.
Pei You’an glanced at her and walked away.
The next day, Pei You’an went out, and Yin Huan was packing his luggage. Jia Fu felt empty inside and was lost in thought when a servant led in a well-dressed woman, saying that the Cloud Prince’s wife had invited her, and a carriage was already waiting at the door.
Jia Fu recognized this woman, whose surname was Lin. She was a trusted attendant of the Cloud Prince’s wife. Startled, Jia Fu’s first reaction was not to go.
First Zhang Fengtong, and now the Cloud Prince’s wife—Jia Fu knew it must be related to Xiao Yintang.
If she had been in her room and not seen by Matron Lin, she could have Fugned illness and waited for Pei You’an to return. But now, face to face, she couldn’t refuse and had to agree. As she went back to her room to dress and fix her hair, she had Yin Huan send someone to inform Pei You’an. Only then did she come out, reluctantly following the woman out the door, boarding the carriage, and heading toward the Cloud Prince’s mansion.
The Cloud Prince’s wife, whose surname was Zhou, was approaching forty but well-preserved and exquisitely dressed, appearing only in her early thirties. Her luxurious attire exuded wealth and nobility.
Xiao Yintang’s appearance came more from his father, Xiao Lie.
Despite Xiao Lie’s status and position, for many years, the prince’s mansion had only Zhou as the primary wife, with no concubines or serving girls. This wasn’t because Zhou wouldn’t allow it, but because Xiao Lie himself didn’t take any others. Therefore, in earlier years when they were still in the capital, people said the Third Prince was devoted, and Zhou gained considerable face among the royal and noble ladies.
Jia Fu naturally recognized Zhou and knew something of her temperament.
Logically, since Xiao Lie wasn’t fond of women and had been faithful to her alone for decades, the couple’s feelings should have been very deep. But in Jia Fu’s impression, the relationship between the Cloud Prince and his wife didn’t seem as intimate as outsiders claimed. Zhou focused more of her attention on her son, Xiao Yintang. She doted on Xiao Yintang extremely, almost granting his every wish. Earlier in the year, when Xiao Yintang had abducted her to Yunnan, the Matron Zhu responsible for watching over her was Zhou’s attendant. She must have known what her son had done. Perhaps in her view, a girl from a merchant family in Quanzhou wasn’t a big deal if her son wanted her.
What made Jia Fu uneasy was why Zhou had summoned her now—what did she want?
Could it be like Zhang Fengtong, asking her to submit to her son?
With an anxious heart, Jia Fu was brought before the Cloud Prince’s wife. After kowtowing and paying her respects, the Princess smiled warmly and beckoned Jia Fu to come closer. First, she praised her a bit, then said, “I know everything about what my son did to you. I was extremely angry and not only punished that old woman but also severely scolded him. He deeply regrets it now. I’ve also spoken to your cousin and assured him that such a thing will never happen again.”
To Jia Fu’s surprise, the Princess began by criticizing her son. Jia Fu was puzzled but thought this was better than being forced to submit, so she lowered her head without speaking.
The Princess spoke kindly, chatting with Jia Fu about everyday matters such as what books she read, her needlework, how many people were in her family, and her relationship with the Duke’s household. Jia Fu answered carefully, physically standing on this polished floor but feeling as if thorns were pricking her back, just wanting to leave as soon as possible. Finally, as the conversation was ending, the Princess called out, and Matron Lin emerged holding a gold-decorated, painted tray. She lifted the red velvet covering to reveal a ruyi scepter, a pair of jade bracelets, and a box of palace hair ornaments, all inlaid with pearls and gems, glittering brilliantly.
The Princess smiled and said, “I called you here for no other reason than to make sure you weren’t frightened. Seeing that you’re well, I’m relieved. You’re You’an’s cousin, and my son has offended you first. Since this is your first visit to me, how could I let you leave empty-handed? These few items are my gifts to you. Take them home to enjoy.”
Finally hearing the farewell, Jia Fu sighed in relief. She had no desire for these items and politely declined, but how could the Princess take them back? After expressing gratitude again, Jia Fu had no choice but to accept them, kowtowing once more in thanks.
The Princess smiled and asked Matron Lin to escort Jia Fu out. Just as she crossed the threshold, Jia Fu’s footsteps slightly faltered.
The person she least wanted to see was indeed unavoidable.
Xiao Yintang stood on another path in the distance. Though not particularly close, Jia Fu could still feel his somber gaze directed at her. He narrowed his eyes but didn’t approach.
The sunlight shone on the gold crown binding his hair, creating a dazzling glare.
Jia Fu’s hair stood on end, but she steadied herself, kept her eyes forward, and continued walking expressionlessly past him.
Even after walking far away, she could still clearly feel Xiao Yintang’s gaze fixed on her back.
Leaving the prince’s mansion, she boarded the carriage again. Once seated, Jia Fu’s palms were covered in cold sweat.
The more he was thwarted, the less Xiao Yintang would let her go. She knew that his current restraint was merely waiting for a suitable opportunity.
…
Xiao Yintang stared as the figure in front passed around a corner and was completely hidden by flowers and trees. One corner of his lips twisted almost imperceptibly. He turned and entered the Princess’s room, saying, “Mother, with your status, why fear Pei You’an? He’s merely an abandoned son of the Pei family. No matter how capable, he’s still acting on Father’s orders.”
The Princess replied, “You think I’m afraid of Pei You’an? After what you’ve done, I’m afraid your father will find out! I always feel that your father regards him unusually—even more highly than you, his son. Haven’t you noticed? If he ever decides to turn against you and speaks ill of you to your father, you’ll have a hard time! I’m resolving this matter for you!”
Xiao Yintang ceased smiling. “Mother, I did miscalculate this time. But you know, when have I ever done such a thing for a woman before? This girl once helped me leave the city, and I fell for her at first sight. Unable to control myself, I brought her here. If Pei You’an hadn’t interfered, everything would have been settled. How could there be so much trouble? What cousin like a sister? She’s just a relative of the Pei family’s second branch. How is she his cousin? He’s opposing me!”
The Princess sighed. “I know you’ve set your heart on this Zhen girl, but the timing isn’t right. No matter how much you care for her, you must restrain yourself. We can’t offend Pei You’an now. Your father trusts him and has many uses for him. His work for your father is work for you too. Even considering just this point, you must hold back now.”
Xiao Yintang smiled enigmatically. “Do I need you to remind me of this? If it weren’t for tolerating him, would I allow him to interfere in my affairs?”
The Princess said, “Good that you understand. Anyway, you can’t touch that girl now. If you truly like her, when the opportunity comes, I’ll think of another way for you.”
Xiao Yintang smiled and went over to massage his mother’s shoulders. “Mother always loves her son the most.”
The Princess smiled. “I only have you as my son. If I’m not good to you, who would I be good to?”
…
Shortly after Jia Fu returned, Pei You’an hurriedly came back as well. Jia Fu was in her room when he called her out to inquire about what had happened.
Jia Fu briefly described the event, and Pei You’an nodded. “It’s much as I expected. Yesterday, the Princess sought me out and told me about this matter. Don’t worry, with some concerns in mind, the Young Lord will restrain himself.”
Jia Fu remained silent. Pei You’an looked at her and saw that her little face was pale, with faint dark circles under her eyes, appearing somewhat haggard. He paused and asked, “What’s wrong? Are you unwell?”
Jia Fu said softly, “Cousin, lately I’ve been having nightmares every night. I keep dreaming that a fierce tiger is chasing me, wanting to devour me. I can’t sleep… and now you’re leaving, and I’m very afraid. Could you take me with you? I’ll disguise myself as your servant boy, and I promise no one will recognize me.”
Pei You’an immediately refused. “I’m going on important business, and it’s not appropriate to take you. Go back to your room, and I’ll come check your pulse later and prescribe some medicine to calm your nerves. Take it, and you’ll feel better.”
Jia Fu shook her head vigorously like a rattling drum. “Your medicine is too bitter; it makes me vomit. Cousin, please, take me with you. I promise I won’t cause any trouble.”
Pei You’an hesitated, then said gently, “Listen to me, wait for me at home. It will be at most half a month…”
Jia Fu bit her lip and gave him a resentful look. Without waiting for him to finish, she turned and walked away.