That night, Jiafu slept with Madam Meng. Nestled in her mother's warm embrace, she felt as if she had returned to her childhood days.
The events of the past few days had been full of twists and turns, with unexpected turns of fortune. Just this morning, when the servant from the Pei family came rushing to invite her mother back to renegotiate the marriage arrangement, Jiafu had thought everything was back to square one, her heart sinking rapidly. Yet, to her surprise, her mother had then spoken up and declined Madam Xin's overtures.
Jiafu knew her mother well—educated, gentle, virtuous, and well-versed in the Women's Precepts. When her father was alive, he had been her heaven. After his passing, in the face of her domineering grandmother, she had obeyed without question or resistance. And from as far back as Jiafu could remember, her mother had raised her the same way.
She clung tightly to her mother. "Mother, if Grandmother blames you for refusing them today, I'll stand with you when we return!"
"Silly child, what does this have to do with you? If your grandmother wants to blame someone, let her blame me. I'm not afraid. I’ve seen clearly now—such a family, no matter how high their status, is not a good match for you. I wouldn’t feel at ease letting you marry into that household."
Jiafu’s nose tingled slightly as she pressed her face against her mother’s chest, murmuring with her eyes closed, "Mother, you’re so good to me."
Madam Meng smiled, stroking her daughter’s soft, dark hair spread across the pillow, faintly catching the milky scent she remembered from Jiafu’s childhood.
"In this life, I have nothing else but to hope for the best for you and your brother. As long as you’re both well, I’ll be content."
Her mother’s gentle yet firm words accompanied Jiafu into a peaceful slumber.
Since returning from Xishan Temple, it had been a long time since she’d slept so soundly. The next day, she woke well-rested to find the sun already high in the sky and her mother gone from her side. Tanxiang told her that Madam had risen early to oversee the packing, preparing to return to Quanzhou in the coming days.
After washing up, Jiafu went to help her mother.
Their trip to the capital had originally been planned to last several months, including the New Year celebrations, so they had brought along all necessary belongings. Just the clothing alone filled over a dozen trunks, which had only been properly unpacked a couple of days prior. Now, everything had to be packed up again. Steward Zhang Da and Liu Momo led the servants, dividing tasks between the inner and outer households. Three busy days passed in the blink of an eye, with no further word from Madam Xin.
From Madam Xin’s perspective, her initiative to reopen marriage discussions had been an extraordinary act of condescension. To be refused by Madam Meng was a humiliating blow, leaving her too embarrassed and resentful to show her face these days. Only Pei Xiuzhi came by once, seemingly still trying to salvage the situation.
Perhaps due to exhaustion from the recent strain and the busy preparations, Madam Meng had caught a chill the day before. Despite this, she still received Pei Xiuzhi personally, reiterating that their family’s humble status made them unworthy of such a match. After some polite conversation, she saw him off courteously.
Later, Liu Momo gossiped to Jiafu, saying the Heir Apparent Pei had left looking utterly dejected, a rather pitiable sight. "What a shame," she sighed. "If not for that meddling former mother-in-law from the Song Family stirring up trouble, he himself wouldn’t be a bad match—quite the talented young man, really."
Jiafu listened and smiled faintly.Indeed, had she not experienced it herself, how could she have believed that a husband who usually doted on her would, not once but twice, send her to another man?
Under the weight of power, Pei Xiuzhi was nothing more than a spineless man who knelt without hesitation.
After that visit, Pei Xiuzhi never showed up again. According to Second Madam Meng of the Pei family, who came by, his private visit to the Zhen family had been discovered by Madam Xin, who reprimanded him and forbade him from going there again.
Madam Meng had indeed been visiting frequently these past few days. Not only did she bring all sorts of gossip to Madam Meng, who was recuperating from illness, but she also enthusiastically helped with household matters and recommended local specialties worth buying as gifts. She was even warm and friendly toward Jiafu, as if all past grievances had vanished.
Madam Meng had always been kind-hearted. Though her heart had grown cold from recent events, Madam Meng was, after all, her own elder sister. Since Madam Meng had taken the initiative to change her attitude, Madam Meng naturally didn’t push her away. On the surface, their sisterly relationship seemed to have returned to its former harmony.
The Zhen family was set to depart the capital the next day. That evening, Second Madam arrived again, smiling as she stepped out of the carriage. This time, she had come on Old Madam Pei’s orders, bringing gifts for Jiafu. She explained that Jiafu’s trip to the capital had originally been to celebrate Old Madam’s birthday, but she had suffered undue fright for no reason. Now that she was leaving, these gifts were to soothe her nerves and wish her a smooth journey home.
Madam Meng was genuinely grateful to Old Madam Pei. Feeling somewhat better today, she thought she ought to take her children to pay their respects and bid farewell in person. However, given the recent incident, she worried it might be awkward to go unannounced. She had been pondering whether to send a note first to gauge the situation when, to her surprise, Old Madam had sent her sister ahead. Filled with gratitude and guilt, she said, "Sister, when you return, could you ask if I may bring my children to kowtow to her?"
Second Madam laughed. "Old Madam already anticipated this. She specifically told me to let you know she appreciates the thought but asks you not to trouble yourselves with formalities. With your departure tomorrow, you must have much to prepare tonight. Rest early and gather your strength. Besides, Old Madam has her own matters to attend to."
Madam Meng asked what those matters were. Second Madam replied, "Tomorrow is the anniversary of the late Duanhui Empress’s passing. Every year on this day, Old Madam holds a memorial service for her at Cien Temple. Didn’t she go there just a few days ago? It was to ensure the monks made thorough preparations. The eldest son of the main branch, who recently returned from the southwest and was supposed to leave two days ago, has also decided to stay for his aunt’s service before departing…"
She leaned closer to Madam Meng and lowered her voice. "If you ask me, Old Madam’s favoritism has always been strongest toward that late daughter of hers. All these years, she’s never missed a single memorial. But then again, having a daughter who became empress—if only she hadn’t been so unfortunate, passing before she could leave behind a prince—who knows who’d be in charge now?"
Her tone was thick with regret.
The implication was clear: had the late empress borne a son, given her position as the empress and the Tianxi Emperor’s favor, the child would undoubtedly have been named Crown Prince. The Crown Prince would have ascended the throne smoothly, and there would have been no later reigns of the Young Emperor or Prince Shun'an. The Pei family certainly wouldn’t have declined to this state.When it came to court matters, Madam Meng responded vaguely, and Second Madam tactfully changed the subject. After some more small talk, she rose to take her leave, saying that if she found time the next morning, she would bring her son to see them off. Madam Meng firmly declined, but eventually called her children to accompany her in seeing Second Madam off, asking her to convey their gratitude to Old Madam Pei upon her return.
The night passed without further incident. The next day, the Zhen family bustled about preparing to leave the capital, leaving only two trusted old servants to guard the house. Though they had risen early and many belongings had already been moved the day before, by the time all their personal items were loaded onto the boat, it was already quite late—only a quarter of an hour remained before the hour of Si (9–11 AM). Just as they were about to depart, they realized Zhen Yaoting was not on board. His young servant, however, was present. When questioned by Madam Meng, he replied, "The young master left early this morning. He told me that if he hadn’t returned by the time the boat was set to depart, I should inform you, Madam, to wait for him before leaving. As for where he went, he didn’t tell me."
Madam Meng had no desire to linger in the capital any longer. Eager to return to Quanzhou before the year’s end, she had insisted on departing today despite her incomplete recovery. Now, with her son missing again, she had no choice but to delay. She sent people ashore to search nearby, but after scouring every possible location, there was still no sign of him. Her initial irritation gradually turned to anxiety. Knowing that the siblings were close, she asked Jiafu if she had any idea where her brother might have gone.
Jiafu had been pondering this very question. Finally, she remembered something.
Two days earlier, her brother had approached her furtively, pulling her into a secluded corner. After much hesitation, he confessed that he wanted her to find a way to summon Yuzhu—the maid serving Old Madam Pei—so he could speak to her before they left.
Jiafu had realized then that her brother had taken a fancy to Yuzhu. But Yao Ting, though already eighteen, was still immature, often idling about with the young men of Quanzhou. He was no stranger to flirtation—riding horses beneath leaning bridges, drawing admiring glances from beauties in the towers. His studies had long been abandoned, and he showed little interest in the family business. Instead, he dreamed of joining a maritime expedition. As the sole heir of the Zhen family, neither his grandmother nor his mother would ever allow him to board a ship. They had previously arranged a marriage for him, hoping to settle him down, but the bride-to-be had passed away early this year, delaying the wedding. Unfazed, he continued his carefree ways, either gallivanting through the streets or sneaking off to the docks. His sudden interest in Yuzhu was likely just another passing whim.
Jiafu, however, was not foolish enough to aid her brother in such a pursuit. She had refused outright and even admonished him, remembering how he had left in a sulk. Then she recalled that yesterday, when her aunt visited, she had mentioned that Old Madam Pei would be visiting Cien Temple again today.
Could it be that her brother had sneaked off to Cien Temple this morning to find Yuzhu?
The more Jiafu thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. She voiced her suspicion, and Madam Meng was both shocked and furious. "What is he thinking? Does he mean to drive me to my grave? No, I must go there myself!" She stood abruptly, only to be struck by a sudden dizziness, forcing her to close her eyes and steady herself.Jiafu quickly helped her sit back down, saying, "Mother, don't worry yet. It's just my speculation—I might be mistaken. You're not fully recovered, so please wait here. Perhaps Brother will return on his own from somewhere. I'll go there myself. I know the way, and Uncle Zhang can take me. If Brother really is there, I'll bring him back without fail. If he's offended Yuzhu in any way, I'll apologize to her on his behalf."
Madam Meng composed herself and said, "I'll have Liu Momo accompany you as well. Go quickly and return soon, and be careful on the way."
Jiafu agreed. She had Zhang Da prepare the carriage and, accompanied by Liu Momo and Tanxiang, boarded the carriage and hurried to Cien Temple. Upon arrival, she learned that the ritual was being held in the Grand Dharma Hall and rushed over, only to be stopped at the entrance. She was told that the ceremony for the late Empress Duanhui was underway, with palace eunuchs in attendance, and no outsiders were allowed inside.
Jiafu had a strong feeling that her brother Zhen Yaoting was definitely here—she just didn’t know where he might be at the moment. Fearing he might cause trouble again, she grew increasingly anxious. Glancing around, she suddenly spotted a familiar figure approaching. Her heart skipped a beat. After a brief hesitation, she hurried forward and stopped in front of him, curtsying as she said, "Cousin, I’d like to speak with Miss Yuzhu about something. If it’s inconvenient for me to enter, could you please ask her to come out?"
Pei You'an paused and glanced at her. "Follow me," he said.
Jiafu thanked him softly, unsure if he heard. A faint breeze brushed past her face as he walked past her.
She quickly turned and, with Tanxiang in tow, followed him inside.
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