Jiafu slowly exhaled a long breath. She assumed he wouldn’t mention her visit to Cien Temple to the elderly madam on his own initiative. Remembering that her mother had gone there earlier that morning and should have returned by now, she was eager to know the outcome. Turning around, she hurried along the path toward the front hall.
Zhen Yaoting was loitering there, glancing around restlessly when he suddenly saw Jiafu returning with Tanxiang. His eyes lit up as he approached her. “Well? Did you see the elderly madam? Can I go pay my respects?”
Jiafu shook her head. “The elderly madam was asleep, so it wasn’t appropriate to disturb her. I didn’t see her either. Mother must be back by now—let’s hurry home.”
Zhen Yaoting was sorely disappointed and reluctant to leave just yet. “You must be hungry, sister. I’ll ask the monks to prepare a vegetarian meal. We can leave after eating—”
But Jiafu was already walking away. “You can eat if you want, brother. I’m going back first.”
Yao Ting watched his sister’s retreating figure heading toward the temple gate, then glanced back behind him. With a frustrated sigh, he followed. The siblings returned to the city and arrived home, only to find that Madam Meng had indeed returned long ago and was now in her room. Jiafu didn’t even bother to change her clothes before rushing over. Before she could reach her mother’s quarters, she happened to see Liu Momo coming down the corridor, her expression grim. Jiafu stopped in her tracks.
Liu Momo looked up and, seeing the siblings had returned, hurried over.
“Momo, how did the marriage discussion go? When will the betrothal be settled? When is the wedding?”
Since Liu Momo had accompanied Madam Meng that morning, Zhen Yaoting immediately asked for details.
Liu Momo hesitated, then sighed.
Jiafu guessed the outcome. Suppressing the surge of emotions in her chest, she quickly pulled Liu Momo into her own room and pressed for details. Soon, she learned what had happened.
That morning, Madam Meng had arrived at the Duke’s residence only to find Madam Song already there. Instead of discussing the marriage, Madam Song seized upon the coincidence that Quan Ge had fallen ill after Jiafu’s arrival, implying that Jiafu had an ill-fated aura and might bring misfortune to the child in the future. She lamented that her own daughter was already gone, leaving behind only this fragile descendant—how could she possibly rest easy?
No matter how patient and willing to compromise Madam Meng was, hearing such words spoken to her face was unbearable. She retorted that Jiafu’s birth chart had already been examined by the Pei family and deemed highly auspicious—how could there be any talk of an ill-fated aura? Madam Song then remarked indifferently that she had heard of families forging birth charts to secure advantageous marriages—such things weren’t unheard of.
Throughout this exchange, Madam Xin remained silent.
Swallowing her anger, Madam Meng asked Madam Xin directly for her stance. Madam Xin replied that she was in a difficult position—Quan Ge’s illness had indeed come out of nowhere, though he had been perfectly healthy before. She urged Madam Meng not to rush and to return home for now while she consulted a diviner to examine Jiafu’s birth chart again. As for the rest, they could discuss it later.
Madam Meng immediately stood up and left the Duke’s residence.
After recounting the events, Liu Momo fumed, “This is too much! What child doesn’t get sick now and then? Are their children so precious that they’d blame our young lady for it? I saw how pale Madam was with anger—she went straight to her room after returning and hasn’t eaten a bite since noon.”Jiafu walked over and pushed the door open. She saw her mother sitting in front of the dressing table, still wearing the same outfit she had deliberately changed into before leaving in the morning. One hand clutched a handkerchief while the other supported her forehead, her back motionless. Knowing her mother’s gentle and fragile nature, and recalling how she had set out full of hope only to return in such a state, Jiafu felt a tumult of emotions. She approached and embraced her mother from behind, saying, “Mother, it’s all my fault. I’ve caused you to suffer such humiliation.”
Madam Meng had been trembling with anger when she first returned from the Duke’s residence, but now she had finally calmed down. Wiping the corners of her eyes, she turned and saw her daughter’s beautiful eyes gazing at her, filled with guilt. Her heart ached again as she pulled Jiafu into her arms. “It doesn’t matter if I suffer humiliation. But hearing them slander you like that, and being powerless to stop it—as your mother, it’s just too much…”
Her eyes reddened once more.
Jiafu raised her hand to wipe her mother’s tears.
“Mother, I’m not upset at all, so please don’t be upset either. I didn’t know before, but the more I interact with them, the less I want to marry into their family. Let them say whatever they want—I don’t care. Just don’t let it harm your health.”
Madam Meng felt even more sorrowful at her daughter’s understanding and consideration. “Enough. It’s just our misfortune to have arrived right when Quan Ge got into trouble. Not only did the marriage talks fail, but they also smeared your name for no reason. I’ll send word to your grandmother. In a couple of days, we’ll pack up and return to Quanzhou…”
“Madam! The Heir Apparent of the Pei Family is here! He requests an audience with you.”
Suddenly, Liu Momo’s voice came from outside the door.
Madam Meng froze, exchanging a glance with her daughter before muttering, “What is he doing here now?” She quickly dabbed her eyes, instructing Liu Momo to show him in first while she went to the mirror to powder her face, ensuring no trace of distress remained. Turning back, she said, “A’fu, go back to your room. I’ll see what he wants.” With that, she left.
No sooner had one wave settled than another rose. Just as they had dealt with Pei You’an’s sudden interference and returned home to calm her mother, Pei Xiuzhi arrived.
Jiafu’s heart, which had just begun to settle, was now in turmoil again. How could she simply return to her room and wait? Moments later, she quietly made her way to the guest hall, hiding outside the window. Peering inside, she saw Pei Xiuzhi seated in a chair diagonally across from her mother, speaking earnestly: “Aunt, as soon as I heard about this, I rushed over. I know you were humiliated today, and I beg you not to take it to heart. How could Quan Ge’s troubles have anything to do with my dear sister? My mother never thought so—you know how much she adores her and longs for her to join our family soon. It’s all that meddlesome woman from the Song Family stirring trouble. She’d be delighted if I never married. If you let this discourage you, wouldn’t you be playing right into her hands?”Madam Meng, displeased by today’s events, also felt some resentment toward Pei Xiuzhi. She forced herself to say, “Heir Apparent, it’s not that I’m turning cold-hearted, but your side stirred trouble first. Marriage is about matching families and mutual willingness. Our two families discussing marriage was already a mismatch—our Zhen family was reaching too high. Now that such words have been spoken, how can this marriage proceed? Though our Zhen family may be humble, Jiafu is my only daughter, treasured like the apple of my eye since childhood. With your mother holding such an attitude, whatever you say to me now is useless.”
Ever since Pei Xiuzhi had seen Jiafu that day, he had been unable to forget her, his heart filled with deep affection. Seeing the Song Family causing obstacles, his mother believing their words, and now Madam Meng seeming to waver, he grew anxious. Rising from his chair, he strode to Madam Meng and knelt on one knee before her. “Aunt, I beg you, for my sake, wait a little longer! My feelings for Jiafu are true, as clear as the sun and moon! If I marry her, I swear to treat her well for the rest of my life! Please understand me, Aunt. Give me a few days to speak with my mother properly. She will listen to me. If you leave with a cold heart now, what am I to do?”
Madam Meng hadn’t expected Pei Xiuzhi to kneel and plead with her. Startled, she hurried to help him up, but he refused to rise, remaining on his knee. “Aunt, if you won’t pity me, I won’t get up.”
Jiafu clenched her fists tightly, watching as her mother seemed torn, almost swayed by his words. She wished she could rush in and refuse outright. Just as she grew frantic, a furious roar erupted: “This is too much! Do you think the Zhen family has no one left?” Before the words faded, the door was kicked open with a loud crash. Jiafu turned to see her brother Zhen Yaoting storm in, charging straight at Pei Xiuzhi. “My sister isn’t marrying into your family! If no one else wants her, I’ll support her for life—I won’t let her suffer such humiliation in your household! Get out!”
Madam Meng, seeing her son’s bulging eyes and throbbing temples, scolded, “What are you doing here? Leave! This isn’t your concern!”
Pei Xiuzhi stood up, annoyed by the rudeness but forcing himself to stay composed for Jiafu’s sake. He smiled politely. “Ah, Second Brother. Calm down—it’s indeed our fault. I came specifically to apologize to Aunt.”
The Zhen family was among the wealthiest in Quanzhou, with strong ties to the local government. Zhen Yaoting was used to being treated like a young master wherever he went, always flattered. Upon hearing how his mother had been treated at the Duke’s residence, his rage had boiled over, and he barged in without hesitation. Seeing Pei Xiuzhi’s smile, he remained unmoved, glaring fiercely. “My sister is a decent young woman, yet you’ve slandered her, tarnishing her name. What explanation do you have for that?”
Pei Xiuzhi’s expression darkened, and he fell silent. Madam Meng called loudly for Zhang Da to drag her unruly son out. After the commotion subsided, she suppressed her turmoil and turned back to Pei Xiuzhi. “My mind is in disarray today. I understand your intentions. Please return for now—let me think it over.”Pei Xiuzhi knew there was no point in staying any longer. Before leaving, he repeatedly assured Madam Meng that he would persuade his mother. After being escorted out of the Zhen family's gate, he returned to the Duke's residence with a furrowed brow. Upon entering, he learned that his grandmother had returned from Cien Temple. Pacing back and forth in his room for a while, he then headed toward the northern quarters.
...
Pei You'an escorted his grandmother back, settled her in, and returned to his old residence where he was temporarily staying during this visit. Not long after, a maid came to inform him that the old madam requested his presence. Pei You'an went over and saw Pei Xiuzhi already there. After greeting his elder brother with a nod, he addressed him as "Second Brother" before turning to the old madam and asking, "Grandmother, did you summon me for something?"
Old Madam Pei said, "Your nephew's recent illnesses have been rather inexplicable, but fortunately, they weren't serious. Today, he's already bouncing around again. However, the Song family has blamed it on the Zhen family girl, saying their fates clash and that her presence brings misfortune to Quan Ge. Your mother, in her foolishness, believed it too, making the whole affair quite ridiculous. Though I'm no judge of character, that girl has a radiant complexion and carries herself with grace—hardly the type to bring ill fortune. The Song family's nonsense is likely just an excuse to sabotage her betrothal to your second brother. Since you treated Quan Ge, do you know what caused his illness and how to cure it properly?"
Pei You'an glanced at Pei Xiuzhi, who was looking at him with eager eyes, and hesitated for a moment.
From a young age, Pei You'an had earned the favor of his uncle, the Tianxi Emperor, for his literary talent. However, due to his congenital frailty, he had taken up martial arts for health and later studied medicine. Once, he came across a Western Regions medical text detailing ancient remedies, including the properties and taboos of various herbs. Among them was Frozen Borneol, classified as a spice. Intrigued, he sought it out to verify its effects, becoming intimately familiar with its appearance, scent, and properties. He also knew that a rare few were intolerant to it, experiencing symptoms like swollen eyes and mouth, rashes, or, if ingested, palpitations, fainting, or even fatal suffocation.
What Heaven takes away, it compensates for in other ways. Though born sickly—prompting his father to break naming conventions and give him the name "You'an," meaning "blessed peace"—Pei You'an possessed extraordinary intelligence, a photographic memory, and exceptionally keen senses. On the night of Old Madam Pei's birthday celebration, he had rushed back late. Passing by his cousin from the Zhen family, he caught the scent of Frozen Borneol in her perfume but thought little of it—until Quan Ge fell ill. Recognizing the symptoms and detecting the same fragrance on the boy's clothes, he immediately understood the cause.
He hadn't revealed the truth at the time because, as he passed his Zhen cousin, her sudden call of "Elder Cousin" had stopped him in his tracks. Turning to meet her gaze briefly, she left a deep impression on him.
At first, he hadn't recognized her. Only when he saw her blush with embarrassment at his aloofness did he recall—this young woman was the niece of his second uncle's wife, Meng Shi, who had visited the Duke's residence several times years ago.At that time, he was already a young man, renowned in the capital for his charm and elegance, while the only impression she left on him was that of a chubby little girl who hadn’t quite outgrown her baby fat. Her skin was milky white, her eyes round and large, with pupils like crystal grapes floating in water—glistening and bright. She had neatly trimmed bangs and jet-black hair cascading over her small shoulders, always darting away at the sight of him. That was all. Yet, years later, when they met again here, she had blossomed into a graceful young woman. Naturally, her appearance was still pleasant, but what struck him most wasn’t the face she lifted to gaze at him—it was her eyes.
Back then, she had stared at him wide-eyed, unblinking, her gaze brimming with joy, gratitude, and trust. That feeling...
It was as if they had once shared a deep bond, and this was merely a long-awaited reunion.
Her unusual warmth made him slightly uncomfortable, though not enough to dislike it—just memorable. After deducing that Quan Ge’s illness was linked to the incense she wore, he chose not to reveal it immediately, keeping it to himself out of habitual caution.
Clearly, his grandmother’s sudden summons to inquire about Quan Ge’s condition must have been prompted by Pei Xiuzhi seeking her intervention.
Under normal circumstances, he would have stated the truth. But recalling the scene at Cien Temple, he hesitated and finally said, “I still don’t know the cause of Quan Ge’s illness.”
Pei Xiuzhi’s face fell with disappointment, while Old Madam Pei frowned slightly. Suddenly, hurried footsteps and faint arguing erupted in the courtyard, as if someone was forcing their way in but being held back by the servants.
Yuzhu, standing outside the old madam’s door, heard the commotion at the courtyard entrance and stepped out. “What’s going on? Such a racket! The old madam is speaking inside!”
A servant hurried over. “Miss, that young master from the Zhen family is here, shouting to see the old madam. He looks furious—you’d better go see.”
Yuzhu froze, then rushed to the courtyard gate. Sure enough, Zhen Yaoting was being blocked by several servants, his face dark with anger. She approached him. “Young Master Zhen, what are you doing? Storming the heavens? This isn’t the Celestial Palace!”
Zhen Yaoting looked up, recognizing the senior maid he had met before, and raised his voice. “My sister has been wronged! I demand to see the old madam!”
Yuzhu had heard some of what happened after Madam Meng’s visit that morning. Having always been on good terms with Madam Meng, she privately felt indignant on their behalf. Though initially annoyed by his rash behavior and her sarcastic remark, his tone suggested he was here to defend his sister. Quickly, she said, “Wait here. Don’t make a scene—let me announce you first.” She hurried inside and soon returned. “Come with me.”
Zhen Yaoting immediately followed Yuzhu in. At the door, she glanced at him and whispered, “When you see the old madam, speak properly. She’s reasonable—don’t offend her with impulsiveness.” After this warning, she stepped forward and announced, “Old Madam, Young Master Zhen is here.”
Zhen Yaoting entered and saw Old Madam Pei seated, with Pei Xiuzhi and the eldest son of the Pei family beside her.Earlier at home, though Madam Meng had driven him out, Zhen Yaoting couldn't swallow his indignation. The more he thought about it, the more unjust it seemed. In a fit of anger, he came here on his own. The Pei family's gatekeeper, unaware of his purpose and recognizing him as a familiar relative, naturally let him in. He barged straight through until stopped by a maidservant. Though initially furious, now standing before Old Madam Pei, he dared not act recklessly. He first knelt down and properly kowtowed. When the old madam told him to rise and asked his business, he scrambled up and said:
"Answering Old Madam, how my mother was treated when she visited today must be known to all, so I won't repeat it. Whether my sister's marriage arrangement succeeds is secondary. But she was perfectly fine before coming here, and within days she's been wronged without cause—this I cannot stomach! Since we've come this far, I'll speak plainly regardless of offense! Your family claims my sister's birth characters are inauspicious and harmed Quan Ge? Then dare to place your boy before my sister once more! This time I'll watch closely. If he reacts as before, without your family saying a word, we Zhens will pack up and return to Quanzhou tonight, never again shamelessly entering your Duke's residence! But if the boy remains unharmed, we ask only that you retract those words and never again speak ill of my sister!"
The room fell deathly silent, save for Zhen Yaoting's heavy, ragged breathing.
"Yao Ting! Have you gone mad, coming here to make trouble before Old Madam? What nonsense are you spouting?"
With hurried footsteps, the door curtain was lifted aside. Turning, Zhen Yaoting saw his mother enter with Madam Xin.
Madam Xin's expression was stormy, while Madam Meng looked equally displeased. She immediately struck her son's head hard, then dragged him down to kneel with her before Old Madam Pei. Through tears she said, "Truly I've failed in raising my son properly. He slipped away without my knowledge and came spouting such drivel." As she spoke, she forced him to kowtow in apology.
Zhen Yaoting's face flushed crimson. "What did I say wrong? I just can't bear seeing my sister wronged!"
"Hold your tongue!"
Madam Meng pressed his head down, but Zhen Yaoting stiffened his neck, refusing to budge.
"Enough!" Old Madam Pei suddenly interjected. "It's nothing. This child acts from brotherly concern, merely overeager. Rise now."
Madam Meng released her son, but Zhen Yaoting remained kneeling, kowtowing to the old madam himself. "I beg Old Madam to judge this! Let my sister interact with Quan Ge once more! Whatever the outcome, I'll accept it!"
Madam Xin could no longer contain herself. "Child, what are you saying? Why must you speak such ill omens over my Quan Ge'er?"
"Silence, all!"
Old Madam Pei's voice cut through. After a contemplative pause, she said slowly, "The Zhen boy's words sound absurd at first, but upon reflection, they hold some reason. Let us do as he says—bring both children before me for another interaction. Then we shall see the truth clearly!"
This pronouncement stunned everyone. Madam Xin urgently protested, "Mother, this is unwise! What if Quan Ge falls ill again? Wouldn't he suffer needlessly?"Old Madam Pei said, "Quan Ge is my great-grandson, and of course I dote on him. He is important, but if the Zhen family's girl is wronged because of this, I cannot bear it either. Let it be so—go and bring Quan Ge here!"
The room fell silent again. Madam Meng's heart raced wildly—one moment elated, thinking her daughter's grievance might finally be cleared, the next unbearably nervous, her palms sweating incessantly. Finally steadying herself, she said to Zhen Yaoting in a trembling voice, "Did you hear Old Madam Pei's words? Hurry and bring your sister here!"
Zhen Yaoting gave an affirmative sound, sprang up from the floor, and dashed out. In less than half an hour, Yuzhu came in from outside and said softly, "Old Madam Pei, Miss Zhen has arrived."
Old Madam Pei nodded and ordered all unnecessary people to leave the room. Pei Xiuzhi tried to stay but was also ushered out.
"You'an, you stay."
Old Madam Pei gave the instruction.
Jiafu stood outside the door, still somewhat dazed, never having dreamed that the situation would twist and turn like this. Seeing the people inside filing out, she kept her head down until Yuzhu called her name, then slowly entered. Raising her eyes, she saw Madam Xin seated there, clutching Quan Ge tightly on her lap, staring at her with wary and hostile eyes. Pei You'an stood by the window, his gaze sweeping over her briefly before he turned away to look outside.
"Sit down. There’s no need to be afraid."
Old Madam Pei gave her a faint smile.
Jiafu thanked her softly and sat on a stool.
...
That afternoon finally passed.
For Madam Meng, never again in her life would any afternoon feel as interminable and agonizing as this one had.
As the sky gradually darkened, the Duke's residence began to light its lamps. Yuzhu hurried over with a beaming smile, leaned close to her ear, and whispered, "Auntie, Quan Ge is perfectly fine! He's already fallen asleep! The old mistress suggested that the young lady stay another night in her quarters, and you can come fetch her tomorrow."
Tears instantly streamed down Madam Meng's face as she clung tightly to Yuzhu's hand, allowing herself to be slowly escorted to the main gate of the Duke's residence. Returning home, she spent a sleepless night. Early the next morning, she arrived again to find her daughter already awake, standing at the pavilion entrance waiting for her. The morning sun cast its light upon her, and she stood there gracefully, as tender as a fresh willow sprout in spring.
Madam Meng took Jiafu to leave, but as they reached the inner gate of the Duke's residence, a trusted maidservant of Madam Xin hurried over with an ingratiating smile and said, "Madam, our mistress requests your presence to discuss that matter again. She says there’s no need to consider the Song Family—this is solely between our two families."
Madam Meng paused for a moment, then looked at her wide-eyed daughter. Tenderly stroking the girl's hair, she slowly turned and replied, "Please convey this message for me: My A'fu is still young, and these past few days I’ve come to realize I cannot bear to part with her so soon. Since there was never any formal engagement with the Heir Apparent, I dare not delay his prospects. Please ask your mistress to seek another suitable match for him. I will take my daughter back to Quanzhou now."
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