The Crown Prince represents the state’s integrity. Though this affair was rather unsightly, even if true, it would at most prove the Crown Prince has a violent temperament and poor personal virtue—all intangible matters. With proper guidance, there remained the possibility of reform. The saying that “a prince who breaks the law should be punished like a commoner” was, like the ideals of the Great Unity and world belonging to all, merely the aspiration of ancient sages. Even killing a consort was far from crossing the emperor’s intolerable bottom line. Moreover, with the Emperor newly ascended and all court affairs prioritizing stability, it was unlikely he would truly move against the Crown Prince over this.
The Emperor needed a ladder to climb down from this affair, and no one had been extended to him, which he accepted. Whether it was true or false, whether he believed it or not, became a secondary concern.
These were all explanations Pei You’an gave Jia Fu one evening when she accompanied him to the study for reading.
Jia Fu felt a sudden enlightenment.
She had been regretting her impulsive action that night, but from his tone, what she had done was not a bad thing after all.
Finally, he pulled her onto his lap and told her that he had been too careless before, nearly allowing her to come to harm. He promised Jia Fu that he would be doubly cautious in the future and never let her face such dangerous situations again.
With him there, Jia Fu felt truly secure. Besides nodding, she hardly needed to think about anything else.
This man, whom she had worked so hard to convince and almost trick into marrying her, was like a towering tree, sheltering her from wind and rain.
…
Two days later, Jia Fu’s brother, Zhen Yaoting, arrived in the capital.
After half a year apart, though occasional traces of childishness could still be seen in her brother’s words and actions, he had become much more steady than before and appeared thinner and darker. When the siblings met, they were overjoyed. Jia Fu stayed at home until the evening when Pei You’an came from the palace and joined them. They ate dinner together before he took Jia Fu home. The next day, Madam Meng brought her son to pay respects to the elders. After they kowtowed, the old lady said that since they were all family, there was no need for excessive formality, and invited Zhen Yaoting to stay and talk. The old lady inquired about Zhen Yaoting’s marriage prospects, and learning that his previous arrangements had been delayed and there was currently no suitable match, she said: “The child isn’t too old yet. Marriage is a lifelong matter that can’t be rushed. Take time to find someone suitable—that’s most important.”
Madam Meng nodded repeatedly: “I think so too. Yaoting has been mischievous since childhood and doesn’t listen to me. I’ve always thought that the most important quality in his future wife would be steadiness and sensibility, to help me manage him.”
As she said this, Jia Fu noticed her brother turn his head to look toward the doorway curtain, presumably searching for Yu Zhu. Seeing only two little maids standing there without her appearing, disappointment showed in his eyes.
After conversing a while longer, the old lady heard that Madam Meng was planning to return to Quanzhou soon and said: “If you’re not in a hurry to return, why not stay a few more days? In a few days, my second grandson will be married. Since we’re all relatives, come join the celebration and enjoy the wedding feast before leaving.”
Hearing that Pei Xiuzhi was finally getting married, Madam Meng felt relieved. She asked about the bride, then gladly agreed, turning to her son with a smile: “This is perfect. Let’s stay a while longer, son.”
Zhen Yaoting, already reluctant to leave so soon, was delighted and readily agreed.
The health of Old Lady Pei had rapidly deteriorated in recent years, and only in these past few months had her spirits somewhat improved. But her constitution had been severely weakened. After sitting for a while, she gradually showed signs of fatigue. Madam Meng, fearing she might disturb her rest, rose to take her leave.
The old lady called for Yu Zhu from outside. Yu Zhu lifted the curtain and entered, hearing that Madam Meng and her son were leaving and that she was to escort them out. She smiled and agreed, leading Madam Meng and Zhen Yaoting out. Jia Fu accompanied them as well.
On this visit, Madam Meng had been worried and had repeatedly instructed her son beforehand not to ambush people privately as he had done the previous year, to avoid embarrassing his sister again. Zhen Yaoting had promised. Indeed, throughout the day, except for glancing back a few times when the old lady and Madam Meng mentioned his marriage, his behavior had been entirely proper. However, after leaving, as he helped his mother into the carriage and prepared to depart, his heart was reluctant, and he couldn’t help but look back several times.
Yu Zhu turned her face away.
Jia Fu saw this and couldn’t help feeling regretful.
Her brother truly had feelings for Yu Zhu. After all this time, during this trip to the capital, when the siblings met yesterday before she left, he had specifically quietly asked her about Yu Zhu’s recent situation, and was relieved to hear she hadn’t been matched with anyone.
The Pei household released maids once a year, and it was almost time again. Various maids who had reached the appropriate age had gradually found arrangements, either being paired with someone or leaving the household. Only Yu Zhu, now the oldest unmarried girl, seemed to have no plans yet. Just a few days ago, when Jia Fu was visiting the old lady, she heard her ask Yu Zhu if she had any thoughts about her future, saying she should speak freely. Yu Zhu’s face had reddened slightly, and she had quickly glanced at Jia Fu before shaking her head, saying she had no particular wishes and still wanted to serve the old lady for life. The old lady had smiled with a sigh, saying she didn’t know when her own time would come, and that after so many years of service, she didn’t want to hold Yu Zhu back any longer.
Jia Fu recalled that day when they had returned together by carriage from White Crane Temple, how Yu Zhu had been uncharacteristically silent, with a hint of melancholy in her expression. Perhaps the Taoist nun’s story had evoked memories of her own childhood experiences.
Jia Fu had originally thought that if Yu Zhu also had feelings for her brother, she could swallow her pride and speak to the old lady about it. Her mother had always liked Yu Zhu and would certainly approve, and with the old lady’s support, her grandmother would likely not resist either.
If her brother could marry Yu Zhu, the family’s internal and external affairs would truly be secure.
However, seeing how Yu Zhu had spoken only to her mother and herself the entire way out, without sparing her brother a single glance, she seemed completely indifferent.
If she had no interest, her brother’s one-sided affection would be futile, and it would be improper for Jia Fu to rashly broach the subject, lest it seem like coercion.
It was unfortunate that her brother had been too impetuous in the past, leaving Yu Zhu with a terrible impression.
Jia Fu had to abandon the idea.
Soon, the entire Pei household became busy with Pei Xiuzhi’s wedding. Since he was marrying a second wife, and Zhou Jiao’e had previously been engaged before—reportedly breaking it off due to incompatible horoscopes and remaining unmarried for two years—both families now wanted to proceed quickly with the marriage. All the ceremonies went smoothly, and before long, Pei Xiuzhi was married.
Old Lady Pei showed exceptional attention to this marriage of Pei Xiuzhi’s, disregarding her limited energy. Not only did she frequently oversee matters personally, but she also contributed a large sum of money to support her grandson’s wedding preparations.
After his transgression, Pei Xiuzhi had not only lost his title but also his previous position as Brave Guard Fifth Rank Commander and was now a commoner. Upon his marriage, Pei You’an requested a hereditary privilege from the Emperor on his behalf, allowing him to enter the Junior Officials’ Corps and receive the position of Armed Scattered Rider Attendant.
The Attendants’ Corps was subordinate to the Five Capital Military Commands. Though this position couldn’t compare to a duke’s title, those who entered the corps were exclusively sons of dukes, marquises, and earls. With proper training for a year or two, given sufficient ability, one could quickly rise to prominence. It was always a case of many monks and little gruels—many noble sons desired entry but couldn’t secure positions.
Though this was Pei Xiuzhi’s second marriage, apart from lacking the honor of an imperial-bestowed marriage, the wedding procession was no less grand than Pei You’an’s earlier marriage. Many guests came to the Pei residence, some for Pei You’an, and many from Empress Zhou’s family. From morning until night, the celebration lasted an entire day. Madam Xin bustled about, her face—rarely seen smiling—now beaming with joy, her laughter heard everywhere.
The next morning, Jia Fu met her sister-in-law Zhou Jiao’e, who was somewhat older than her, about eighteen or nineteen years old. True to her name, she was quite beautiful, exquisitely dressed, with thin lips and a talent for conversation. At the time, Pei Xiuzhi stood beside her, also smiling, though for some reason his smile seemed somewhat forced, his gaze shifting unsteadily, falling on Jia Fu’s face briefly before quickly moving away as if concealing dejection and shame.
Jia Fu didn’t think much of it at the time, but a few days later, she heard news from Governess Liu that on Pei Xiuzhi’s wedding night, things had started well, but soon those on night duty outside faintly heard what seemed like an argument inside. Then it became quiet, and there was no movement for the next few nights. But last night, Pei Xiuzhi and Zhou Jiao’e suddenly quarreled again in the middle of the night. Initially, they kept their voices low, but the argument grew louder and was overheard outside. Pei Xiuzhi was heard berating her for being shameless and unchaste, while Zhou Jiao’e smashed many objects. Pei Xiuzhi then stormed out of the bedroom in rage, going to his study, while Zhou Jiao’e wept incessantly. The servants hurriedly woke up Madam Xin, who came quickly to comfort her new daughter-in-law, then personally went to the study to compel her son to return to the bedroom.
Afterward, though Madam Xin summoned the maids and old women serving in the courtyard, strictly forbidding them from speaking about the incident, the commotion had been so great that it was audible outside the courtyard. Governess Liu, always one to mind others’ business, had been with Jia Fu in the Pei household for only a few months but had already adopted several goddaughters. She had just heard the news from one of them and immediately came to tell Jia Fu.
Recalling Pei Xiuzhi’s expression the morning after his wedding, Jia Fu vaguely understood.
Governess Liu had likely reached the same conclusion and lowered her voice: “Looking at it this way, when the second mistress had her engagement canceled a few years ago while still unmarried, it probably wasn’t because of incompatible horoscopes. Perhaps the man’s family heard something, which is why she remained unmarried for two years. Now that the Empress had risen to power, someone finally proposed, and she married the second young master. She’s only been here a few days, but already walks with her chin up. Except for flattering the old lady, she doesn’t even respect the second madam. I heard she’s made the second madam so angry that she’s said much behind her back. I thought she was just proud, but only the first madam treats her like a treasure.”
Governess Liu’s face showed disdain.
Jia Fu told her not to spread this further. Governess Liu nodded: “Young mistress, you’re kind-hearted. I only gathered this information because I feared she might bully you. As long as you’re aware, that’s enough. Don’t worry, my lips are sealed—I know my limits.”
Early the next morning, the two branches of the Pei family, along with clan members and those who regularly associated with the Peis, mobilized hundreds of people. Before daybreak, they gradually gathered in front of the Pei residence’s main gate, preparing to depart for Ci’en Temple to commemorate the old Duke’s seventieth anniversary of passing.
Memorial anniversaries were only held every ten years, so this occasion was exceptionally solemn. The Pei family would conduct ceremonies for seven consecutive days at Ci’en Temple to ensure a complete and auspicious commemoration on the actual day. From the palace, the Emperor had also sent eunuchs with imperial gifts.
Commemorating ancestors was meant to honor the past and benefit future generations, so naturally, family members didn’t need to wear mourning faces. The women were all dressed magnificently. Pei You’an had specifically requested leave from the Emperor for this day. Before 4 a.m., when the sky was still pitch black, he had risen, instructing Jia Fu to sleep more, and left with Pei Quan to arrange various matters. Now Jia Fu, having finished her preparations, went to the old lady’s chambers to accompany her outside. As the sky was just beginning to brighten, they walked with lanterns and turned past the screen wall to see the main gate brightly lit with torches, silhouettes moving about, men and stewards coming and going busily. Among so many people, she still spotted Pei You’an at a glance. While waiting to be assigned to a carriage in a reception room near the gatehouse, she saw him approaching with a steward. Seizing the opportunity, she waited behind the screen wall.
Pei You’an was talking with the steward, but the corner of his eye had already noticed her. Seeing her with one hand behind her back, the other beckoning him, he stopped, told the steward to go ahead, walked to Jia Fu, and positioned himself between her and the screen wall before lowering his head to look at her with a smile: “What is it?”
Jia Fu glanced around, seeing no one, and quickly extended the arm she had been hiding behind her back, offering him a handkerchief-wrapped package: “You’ve been up since midnight with so many matters to attend to. When we set off later and reach the temple, I fear you won’t have time to eat. I was worried you might get hungry, so I’ve packed a few pastries for you—mung bean cakes, milk cookies, and almond crisps. The almond crisp was just made by the cook last night; it’s best eaten fresh this morning—fragrant and crispy, each one a single bite. If you get hungry, you can fill your stomach…”
“Young Master, the Marquis of Jing’an has arrived!” a steward called loudly from the gate.
Jia Fu quickly pushed the pastries into his hand and slipped past his arm.
Pei You’an looked down at the pastries she had forcefully given him, then raised his head to see her already running like a little rabbit into the reception room, disappearing. The corner of his lips involuntarily curved upward slightly.
His young wife was truly trying to nourish him according to her tastes. Since he had never refused, starting from that first bowl of snow fungus and taro milk soup, it had become unstoppable. The evening snacks she prepared for him were all sweet, and now these pastries she had stuffed into his hands were sweet enough to make one’s teeth ache.
But he seemed to be gradually developing a taste for sweets, finding them not so disagreeable after all.
Having been busy since rising at the fourth watch, the small amount he had eaten when he first got up had long since been digested. Now that she mentioned it, he did feel somewhat hungry.
Pei You’an unwrapped the handkerchief, picked up a piece of almond crisp, popped it into his mouth, and swallowed it in a few bites. He wrapped up the remainder and tucked it into his sleeve before emerging from behind the screen wall and heading toward the main gate.