Approaching the main hall, Jia Fu noticed that Pei You’an, who had been walking ahead of her, gradually slowed his pace at the steps, perhaps waiting for her.

Since he slowed down, she took a few quick steps to catch up, following him inside.

The hall was still lit with bright candles. Servants from various households stood on both sides, yet not a sound could be heard. Old Madam Pei sat in the center, with Pei Quan, Madam Xin, and Second Madam Meng on her left and right. Below them was Pei Xiu Luo, but Pei Xiu Zhi was nowhere to be seen.

As soon as she entered, Jia Fu felt countless gazes upon her. She slightly lowered her eyes and followed Pei You’an to Old Madam Pei, first kowtowing and paying respects to the Old Madam.

Old Madam Pei, who usually wore plain, dark clothes at home, had today put on a new outfit with a dark gold swastika pattern on a sandalwood base. She appeared remarkably spirited, a rare sight. After Pei You’an and Jia Fu completed their formal greetings to her, she ordered them to rise. Pei You’an stood up, but Jia Fu remained kneeling. She took two needlework items, which had been prepared beforehand for the new bride to show filial respect to elders, from Liu Ma, who was following closely, and respectfully presented them with both hands. One was a black velvet headband, and the other a pair of soft-soled women’s boots with blue cotton uppers adorned with embroidered flowers. Though the needlework was exquisite, the materials were rather humble—rural items. As soon as they were presented, the nearby Pei family servants stared at them, then at Jia Fu, their eyes revealing hints of disdain.

Yu Zhu was about to accept them on behalf of the Old Madam, but the latter stopped her and received them personally.

Jia Fu said softly: “Grandmother, the headband is for cold weather, and the boots suit this season. I thought, with Grandmother’s wealth and glory, even heavenly garments would hardly be special to her. As this is your daughter-in-law’s sincere gift, I prioritized your comfort. So I simply used homespun fabric from my hometown to make shoes, which are light, soft, and comfortable—especially in hot weather, they won’t make your feet stuffy. However, the needlework and embroidery are my own, and if they fall short, please don’t be offended.”

The Old Madam felt the headband, then traced the embroidery on the boot uppers, nodding with a smile: “Those fancy, expensive things may look good, but who doesn’t have them? I’m old now, and it’s thoughtful of you to consider my needs so carefully. Grandmother will accept them and wear them when it’s hot. If they’re good, you can make me two more pairs later, and I’ll send them to some old friends.”

Jia Fu smiled in agreement, accepted the Old Madam’s reward, kowtowed in gratitude, and rose. Those Pei family servants who had shown disdain earlier now looked at Jia Fu with changed expressions.

Pei You’an remained expressionless, glanced at Jia Fu, and led her to pay respects to Madam Xin.

Madam Xin sat in a chair, with an empty seat beside her for the late Duke of Wei. She wore a smile on her face, sitting perfectly straight. She took a sip of the tea Jia Fu offered, accepted the needlework, and presented a welcoming gift. Next were Pei Quan and Second Madam Meng.

Pei Quan had always maintained a dignified bearing, rarely smiling at home. This time, knowing he owed his promotion to his nephew from the eldest branch, he was particularly cordial when Jia Fu paid her respects. Second Madam Meng was even more affectionate, holding Jia Fu’s hand, and saying to Pei You’an with a smile: “After the wedding chamber revelry last night, not one of those aunts and maternal aunts failed to praise A Fu—not just for her beauty, but more importantly for her virtuous and caring nature. Look, the Old Madam is also extremely fond of her. I’ve always loved this niece of mine like my own daughter. Now that she’s married you, You’an, we’ve truly become one family. You and A Fu, this is a predestined connection from your previous lives.” As she spoke, she beckoned her son over.

Pei Xiu Luo respectfully addressed Jia Fu as “Elder Sister-in-law.”

Pei Xiu Luo was about the same age as Pei Xiu Zhi, only half a year younger, but their fates were entirely different. He had no hereditary privilege; his scholarly achievements would have to be earned by his efforts. Naturally, prodigies like Pei You’an, who passed the imperial examinations at just sixteen, appeared only once or twice in a century. The imperial examinations were not easy. Pei Xiu Luo studied with extreme diligence, but so far had only achieved the rank of xiucai. Fortunately, with his status as a tribute student, he had entered the Imperial Academy to study, waiting to participate in the special examination the new Emperor would hold next year. His marriage was also arranged and would take place after the examination.

By all accounts, Jia Fu and he were first cousins and should have had a good relationship. Indeed, when they were children, Pei Xiu Luo had been very kind to Jia Fu, always smiling when he saw her. But later, on one visit to the Pei home, Jia Fu accidentally witnessed him cornering a maid who was a few years older than him and just beginning to develop, kissing her and fondling her chest by the artificial mountain in the back garden. She was quite shocked at the time and quietly ran away.

At that time, Jia Fu was still naive and inexperienced, but she vaguely knew this was something others shouldn’t know about. She also knew it wasn’t appropriate for him to touch her hair or pinch her cheeks as before. She hadn’t told anyone, but afterward, she avoided being alone with him. As she grew older and visited the Pei household less frequently, their relationship gradually cooled.

Now Pei Xiu Luo was a handsome and refined young man. Jia Fu thought that what she had accidentally witnessed in their childhood was probably just adolescent curiosity, but she still harbored some unease. Seeing him address her as “Elder Sister-in-law,” she smiled in response.

Quan Ge’er was also brought in by his wet nurse. He had grown considerably taller since more than a year ago. He seemed somewhat afraid of Pei You’an, standing motionless. He was instructed to call Jia Fu “Great Aunt,” and Jia Fu had prepared a set of clothes for him, which the wet nurse accepted on his behalf. He then timidly called Pei You’an “Great Uncle.”

Jia Fu noticed that Pei You’an seemed quite fond of children. When Quan Ge’er addressed him, not only did a smile appear on his face, but he also reached out to pat the boy’s head.

Old Madam Pei glanced at the daylight outside and said: “Xiu Zhi was supposed to come this morning, but he’s still unwell. His health is paramount, and I told him to focus on recovery. A Fu is already one of us; there’s no need to adhere strictly to formalities. You’an, you should take A Fu to the palace to express gratitude, and worship the ancestors when you return.”

Pei You’an acknowledged this. Jia Fu followed him in bidding farewell to everyone, then left the main hall. Tan Xiang added a soft satin cloak over her shoulders. Jia Fu exited the main gate and sat with Pei You’an in a carriage, heading toward the imperial palace.

Dawn had just broken. The carriage rumbled along the road, with sparse pedestrians on both sides. Pei You’an seemed to have a habit of never putting down his books. After boarding, he took a book from a convenient box in the corner and began reading.

Jia Fu sat beside him, bored, and couldn’t help leaning over slightly: “Gre—” She paused, correcting herself: “Husband, what book are you reading? I used to love reading at home, perhaps I’ve read it…”

Pei You’an didn’t raise his head, simply closing the book and showing her the title page, saying indifferently: “Lun Heng.”

Jia Fu was certainly no scholarly woman, but she had genuinely enjoyed reading since childhood. Her father was open-minded and didn’t restrict her to only reading books on women’s virtues. He often took her to bookshops, and besides the classics, histories, and philosophical works that her brother Zhen Yao Ting read, she had also read various miscellaneous books such as Buddhist texts, geographical works, illustrated texts, and opera librettos. Just now, seeing the book in his hands with frayed edges, clearly from frequent reading, she thought he must be quite fond of it and wanted to find a topic of conversation. Hearing his response and glancing at the book’s title page, she closed her mouth and said no more.

Pei You’an, noticing her sudden silence, glanced up at her.

Jia Fu smiled awkwardly: “Husband is truly well-read.”

Pei You’an didn’t react, turning his face back and continuing to open his book.

Jia Fu felt somewhat disheartened. After a moment of staring into space, she couldn’t help but recall the previous night.

After their intimacy last night, though he had treated her gently, she could sense that he was merely forcing himself to share a bed with her.

Honestly, Jia Fu had originally been somewhat confident about her physical attractiveness. After all, in her previous life, she had experienced two men. Whether it was Pei Xiu Zhi or Xiao Yin Tang, after physical intimacy, she didn’t need to deliberately humble herself—they were both infatuated with her.

But last night, she had received a blow.

She secretly glanced at him again, seeing his gaze fixed on the book. Her mood suddenly sank. She rested her head in the corner and closed her eyes, pretending to doze, saying nothing more.

The Pei residence wasn’t very far from the imperial palace. The carriage traveled for a while, gradually slowing down, and then stopped.

They had arrived at the palace gate.

Jia Fu opened her eyes to see that Pei You’an had already risen and disembarked from the carriage. The eunuch Cui Yin Shui was waiting at the palace gate. Seeing Pei You’an alight, his eyes brightened, and he quickly came forward to greet him.

Jia Fu was helped down by Lin Ma, who was following in the carriage behind and stood steadily.

Cui Yin Shui had already approached, calling out “Lord Pei,” then turning to Jia Fu, addressing her as “Madam” with a beaming smile. Jia Fu nodded with a smile and accompanied Pei You’an, following him through the palace gate, proceeding to the Western Garden, and finally arriving before the Chengguang Hall.

It was still a quarter-hour before the time arranged by the Ministry of Rites for the audience to express gratitude to the Emperor.

Cui Yin Shui went in to announce their arrival. Jia Fu suddenly felt nervous and instinctively looked at Pei You’an beside her. Seeing him standing tall, with a solemn gaze, she slightly raised her head and gazed at him for a moment. Suddenly, as if drawing strength from him, she slowly exhaled, and her heart settled.

Xiao Lie sat behind the imperial desk, his eyes slightly swollen, as if he hadn’t slept well the previous night. When the two knelt side by side to express their gratitude and were told to rise, he examined Jia Fu, a look of satisfaction crossing his face. Eunuchs brought out rewards, and Jia Fu knelt again, thanking the Emperor for his generous rewards to her maternal family.

Xiao Lie said kindly: “No need for such formality. Your Zhen family has rendered meritorious service. From now on, serve You’an well, and that will be your Zhen family’s loyalty to me.”

Jia Fu quickly glanced at Pei You’an beside her.

He was looking at the Emperor on the throne and didn’t look at her.

Jia Fu lowered her head and acknowledged. After rising, according to protocol, she would need to go to the Jie Fu Palace to thank the Empress.

Li Yuan Gui personally escorted Jia Fu there. Upon reaching Jie Fu Palace and entering, Jia Fu saw Empress Zhou seated in the hall, with Zhang Feng Tong sitting beside her. Below them sat a woman in yellow robes, holding a duster, dressed as a Taoist priestess.

The priestess was still quite young, only around twenty, and extraordinarily beautiful, with fine eyebrows and fair teeth with vermilion lips. Sitting there, her ethereal beauty was further accentuated by her Taoist robes, making her appear otherworldly.

Jia Fu didn’t recognize this beautiful priestess. After kowtowing to Empress Zhou and greeting Zhang Feng Tong, Zhang Feng Tong introduced this Taoist priestess to Jia Fu, saying that she had taken the tonsure at the White Crane Temple in the southern part of the city. Her secular surname was Chi, and her Taoist name was Han Zhen. Only then did Jia Fu have some impression and finally recall that this priestess was quite renowned.

When the Prince of Shun’an first ascended to the throne, he faced opposition from a group of court officials loyal to the Tianxi Emperor. Among them was a Hanlin academician surnamed Chi, who was then the Director of the Imperial Academy and a famous calligrapher and painter with considerable prestige. He opposed the Prince of Shun’an, secretly allied with ministers, and called for a thorough investigation into the young Emperor’s fatal horse-riding accident. At that time, the Prince of Shun’an tolerated it, but afterward, he charged Chi with treason. More than a hundred members of his family were implicated; all the men were executed, and the women were stripped of their status and made slaves.

This Taoist priestess was Chi’s granddaughter. At just fourteen, she had already earned the reputation of being the capital’s foremost talented young woman. After being made a government slave, she refused to submit to lewd clients and attempted suicide by jumping from a building. Fortunately for her, she happened to land on a passerby and survived. The news spread quickly, public sentiment boiled over, and ballads were composed in the streets praising her integrity. The Prince of Shun’an then granted her a special pardon and allowed her to become a Taoist. Later, when Xiao Lie came to power, he exonerated that group of people, including Chi. Afterward, this priestess frequently entered and exited the palace, becoming close friends with the Crown Prince’s consort Zhang Feng Tong. Her reputation soared, and she was admired by many men, including high officials and nobles, but she adamantly refused to return to secular life and marry, continuing her life as a Taoist priestess.

After Zhang Feng Tong introduced the priestess to Jia Fu, she smiled and said to the priestess: “This is Lord Pei’s new wife, from the Zhen family of Quanzhou.”

Chi Han Zhen’s cool gaze turned to Jia Fu, fixed for a moment, and only then did she rise from her seat. She performed a Taoist greeting to Jia Fu, her face showing no smile, her features subtly haughty.

Jia Fu, having just learned that this ethereal, beautiful Taoist priestess was Chi the Hanlin academician’s granddaughter, respected her integrity and didn’t mind her aloofness. She simply nodded with a smile.

Chi Han Zhen didn’t look at Jia Fu again. Turning to Empress Zhou, she said: “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty, but I have no intention of returning to secular life at present. When I return, I will ask my master to set up an altar to pray for Your Majesty’s blessings. If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave.”

Empress Zhou smiled and said: “The Emperor has already cleared your grandfather’s name and redressed the injustice. I thought of how young you are to be living with the blue lamp and yellow scrolls and felt somewhat sorry for you. That’s why I summoned you to the palace yesterday. Since you have no intention of returning to secular life, I won’t force you. In the future, when you’re free, come visit often. You were known as a talented woman before; perhaps you could explain the classics to me sometime.”

Chi Han Zhen agreed, bowed again to the Empress and Zhang Feng Tong, then turned and departed ethereally.

Empress Zhou then turned to Jia Fu, speaking kindly and making small talk. Jia Fu responded appropriately and finally took her leave. Zhang Feng Tong escorted her, which Jia Fu declined, but Zhang Feng Tong insisted on accompanying her to the outside of the hall. She held Jia Fu’s hand and said: “Sister Zhen, at first I acted out of a desire to repay a debt, not knowing your connection with Lord Pei, which caused a misunderstanding. Now that I understand, the Empress Dowager has also scolded me, and I deeply regret it. Please don’t be upset. Fortunately, the Crown Prince and Lord Pei are as close as brothers, so naturally, you and I will be like sisters. If you’re free, remember to visit the palace often, and let’s see more of each other.”

Jia Fu agreed with a smile and repeatedly asked her to stay, until Zhang Feng Tong finally stopped, standing with a faint smile, watching Jia Fu leave.

Still escorted by Li Yuan Gui, Jia Fu returned toward Chengguang Hall. Halfway there, her heart skipped slightly, and she stopped in her tracks.

Pei You’an was standing on the palace path ahead, talking with a woman. The woman’s slender figure from behind, with her yellow robes floating, was none other than the Taoist priestess Chi Han Zhen who had just left. It seemed they knew each other from before. After exchanging a few words, Chi Han Zhen bowed deeply to Pei You’an, appearing extremely grateful, and then continued on her way.

As the priestess departed, Pei You’an turned his head and saw Jia Fu standing by the path. His eyebrows raised slightly, and he walked toward her. Approaching, he said to Li Yuan Gui: “Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch. There’s nothing else with the Emperor; I’ll take my wife out of the palace now.”