It was deep into the night when Pei You’an finally freed himself from various affairs and stepped through the gates of Duke Wei’s mansion.
Even at this late hour, the ducal mansion remained brightly lit, with no one having retired. The entire household was waiting for his return.
After more than a year apart, Pei Quan and Second Madam Meng, along with their son Pei Xiu Luo, came to welcome him. The couple wore beaming smiles and showed much eagerness, while Pei Xiu Luo performed the respectful rituals of a younger brother, his face full of admiration.
Madam Xin hadn’t retired either. When she made her appearance, her face too bore a smile, though even her makeup couldn’t conceal the sallowness that showed through her complexion.
Pei You’an performed the rituals of a son, and when finished, she forced a smile and said, “The whole family has been looking forward to your return. Just your Second Brother, he’s recently fallen ill. He took medicine this evening and couldn’t stay awake, he must have fallen asleep. I could send someone to wake him…”
Pei You’an said, “Let Second Brother rest and recover. There’s no need to disturb him.” Turning toward Yu Zhu who had emerged at the sound of voices, he asked: “Has Grandmother retired yet?”
Yu Zhu approached and greeted Pei You’an with a smile: “The Old Madam hasn’t gone to sleep yet.”
“It’s already late, and I’ve troubled Mother, Uncle, and Aunt to wait for me until now. It’s all my fault. Please retire early.”
Pei Quan and his wife knew he wanted to see the Old Madam, so they nodded with smiles.
Madam Xin watched his departing figure, her smile gradually freezing.
“Sister-in-law is fortunate. You’an is currently in the Emperor’s favor. Xiu Zhi’s title will just be a matter of one word. In the future, sister-in-law, you’ll enjoy great fortune!” Second Madam Meng said with a wide smile, looking at Madam Xin.
Madam Xin detected her sister-in-law’s true feelings hidden beneath that smile.
She was like a venomous snake lurking in a dark corner. She must have already known something, mocking her, despising her, taking pleasure in her misfortune. This cunning woman simply maintained perfect appearances on ordinary days.
Thinking of the humiliation her son was suffering, Madam Xin trembled all over, wanting nothing more than to pounce on this woman and tear off her hypocritical mask.
But there was nothing she could do.
Her fingernails dug deep into her palms as her gaze mechanically drifted. She forced a smile and said, “Yes, how wonderful…”
…
Pei You’an knelt before Old Madam Pei and kowtowed to her.
The last time grandmother and grandson met was during the Old Madam’s birthday celebration. In the blink of an eye, times had changed dramatically, with heaven and earth turned upside down. The fates of the people in this mansion had risen and fallen like the tides—one moment battered by rain like duckweed, the next painted in rich, heavy colors. Life was indeed like a play, perhaps nothing more than this.
Seeing her eldest grandson kneeling before her again, the old woman was undoubtedly delighted and excited, but she quickly steadied her emotions. Her gaze swept over the court attire he still wore, laden with glory and honor.
Pei You’an looked up and said: “The favor grandson begged of Grandmother involved many complications. Grandson knows it must have put Grandmother in a difficult position. Even so, my Grandmother fulfilled my heart’s desire. Beyond my guilt, I am immensely grateful!”
Over the past year and more, though Pei You’an had been thousands of miles away from Quanzhou, he had kept the promise he made to Jia Fu. He had people secretly remaining with the Zhen family. When the Fujian Provincial Governor arrived at the Zhen residence with the imperial edict and subsequently escorted Jia Fu to the capital, the news was delivered to Old Madam Pei’s hands while the party was still on the road.
It was a letter that Pei You’an had left for his grandmother. In it, he expressed his desire to marry the Zhen family’s daughter but said he was unable to act freely, drifting far away. If his grandmother saw this letter, it meant he couldn’t protect her completely, and he earnestly requested that his grandmother step in to help.
The Old Madam gazed at Pei You’an, not speaking at first. After a long while, she slowly said: “You’an, in this matter, you have truly put your grandmother in a difficult position. The Zhen family and your Second Brother had previous marriage discussions, and now you’re the one to marry her. Though somewhat inconvenient, it’s not an insurmountable issue. The real difficulty is her involvement with the Crown Prince. For you to compete with the Crown Prince for someone is no small matter. At first, I didn’t want to agree to your request…”
Her voice gradually lowered as she seemed lost in thought for a moment, her gaze desolate, as if caught in memories of past events.
“I’ve lived to this day and seen my fair share of things. Good fortune may not be fortune, and what seems like misfortune may not necessarily be so. You’ve been sensible since childhood and never one to act without knowing the gravity of matters. From your childhood to adulthood, this is the first time I’ve seen you ask your Grandmother to do something for you, and it concerns your marriage. Since you’ve asked, how could I harden my heart and not fulfill your wish?”
She sighed, with some resignation and some acceptance.
Pei You’an’s eyes glistened with tears as he kowtowed and said: “Grandson has been willful. Fortunately, Grandmother’s deep love has granted my wish.”
Old Madam Pei’s lips curled into a smile as she reached out her hand to rest on her grandson’s head, which he had moved closer. She caressed it lovingly for a moment before ordering him to rise.
Pei You’an stood up and helped her to the inner chamber. At her bedside, he crouched down as he used to do and removed her shoes.
The Old Madam watched him and suddenly as if casually, said: “You’an, I remember that during Grandmother’s last birthday, you and your cousin were quite distant. How is it that now you insist on marrying none but her?”
Pei You’an’s hand paused slightly, then continued removing her shoes, placing them gently on the floor. He helped the Old Madam lie down and said: “Grandmother, what you don’t know is that from that time, I was already smitten with cousin at first sight. But there were many inconveniences then, how could I let Grandmother know?”
The Old Madam studied him, unable to discern whether his words were sincere or merely an excuse. She shook her head: “Never mind. Everything about you is good, except that from childhood to adulthood, you’ve always kept things buried in your heart…”
She stopped mid-sentence and looked at her grandson, her gaze growing increasingly tender.
“Grandmother has always liked that child A Fu. Initially, the Emperor wanted to establish her as the Crown Prince’s secondary consort, but she was unwilling. Now that you’ve married her and brought her back, you should live well together from now on. Grandmother trusts you in this.”
Pei You’an smiled in agreement, tucked the Old Madam in, and quietly left.
…
With the new Emperor’s ascension, rewards were bestowed upon the many former officials and generals who had followed him to Wuding.
Pei You’an, with his merits, was appointed as the Right Assistant in the Ministry of Ceremonies, awarded the honorary title of Super-Rank Pillar of State, and concurrently served as a Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion. Daily he attended the Emperor, already covered in glory that made others envious. Now, not only had he received imperial permission to marry, but he was also specially allowed to share his wedding day with the Crown Prince—such extraordinary favor was unprecedented since the founding of the dynasty. His status in the Emperor’s eyes was self-evident. However, regarding the arrangement of his wedding date coinciding with the Crown Prince’s, the Ministry of Rites deemed it inappropriate and specifically submitted a memorial. Pei Quan also presented a memorial on behalf of his nephew to express gratitude but requested a change of date to avoid any appearance of overstepping.
The Emperor said: “In our youth, the Duke Wei and I were as close as brothers. In our young adulthood, we fought side by side. Duke Wei sacrificed his life for the Great Wei Dynasty on the battlefield, dying in his prime—this remains an unresolved pain in my heart. During the Wuding campaign, when the army was in peril and I too was in danger, Pei You’an led a surprise attack that saved us from imminent disaster. Today, I especially permit him to marry on the same day as the Crown Prince for no other reason than to fulfill the sentiments of an old friend, to honor meritorious service, and to hope that the Crown Prince and Pei You’an can continue the deep friendship that I shared with Duke Wei. Upon receiving this edict, carry it out accordingly.”
Only then did the officials understand the Emperor’s well-intentioned considerations. In their realization, they were all moved and submitted memorials of congratulation one after another.
On this day, in the front hall of Duke Wei’s mansion, Old Madam Pei, accompanied by Madam Xin and Second Madam Meng, knelt to receive the imperial edict of rewards brought by officials from the Office of Conferment. Old Madam Pei, in addition to her original titles, received the honorific title of Virtuous and Venerable Grand Old Madam due to her eldest grandson’s merits, along with the award of a ceremonial robe and headdress. Madam Xin was conferred the title of First Rank Madam, and Second Madam Meng was also bestowed the title of Fourth Rank Respectful Lady. Previously, Pei Quan, who had toiled for many years in the Six Ministries, received a top evaluation of “diligent, solemn, attentive, and consistently conscientious with few negligences” during the Ministry of Personnel’s examination of officials. He was soon promoted to Director of Works in the Ministry of Works, not only entering the ranks of the fourth grade but also obtaining a position coveted by all.
The entire Pei family was honored like oil meeting fire, like flowers embroidered on brocade. In one evening, they not only restored the glory and wealth they had enjoyed during the Tianxi reign but surpassed it. People couldn’t help but sigh that the rise and fall of a family truly depended on the success of its descendants. The Pei family was the example—who in the capital didn’t envy them?
With the Pei family’s limitless glory, the Zhen family’s prestige also rose accordingly. The Emperor decreed, conferring upon Jia Fu’s grandmother, Madam Zhen Hu, the seventh rank title of Honored Lady, complete with a headdress and ceremonial robe, along with gifts of money, silk, and colored fabrics, all dispatched to Quanzhou by fast courier. Relatives and guests streamed to their homes incessantly. Officials from Quanzhou serving in the capital came to visit, claiming kinship, and even those with the most tenuous connections found ways to come and offer congratulations. Once seated, they somehow all became family. The cards and gifts received nearly filled the house, leaving no room to step.
As this was an imperial marriage, many matters were assisted by the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Clan Court, which eased some burdens for Madam Meng. Her greatest concern was preparing her daughter’s dowry. Though time was pressing, fortunately, most of the dowry had already been prepared for the previous engagement and had been transported to the capital. Now, during these days, she checked for any omissions to ensure that Jia Fu would depart in grand style.
The wedding date approached swiftly. On the eve of the grand wedding, the Zhen family was to send the dowry to prepare the nuptial bed. That day, Second Madam Meng brought Rong Fang, and Old Madam Pei also dispatched Yu Zhu. Together, they came to the Zhen residence to help Madam Meng prepare. Amidst joyous bustling, they successfully set up the new room at the Pei mansion. The next day would be the wedding day. That night, mother and daughter slept in the same bed. Madam Meng accompanied her daughter, whispering, teaching her many marital secrets previously unmentioned, spending with her the last night before she departed from home.
It was already past midnight, but Madam Meng still couldn’t sleep. Recalling the twists and turns of her daughter’s marriage, it had been truly difficult. Fortunately, in the end, her wishes were fulfilled, as her daughter would marry the man of her dreams. Her heart was filled with both joy and reluctance. Suddenly, she felt an arm resting across her waist, and her daughter’s head leaned into her embrace. Only then did she realize that her daughter was also still awake. Thinking back to when she was speaking to her earlier, her daughter had seemed distracted, without any of the shy demeanor a young woman typically exhibits before her wedding. The closer the wedding day approached, the more silent she became. Madam Meng was somewhat puzzled, but upon further reflection, she seemed to understand. She embraced her daughter and whispered consolingly: “A Fu, Mother knows what’s on your mind. Mother has thought about finding a way to help you conceal things on your wedding night, but then again, your eldest cousin knows you were kidnapped. If we do too much, we might displease him. The fact that he came to our family to propose shows that he doesn’t mind that incident.”
Jia Fu had been unable to sleep. In the darkness, hearing her mother’s comforting words in her ear, she felt even more sorrowful.
The events during her abduction, when she thought about them now, were not only bizarre but also filled her with shame. Even with her most loving mother, she couldn’t bring herself to speak of them. These days, watching her bustling about preparing for the wedding, she couldn’t help but recall the day Pei You’an came to propose, and when they were alone, the cold gaze he gave her and his final words.
He had said, “If I’m fortunate enough to return, I will fulfill my promise and marry you.”
He was indeed going to marry her. But the impatience and perfunctoriness in his tone, every time she thought of it, caused Jia Fu pain and made her feel ashamed.
“I know, Mother, don’t worry…” Jia Fu buried her face in her mother’s embrace, speaking in a voice that sounded lighthearted.
Madam Meng stroked her back, then suddenly remembered something. She gestured for Jia Fu to lie down while she got up to light a lamp. She took a key, unlocked a cabinet door, then unlocked another cabinet within, brought back a small box to the bed, and finally opened another small lock. Only then did she carefully remove the jade pendant hidden inside and hand it to Jia Fu, saying: “I haven’t told you before, but when your eldest cousin came to propose to your grandmother, before leaving, he left this jade pendant as a token, saying it was left by the Duke before his death. You’re going to marry into their family tomorrow, so take this token with you.”
Jia Fu was surprised. She sat up and carefully took it. By the lamplight, she saw that the jade was carved with intertwining branches on the outside, like connected trees, with an elegant orchid in the center, appearing to exude fragrance. It seemed to be a woman’s item, with edges so smooth they must have been frequently caressed. As it rested in her palm, it felt warm and smooth, with a touch as pure and warm as a woman’s skin.
“…You see since it was left to your eldest cousin by the Duke before his death, he must cherish it as a treasure. Yet he brought it out that day as a token for our family. This shows his sincerity toward you.”
Perhaps it was her mother’s words that gave Jia Fu some confidence, or perhaps it was this object in her hand that provided comfort. Jia Fu lowered her head, her fingertips lightly touching the jade. Her previously low spirits suddenly improved considerably.
Madam Meng had her daughter lie back down and lay down herself.
“…My daughter is so beautiful, what man wouldn’t love her? After you’re married, serve your eldest cousin well. Even the biggest matters will gradually pass…”
“A Fu, believe Mother’s words, your eldest cousin will surely cherish you.”
Jia Fu held the jade pendant in her hand and, listening to her mother’s gentle murmurings, closed her eyes and finally drifted into dreamland.
…
The next day was the grand wedding.
Throughout the day, all the festivity and joy in the front hall of the Zhen residence had nothing to do with her, the bride. In the rear hall, Jia Fu was surrounded by a dozen or so servants and maids, who helped her bathe, arrange her hair, change into a bright red wedding dress, wear a pearl crown, and when her attire was complete, cover her head with a red veil. By dusk, as the auspicious hour approached, guided by the Ministry of Rites officiants, after complex ceremonies, she was escorted onto an eight-bearer grand sedan chair. Under the accompaniment of grand music and countless watching eyes, she was carried away from the Zhen family toward Duke Wei’s mansion.
At the same time, the wedding ceremony in the Eastern Palace was also proceeding smoothly. After the ceremony, in the deep of night, amidst the layered palace halls, Xiao Lie stood alone on the steps of the Chengguang Hall, gazing at the pitch-black sky over the northern part of the city, his silhouette casting a long shadow in the moonlight.
His godfather had gone to Duke Wei’s mansion to attend the wedding banquet. Cui Yinshui stood far away in a corner, looking at the motionless figure in front of the hall, not daring to breathe loudly.
The Anding Gate at the north of the imperial city made a dull sound of opening in the deep night. A man sat on horseback, with escorts before and after, leaving the city gate and heading north. His figure quickly disappeared into the thick darkness.
Today was the Crown Prince’s wedding day, and the imperial monastery, Ci’en Temple, had also conducted a blessing ceremony during the day. At this moment, a monk was awakened from his slumber to see a mysterious man, completely hidden in a black cloak, entering alone the meditation courtyard where the Tianxi Empress had last resided.
The courtyard door closed, and the man’s figure disappeared behind it, standing on the dim, dilapidated path of the meditation courtyard for a long time, his figure motionless.
Tonight in the imperial city, bells and music celebrated the joyous occasion, but here, all that could be heard was the rustling sound of wind blowing through the wild grass atop the walls.
In the deep of night, beneath the shadows of ancient trees, his figure finally moved slightly, stepping gradually toward that quiet room, extending his hand to slowly push open the door.
The Pei family hadn’t sent anyone here this past year.
With a slight “creak,” a faint smell of dust entered his nostrils and penetrated his lungs.
“A Jing, I’ve returned.”
“The only thing I can do for you is this. Do you hate me?”
In the darkness, he stood still, murmuring, his eyes slightly warm. He closed them and took a deep breath.
The person was gone, and the incense dispersed.
In the air, he could no longer detect that faint orchid fragrance that had once captivated his soul.
…
Duke Wei’s mansion.
For Pei You’an’s wedding, the bridal chamber was set in a courtyard connected to the side of Old Madam Pei’s north courtyard. It had three main rooms and two wings on each side, including a bedroom, living room, and study, facing south from the north, with a regular layout. The Old Madam had decided on it, and it had been arranged accordingly.
Jia Fu had been wearing her veil all evening, like a puppet, being led to dismount from the sedan chair, perform rituals, and complete the wedding ceremony. Now, a red silk ribbon was placed in her hand, and she knew that Pei You’an held the other end. Her heart raced like a startled deer, and as if in a dream, she was dazedly led into the bridal chamber, seated on the edge of the bed, head lowered, waiting for Pei You’an to lift her veil.
The room was filled with the laughter of women teasing the newlyweds. Besides the Pei family relatives, there were two Duchess Consorts and five or six Marchioness Consorts, all either long-time acquaintances or distant relatives. Perhaps it was the heavy pearl crown and ceremonial dress, weighing more than ten pounds and pressing down on her all evening, but Jia Fu’s neck and shoulders had grown sore. Or perhaps it was nervousness and unease. As she heard the matchmaker reciting auspicious phrases and the women urging Pei You’an to quickly lift the veil, eager to see the bride, Jia Fu felt as if she might faint at any moment, yet the veil remained unmoved.
Just as her head was spinning and her breathing labored, suddenly a light breeze crossed her face, and her vision brightened. Jia Fu’s breath caught, and she instinctively looked up, her gaze meeting the eyes of a man looking down at her.
Tonight in this room, he was the only man.
Pei You’an, dressed in a vermilion ceremonial robe with a jade belt at his waist.
Jia Fu hadn’t seen him for over a year. In her mind, she had repeatedly depicted his serene and dignified demeanor, but she had never imagined him looking like this tonight. The ancient auspicious color, the solemn ceremonial robe, made him appear exceptionally handsome. She opened her eyes wide, looking up at the man before her who was so attractive that she momentarily lost herself until the exclamations of the women reached her ears. She then came to her senses, her face reddened, and she quickly lowered her eyes, slightly bowing her head, no longer daring to look at him.
Fortunately, her cheeks were thickly rouged, but the jade-white earlobes and the section of the neck exposed above her collar had already turned a light crimson. This perfectly matched the shyness expected of a new bride, provoking competitive praise from the surrounding women.
The bride was indeed beautiful, deserving of all the praise.
Pei You’an’s gaze shifted slightly as he glanced at her downcast eyelashes. Following the matchmaker’s instructions, he wore a smile and sat beside her. The bed curtains were drawn, and they ate tangyuan dumplings and drank the ceremonial wine.
Jia Fu was extremely careful. Under the joyous laughter and countless watching eyes, not even a strand of hair was out of place. She simply followed what she had been taught beforehand, completing each step of the process.
After drinking the ceremonial wine, tonight’s wedding ceremony was almost complete, with only the final step remaining—the wedding night.
Naturally, this was a private matter between the newlyweds.
It was still early, and there were many guests outside. Pei You’an drank the wine, glanced at Jia Fu who kept her head lowered, put down his cup, and stood up from the edge of the bed. To the woman who still wanted to tease the newlyweds, he smiled and said: “She is tired today. Aunts and mothers, for my sake, please leave the room. If you’re not satisfied, I’ll go and offer you a few more cups of wine. How about that?”
The Marchioness of An’yuan smiled and said: “Let’s go, let’s go. We’ve barely started teasing, and You’an is already concerned for his new wife. Today he’s the bridegroom, and it wouldn’t be right to go against his wishes. We old witches should be more sensible, lest next time we visit, we’re not allowed in!”
Amid giggles and laughter, the women finally filed out of the new chamber.
Pei You’an turned and said softly to Jia Fu: “You should rest first. Don’t wait for me. I still have guests to entertain.” With that, he too left the room.