For a young master from an aristocratic family like Pei Tong—with grandparents pressing down from above, uncles watching from the side, and a whole queue of cousins waiting behind—being valued by family elders and taken out to socialize and network, meeting other young masters from prominent families, was an extremely rare opportunity. In order to leave a good impression on the elders or old friends, in such settings one typically served at their side like an attendant. Never mind leaving on one’s own initiative—even wanting to say a few extra words required thinking it over and over.

Gu Xi also came from such an aristocratic family, so naturally she understood Pei Tong’s difficulties.

Hearing Pei Tong’s words, her heart couldn’t help but soften. Her originally cold words took on some sincerity and became warm: “The First Madam didn’t send anyone to visit Miss Yu today—did you know?”

Pei Tong had absolutely no idea what had happened.

From the time he could remember, he’d been in the capital, staying at his parents’ side, thinking himself the eldest legitimate grandson of the primary branch in this family, the oldest of his generation. The family’s resources should naturally go to him first, and once he achieved success, he’d also have to look after his younger brothers and sisters. Therefore, he’d always been quite pleased with himself.

But when he returned to Lin’an, he learned differently. Though he was the oldest of his generation, the family’s resources weren’t given to him first. If he wanted to use these family resources, he’d have to demonstrate abilities that could convince people. Not only that, the Pei family also had Pei Chan and Pei Bo, who might be even more formidable at studying than him.

It was as if the sun had always revolved around him before, but now suddenly the sunlight would fall on other people as well.

For quite a long time, he couldn’t adjust.

Fortunately, he’d been raised by his father and had developed a tenacious character from childhood. In less than half a year, he’d adjusted.

Otherwise, how could their branch have such good days now?

When he’d previously agreed to the engagement with Gu Xi, firstly it was because he was heartbroken—he felt that since his cousin was gone, marrying anyone would be the same. Secondly, seeing himself and his younger brother struggling in the Pei family, he’d had some thought of borrowing Gu Chang’s power to escape this quagmire that was the Pei family. He didn’t have much feeling for Gu Xi herself.

Now with Gu Xi asking this, his eyes lit up.

He naturally knew his mother’s character—too much self-respect, too proud. Clearly there were things that shouldn’t be done, yet she insisted on doing them.

He didn’t know what had happened to Miss Yu, but the fact that Gu Xi came specifically to ask him this question showed his mother had made another mistake.

Since his father’s death, he no longer hoped to get help from his mother—he only hoped she wouldn’t drag him down anymore.

He said in a low voice: “I spent the entire day at Second Uncle’s side. Only when Third Uncle sent someone to have Second Uncle go to the dharma hall to preside over today’s donation ceremony did I follow Second Uncle to the dharma hall. What happened to Miss Yu? What has my mother done now?”

Hearing this, Gu Xi breathed a long sigh of relief.

She’d been afraid of encountering someone blindly filial.

Then even if she had eighteen kinds of martial skills, she’d have no place to use them.

She told Pei Tong about Yu Tang fainting, then said gravely: “I know the First Madam prefers quiet over activity, but right now everyone is staring at the place where Miss Yu is staying. I feel that even if the First Madam thinks it unnecessary to personally visit Miss Yu, she should at least send a servant to inquire. After all, there’s also the Second Madam serving before the old madam.”

Compared this way, it was too obvious.

It would also affect the reputations of the two Pei Tong brothers.

Gu Xi deeply understood the importance of speaking skills. This was how she kept her stepmother firmly suppressed.

She said gently: “The First Madam is grief-stricken and sad—how could she have the mood to socialize with those madams of the household? During the mourning period for the First Master, it’s also inappropriate to move about everywhere. You two brothers grew up in the capital, so others are certainly quite unfamiliar with you. The more it’s like this, the more you should interact with the various branches. When others know your good points, they’ll naturally speak up for you when something happens!”

Exactly this reasoning.

Pei Tong was very intelligent. Not long after returning, he’d discovered this problem. But after all, he was the son, and also a man—these social obligations in the inner residence were inconvenient for him to handle, and other people dared even less to speak up.

He examined Gu Xi carefully.

Eighteen or nineteen years old, skin white with a rosy tinge, dark brows and almond eyes. Though not extraordinarily beautiful, she had an elegant temperament—clearly a young lady from a scholarly family.

Plus she had a clever heart.

Pei Tong suddenly felt very satisfied with Gu Xi.

Perhaps this was fate!

He’d waited all along for his cousin, but she’d died young. He and Miss Gu were separated by vast distances, yet he would marry Miss Gu as his wife.

Pei Tong sighed slightly, collected those sorrows and joys in his heart, and sincerely thanked Gu Xi: “Thank you! If you hadn’t reminded me, I still wouldn’t know about this matter. I’ll discuss this thoroughly with Mother when I return tonight. However, you’ve probably also heard—my mother doesn’t really manage affairs. I’m afraid these matters will still have to trouble you in the future. In the future, if you hear anything, please tell me more, lest we do something improper without even knowing it ourselves.”

This meant he’d taken her advice to heart.

Gu Xi was very satisfied.

She would be living with Pei Tong in the future. If Pei Tong’s heart favored the First Madam and he wouldn’t listen to anything she said, her days would certainly be difficult.

Pei Tong was still busy there—she didn’t dare delay. After exchanging a few words with Pei Tong, they each dispersed.

As Gu Xi headed to her own room, she inevitably had to pass by where Yu Tang was staying.

She pricked up her ears to listen.

By this time the sky had darkened. The place where Yu Tang was staying had lit lanterns—brilliantly illuminated, as if even the sky was brightened somewhat. Very eye-catching. And the laughter faintly coming from the courtyard arrogantly told those who’d come to participate in Zhaoming Temple’s scripture exposition just how lively it was here, how popular the courtyard’s mistress was.

Gu Xi’s chest felt as uncomfortable as if a large stone were pressing on it.

He Xiang said: “Should we go in and say hello?”

“Act as Yu Tang’s sedan chair bearers?” Gu Xi coldly glanced at the bright red auspicious door and said, “Does she deserve it?”

He Xiang was greatly startled and nearly covered Gu Xi’s mouth. Fortunately, Gu Xi only said this one sentence before holding her head high and quickly leaving.

Yu Tang naturally didn’t know what was happening outside. She was listening to Qing Yuan tell the Second Madam and Third Madam Yang about Madam Shi: “…With just one needle, Madam Liu stopped hurting. I think she has some real skill. Otherwise Steward Hu wouldn’t dare introduce her to the household. As for whether she can strengthen the body, beautify and slim—we’ll have to try that.”

The Second Madam and Third Madam Yang nodded repeatedly. The Second Madam even said: “Never mind all that—I’ve been exhausted these past few days. Tomorrow I’ll call her over again to help loosen my muscles and bones. I’d heard before that there were such medical women in the palace—I didn’t expect we’d have them in Lin’an too.”

Third Madam Yang said: “The Empress Dowager loves massage. I heard the palace keeps seven or eight medical women who know massage, taking turns on duty, giving her a session every day.”

“How wonderful!” The Second Madam said happily. “Let’s all try it. Madam Yu can join us too. Such opportunities are too rare.”

“Me, I can join too?!” Chen Shi had never thought of having strange outsiders massage her. Just thinking about it felt awkward. She said: “Better not. I’ll just watch from the side.”

“Oh my, we’ll keep each other company—what are you afraid of!” The Second Madam laughed and asked Qing Yuan: “Will that medical woman come in tomorrow to give Miss Yu moxibustion? What time is set? If we ask her for massage, will there be time?”

Yu Tang quickly said: “There’ll be time! She said moxibustion can’t go too long either—at most three quarters of an hour. Don’t be fooled by how she stayed all afternoon at my place—actually most of the time she was just chatting idly with me.”

Hearing about idle chat, the Second Madam was somewhat reluctant.

Yu Tang hurried to explain: “She wasn’t gossiping about other families’ affairs—she just talked about herself. It was quite amusing.”

“Exactly!” Chen Shi laughed. “She didn’t talk about her parents-in-law or sisters-in-law or anything—everything she said was about herself.”

This was someone with discretion!

Third Madam Yang also became interested, asking Yu Tang how the moxibustion felt and wondering whether she should also experience it.

Everyone was talking happily when Pei Yan arrived.

Third Madam Yang looked at her pocket watch in puzzlement and said: “Why is Third Master coming so late?”

Yu Tang instinctively didn’t dare answer.

Chen Shi was equally bewildered, saying: “Perhaps he’s come to see how A’Tang is doing? Third Master also came to see A’Tang this morning. After all, she fainted at Zhaoming Temple.”

The Pei family had also sponsored the scripture exposition—both emotionally and logically, they should show great concern for Yu Tang’s health.

Everyone felt relieved. Third Madam Yang smiled and rose, saying: “It’s getting late—we’ll head back first. We’ll come see you again tomorrow morning.”

This last sentence was directed at Yu Tang.

Yu Tang wanted to rise and see Third Madam Yang and Miss Xu out, but the two wouldn’t let her: “Your illness just improved—you should rest well in your room. Don’t tire yourself out again over such small matters.”

Seeing she couldn’t refuse, and knowing Third Madam Yang was feigning illness and must find it boring staying in her room, she invited them: “Then shall we have breakfast together tomorrow? Zhaoming Temple’s vegetarian filled buns are delicious—I’ll have the kitchen send us a few more.”

Miss Xu also thought this was good and smiled while tugging on Third Madam Yang’s sleeve.

Third Madam Yang felt coming out for a walk was also good and said: “Then we’ll come over a bit earlier tomorrow.”

Chen Shi happily agreed and saw Miss Xu and Third Madam Yang out.

The Second Madam also felt it was getting late. After greeting Pei Yan when he arrived, she took the several Pei family young ladies and took her leave.

Yu Tang saw Pei Yan’s complexion wasn’t good. After inviting him to sit at the round table in the hall, she personally brewed tea for him, saying: “This is tea prepared by the Zhaoming Temple monks—everyone thinks it’s quite good. Are you accustomed to drinking it? Should I have Miss Qing Yuan go fetch some of your usual tea leaves?”

“No need!” Looking at Yu Tang’s rosy face, bright eyes, and spirited appearance, Pei Yan felt in a very good mood and smiled: “I’m not that particular!”

Not that particular?!

From the corner of her eye, Yu Tang quickly swept over Pei Yan’s feet.

He wore a pair of seemingly ordinary black double-beam shoes, but the two ridges were inlaid with gold and silver thread—with the slightest light, they gleamed brilliantly… And the shoe edges were embroidered with cloud patterns in the same color…

She was a woman and wasn’t even this particular!

Who knew what his so-called “particular” would look like?

Yu Tang grumbled inwardly but showed nothing on her face. She turned and personally brought over a small nine-compartment tiered box for Pei Yan to use as tea snacks, saying respectfully: “Does Third Master have some urgent matter in coming over?”