Not long after darkness fell and the lamps were lit, Pei You’an returned.

The weather was sweltering. Jiafu had bathed in the evening after returning from the Taoist temple and was now waiting for him. When she saw him return, she went to greet him and asked about dinner. He said he had eaten some refreshments with his colleagues while on duty at the palace during the You hour and wasn’t very hungry now. Jiafu had also eaten a bowl of lotus leaf and lotus seed soup earlier and wasn’t hungry either. Knowing he must have been sweating, she first helped him bathe and change, then the young couple ate dinner together, visited the Old Madam and Madam Xin, and after returning, like the previous night, Jiafu again followed him to the study.

The jade hairpins in the courtyard were in full bloom, their fragrance becoming even more intense at night. The floral scent drifted with the evening breeze through the deep green gauze windows into the study.

Pei You’an sat behind his desk, engaged in his work. Jiafu stood in front of the bookshelf behind him, lightly flipping through the books on the shelves. No longer facing each other, the smile that had been on her face gradually disappeared as her mind began to wander. Only when she heard Pei You’an ask her to get a book for him did she come back to her senses, responding with an “Oh” as she quickly put down the book in her hand and looked up to find the one he wanted?

“On the left upper shelf, the third row down, counting from the right, the second book.”

Pei You’an didn’t turn around but continued with his directions.

Jiafu followed his instructions and quickly found the book, turning to bring it to his side.

Pei You’an took it, flipped through it, put it down, and then looked up at her carefully: “What’s the matter with you? If you’re tired from going out during the day, you don’t need to force yourself to keep me company. You can go to sleep first, and I’ll return shortly.”

Jiafu was indeed harboring concerns, and they weren’t trivial.

That day in the imperial palace, from the first moment she saw Chi Han Zhen and Pei You’an talking by the palace corridor, she had felt a vague threat. Of course, the matter eventually ended with her embarrassing herself once again, while Pei You’an was magnanimous enough to forgive her, just like many incidents that had occurred between them before. This time, it even turned out to be a blessing in disguise, breaking through the awkwardness between them since their wedding night—a good outcome overall.

While grateful and relieved, Jiafu, upon reflection, felt ashamed of her impulsiveness and jealousy. In the past two days, because of Pei You’an’s gentleness and undisguised intimacy in private, she had finally begun to dispel the shadows of the first few days.

But today’s visit to the Taoist temple caused those just-dispersed shadows to slowly envelop her once more.

Her intuition told her that Chi Han Zhen very likely did harbor feelings for Pei You’an.

This was normal. Pei You’an had a teacher-student relationship with her grandfather, she had visited the Pei family when she was young, and she had known Pei You’an since childhood. Both had reputations for their talents, so it wasn’t strange that she would admire him. Jiafu also believed that Pei You’an wasn’t the kind of person to act improperly.

But the scene she had witnessed during the day still left her unsettled.

This Taoist nun had pride, reputation, and used the writing of “Lunheng” as a way to express herself. Her calligraphy subtly resembled Pei You’an’s style. Pei You’an was like the wind, moon, and clear skies; she was like the wind beneath the forest. Although her family was destroyed and she lived in a Taoist temple in pitiful circumstances, Jiafu knew clearly that in front of Pei You’an, she always found herself looking up in admiration, pleasantly surprised by his kindness toward her.

But Chi Han Zhen seemed to be the kind of person who could stand with him at the same height. Years ago, to preserve her purity, she had even been willing to shatter like jade.

Of course, Jiafu had also jumped from a building, but that hard-to-explain experience, compared to Chi Han Zhen’s heroic act, left her feeling only shame and unworthiness.

In Pei You’an’s eyes, Chi Han Zhen must be talented, pure, and admirable.

Besides this lingering shadow in her heart, the brief encounter with Xiao Yin Tang on the way back to the city also made her feel uneasy.

All along, she had felt that Xiao Yin Tang wouldn’t easily let her go. It was for this reason that when she encountered Pei You’an—a lifeline that could solve her predicament—she clung to him desperately, stumbling until finally marrying him and finding stability.

As long as Pei You’an was there, even if Xiao Yin Tang was the Crown Prince, he shouldn’t be able to harm her. Jiafu believed this.

When she had thought about clinging to Pei You’an and marrying him before, she had also considered that if Pei You’an, as she knew from her previous life, was destined to die from illness before reaching thirty, she would willingly depart with him to avoid future revenge and troubles from Xiao Yin Tang after he ascended the throne. She wasn’t afraid.

On their wedding night, she had thought that this man was worth it, and if he were gone, living alone would be meaningless. In this life, being able to be his wife for a few years and live in peace for that time would be enough to satisfy her.

From their first meeting in Wuding, through all the bumps along the way until now, she and Pei You’an had gradually become familiar with each other. She finally discovered that his body wasn’t as frail as she had imagined.

He was somewhat thin, and his physique wasn’t as robust as a warrior’s, but without clothes, his body was lean and strong, not different from other normal young men.

She found it hard to believe that such a Pei You’an would, in a few years, suffer a relapse of his old illness and die suddenly, vomiting blood in a remote border town.

In the evening after returning home, while closing her eyes to think in the bathtub, Jiafu suddenly remembered something.

In her previous life, during the last few days before Xiao Yin Tang’s death, amid a nightmare, she, kneeling before the dragon bed, had heard him mutter something about Pei You’an in his sleep.

He had said, “You’an, You’an, is this the retribution you’ve brought upon me? I beg you, spare me! Don’t blame me! If you must blame someone, blame my Imperial Father! It was all his sin—”

Thinking of these words from his dream, and then of how Pei You’an had died in her previous life, Jiafu couldn’t help but feel her hair stand on end.

The true relationship between Xiao Yin Tang and Pei You’an was indeed not as harmonious as it appeared on the surface; the two had no private interactions. Especially in this life, because of her, Xiao Yin Tang would certainly hate Pei You’an even more. Jiafu knew this.

But if her suspicion was true, what puzzled her was that in her previous life, there hadn’t been her between these two men. Even if Xiao Yin Tang envied Pei You’an for stealing his spotlight, at that time, Xiao Lie was still on the throne, and Pei You’an had voluntarily left the glory of the imperial court for the border town of Suye, staying there for several years with no indication of returning to the capital. For Xiao Yin Tang, occupying the position of Crown Prince, there was no reason to risk being discovered by Xiao Lie by trying to eliminate Pei You’an.

Jiafu couldn’t figure it out and thought perhaps she was overthinking.

Now, hearing Pei You’an’s question, she recalled the strange look in Xiao Yin Tang’s eyes when they met on the road earlier that day.

“Eldest Cousin…”

Meeting his scrutinizing gaze, Jiafu called out once, then stopped.

Pei You’an pondered briefly, then placed his brush on the brushrest and took her hand, gently pulling her. Jiafu sat sideways on his lap. His arm came from behind and encircled her waist, the gesture tender and completely natural.

Jiafu leaned against the arm that was embracing her back, tilting her head slightly backward to look up at him.

Pei You’an lowered his head slightly and said: “I just met Second Uncle, and he told me that on your way back, you encountered the Crown Prince. Are you still afraid?”

Jiafu used to be very afraid of Xiao Yin Tang, but with Pei You’an by her side, she wasn’t afraid anymore. However, the feeling she had now was more unsettling than the simple fear she had felt before.

“Eldest Cousin, you should be careful of the Crown Prince… he probably hates you very much…”

She finally couldn’t hold back and said it.

Pei You’an seemed somewhat surprised by her words and examined her without answering at first.

Under his gaze, Jiafu gradually became uneasy, biting her lip: “Perhaps I’m just thinking nonsense… if I’ve spoken incorrectly, don’t be angry… I didn’t mean to sow discord between you and the Crown Prince…”

Pei You’an smiled, tightening the arm that was embracing her, and said softly: “Why would I be angry with you? I was just surprised that you said such a thing…”

He paused.

“The Crown Prince has indeed harbored thoughts of comparing himself to me from the beginning. I had no intention of becoming enemies with him, but in court, many things are often beyond one’s control. Even if it wasn’t for you, there would still be rifts between us. But rest assured, while the Emperor is still here, he won’t openly make trouble. As for the future, though the world is unpredictable and fortune and misfortune uncertain since I’ve married you, I will certainly do everything in my power to protect you.”

His voice was steady, carrying a power that comforted the heart. The gloom in Jiafu’s heart gradually diminished. She softly called him “Eldest Cousin” and raised her arms to embrace his waist, burying her face against his neck.

Pei You’an’s hand gently patted her back, as if comforting a frightened little girl. He held her silently for a moment, and then his other hand lifted her pointed chin, raising her face to his. His gaze fell on her lips, lingering for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, as if remembering something. Slowly, he lowered his head, his face pressing down toward hers.

Jiafu knew he was about to kiss her.

Although they had already done things more intimate than kissing a few times, she still couldn’t help but feel her heart race, her cheeks flush, and her eyelashes tremble slightly as she closed her eyes. When she felt the warm breath of his approach on her face, she couldn’t help but purse her red lips, instantly touching his.

He paused slightly and stopped. This man was truly too much—he even let out a brief chuckle, the sound entering her ears.

That wasn’t all. Jiafu, in his arms, could feel his shoulders and chest slightly trembling. He was still trying hard to hold back, secretly laughing at her.

Jiafu’s face immediately turned red with embarrassment, even her earlobes burning hot. She no longer wanted his kiss. Opening her eyes, she pushed him away and stood up, saying angrily: “I’m tired. I’ll go back to the room to sleep first, you can do as you please.” She turned to leave, but before she could take a step, a hand from behind gripped her arm, gently pulling her back into his embrace.

Jiafu’s small face was still flushed. Pei You’an’s lips came to her ear, coaxing softly: “I wasn’t laughing at you just now…”

He had only said half a sentence before stopping, his chest once again slightly trembling.

“Eldest Cousin!”

Jiafu was truly angry now, struggling forcefully, no longer willing to sit on his lap. Pei You’an’s arms tightly encircled her slender waist as he tried to soothe her. Just then, footsteps came from outside the study, and an elderly woman approached, saying from outside the door: “Young Master, the Taoist nun Han Zhen from the White Crane Temple has sent someone. She urgently requests your presence, saying her brother has fallen critically ill again.”

Jiafu stopped struggling and turned to look at Pei You’an.

Pei You’an was momentarily taken aback, the smile disappearing from his face. He immediately released Jiafu and said: “I’ll go and see. You sleep first.”

Jiafu remembered the child she had glimpsed during the day, as weak as a sick cat. How could she stop him? She nodded, accompanied Pei You’an back to their room, helped him dress, and saw him off as he hurriedly left the courtyard.

…

Pei You’an, accompanied by an attendant, rode out of the South Gate of the city and hurried to the White Crane Temple. A senior disciple of Xu Chen named Qingxin was waiting at the gate. Seeing Pei You’an arrive, he came to welcome him. Pei You’an, carrying his medicine box, entered and asked about the situation.

Qingxin said: “He was fine during the day, but just now he fell ill again, unconscious, foaming at the mouth—it’s terrifying…”

Pei You’an hurriedly arrived at the Hall of Supreme Simplicity. The door was open, and a young Taoist nun was anxiously looking out. Seeing Pei You’an arrive, she quickly led him in.

Pei You’an entered the child’s bedroom. Inside, the lamps were all lit, and Xu Chen was also present. Chi Han Zhen, hearing the movement, turned and quickly came to meet him, her eyes red and swollen. Before she could speak, Pei You’an quickly went to the bedside, lifted the covers, and saw the child’s face was deathly pale, his eyes tightly closed, limbs convulsing, and foam at the corners of his mouth. He quickly examined the child’s eyelids, then took his pulse. From his medicine box, he took out a needle package, asked someone to hold the child’s hands and feet, and inserted several needles into acupuncture points on the body and the top of the head. Gradually, the child’s breathing became more stable, the convulsions stopped, his eyelids moved slightly, and he slowly opened his eyes.

“Brother!”

Chi Han Zhen wept with joy, rushing over to tightly grasp the child’s hand.

Pei You’an wrote a prescription, selected the herbs himself, and asked the young Taoist nun to quickly brew them. He returned and continued with acupuncture. Two-quarters of an hour later, the medicine was brought in. He helped the child sit up and drink the medicine. Shortly after, the child slowly closed his eyes and finally fell asleep again.

Xu Chen finally breathed a sigh of relief and escorted Pei You’an to the outer room.

Pei You’an was packing up his medicine box when Chi Han Zhen, after instructing the young Taoist nun to watch over her brother, followed them out. Looking at Pei You’an with reddened eyes, she said: “I am truly ashamed that my brother has once again disturbed your peace. These past few days, my brother’s condition has somewhat stabilized. Earlier today, the Old Madam Pei even came to see him. In the evening, he got up, and following your previous instructions, I helped him walk slowly around the courtyard for two rounds. Unexpectedly, he suddenly fell ill again. I had thought of sending someone to fetch Imperial Physician Hu, but feared he might be on duty in the palace tonight and not at home. If we had gone to find him and he wasn’t there, it might have delayed treating this urgent condition…”

Pei You’an waved his hand to stop her and said: “It’s fine. Your brother’s condition comes on fiercely and indeed cannot be delayed. I will stay a while longer to ensure there are no further issues before leaving.”

Chi Han Zhen’s eyes showed gratitude, and Xu Chen also breathed a sigh of relief. Knowing Pei You’an was cautious—the last time he came to treat the illness, after completing the treatment, he had withdrawn from the room and waited in the courtyard to observe the aftereffects—she assumed it would be the same this time. So she ordered someone to bring out tables and chairs, brought several kinds of fresh fruits, and fearing mosquito bites in the summer night, also had disciples light incense. After attentively hosting for a while, she eventually left.

Pei You’an stood under the moonlight, his robes like water, his person like a jade youth. Chi Han Zhen personally brought tea from inside and said: “I know the Master is newly married, and tonight was truly out of necessity. To trouble the Master to come from afar, I am genuinely grateful and have no way to repay you. I don’t have good tea here, only a block of Dragon Bud Pu’er left from last year. I just brewed it myself. Please enjoy.”

Pei You’an smiled slightly, said it was no trouble, and casually picked up the teacup, taking a sip.

Chi Han Zhen asked about the symptoms. Pei You’an put down the tea cup and said: “It’s a complication of his original condition. If you follow the prescription I’ve left and give him the medicine on time, if I’m not mistaken, it shouldn’t recur.”

Chi Han Zhen was silent for a moment, then said: “Master, over these years, my family has declined, I have no relatives to turn to, and I’ve been like a rootless duckweed, enduring all manner of humiliation. Having seen the coldness and warmth of human nature, my heart had long died to ashes. Only upon meeting you did I realize there are still good people in this world, and my heart has gradually warmed. Please accept my bow.”

With that, she abandoned the Taoist greeting and bowed deeply to Pei You’an in the manner of an ordinary woman. Under the moonlight, her slender figure was as thin as bamboo, evoking pity in those who saw her.

Pei You’an said: “Taoist Han Zhen, please rise. Your grandfather had a backbone of pride and a heart of loyalty and righteousness, and we had a teacher-student relationship. This is but a small gesture for me, why should you be so concerned?”

He looked up, glanced at the moon shadow gradually rising behind the clouds overhead, thought for a moment, and said: “Your brother should be fine now. I will take my leave.”

Chi Han Zhen personally escorted him. Pei You’an repeatedly declined, and Chi Han Zhen finally stopped, bidding him farewell. After thinking for a moment, she added: “Throughout my life, I’ve let go of many material possessions, but the one thing I cannot abandon is reading. The book ‘Lunheng’ that you recommended last time—I finished reading it these past few days while my brother’s condition was stable. However, there are several parts I don’t understand. If Master has time someday, could you perhaps give me some guidance?”

Chi Han Zhen had loved reading since childhood, and when Pei You’an visited the Chi family, he had instructed her several times.

Pei You’an said: “I don’t have much insight either. If you don’t understand, you can find the annotations and compare them yourself. I remember they have them in the bookstore.”

Chi Han Zhen paused, then said: “I understand. Thank you for your guidance.”

Pei You’an smiled slightly, nodded to her, said “Stay here,” and turned to leave with large strides. His figure quickly disappeared under the moonlight.

…

After seeing off Pei You’an, Jiafu returned to the bedroom, undressed, and got into bed, but she couldn’t fall asleep.

Earlier, she had been uneasy about the chance encounter with Xiao Yin Tang that day. Just as she had temporarily put aside her concerns, coincidentally, Pei You’an had been called away by the Taoist nun. The events of the day had already left her with an unsettled heart, and now, even though she knew he had gone to treat a sick child, she still felt empty inside. With no mood to read and unable to sleep, she tossed and turned in bed, feeling dizzy and heavy-headed. She got up to check the time—it was already past the middle of the Hai hour. She didn’t know when Pei You’an would return; if the child’s condition was urgent, he might not be able to come back all night. Feeling irritated and finding the room stuffy and sweaty, she got up to open another window when she suddenly heard movement outside. Pei You’an had returned. She faintly heard him talking to Tanxiang, seemingly asking if she was asleep. Relieved, she quickly got out of bed and slipped on her shoes intending to go and meet him, but after taking just one step, she changed her mind, quickly lowered the bed curtains, and crawled back into bed, hastily covering her chest and abdomen with the blanket, then turned toward the inner side of the bed, pretending to be asleep.

Light footsteps entered. He first went to the bathroom, then came out a moment later. There was a faint rustling sound of clothes being removed, and then the curtain was lifted, and someone lay down beside her.

Jiafu still didn’t move. At first, Pei You’an didn’t touch her either. After a while, she felt a hand reaching around to her waist, slipping under her clothes, his fingers tapping and lightly tickling the small of her back.

Jiafu was most afraid of being tickled. She tried hard to endure it, but after a couple more tickles, she couldn’t hold back any longer and burst out laughing. Her body was then pulled over by that hand. Pei You’an embraced her and whispered in her ear: “Is this how you attend to your husband?”

Jiafu opened her eyes and mumbled: “I was asleep, and you woke me up by tickling me. You told me to sleep first, but now you’re finding fault with me.”

Pei You’an gazed at her enchanting, delicate face, his eyes gradually falling on her cherry-like lips. Suddenly he said: “Smile for me again.”

Caught off guard, Jiafu didn’t understand and looked at him with puzzled, wide eyes.

“Like this morning when I escorted you all to the White Crane Temple, the way you smiled at me.”

Jiafu then remembered that moment. She recalled how he had just looked at her a few times before turning and leaving, and she had thought he hadn’t noticed. Unexpectedly, he was now asking her to smile again.

Jiafu couldn’t refuse him. After holding back for a moment, she pressed her lips together and smiled, the small dimple at the corner of her mouth faintly appearing.

Pei You’an cupped her face, leaned in, and kissed that little dimple that had caught his eye. Slowly, his lips moved to hers, opened, and enveloped them.

Outside the curtain, the silver lamp flickered gently. Inside, a subtle fragrance enveloped them. Jiafu, with her disheveled hair like mist, her delicate body laid out, was thrust into again and again by the man, ground against over and over, sometimes gently, sometimes forcefully, sometimes slowly, sometimes urgently. One jade-like arm hung limply from the bed, the bracelet on her wrist swaying slightly in mid-air, occasionally hitting the wooden edge, making a faint, rhythmic tapping sound.

“There’s nothing between her and me; in the past, it was just treating illness. You were very sensible tonight, quite good. Sleep now.”

After they were done, before sleeping, Pei You’an held Jiafu’s body, casually stroked her head, lowered his head to kiss her forehead, and said softly.