Two days later, Pei You'an brought Jiafu into Wuding City. After settling her in his residence, he changed clothes and headed for the prince's mansion.
King of the Clouds, Xiao Lie, stood alone in his study before a massive map hanging on the wall. He had been standing there motionless for quite some time.
This map was usually secretly rolled and hidden behind the wall, only unfurled for viewing. Hearing the announcement of Pei You'an's request for an audience, Xiao Lie didn't conceal the map but merely drew a curtain over it before summoning him in.
Pei You'an entered briskly and paid his respects to Xiao Lie.
Though past forty, Xiao Lie still retained a dignified and handsome appearance, a glimpse of his youthful handsomeness. He looked Pei You'an over with evident delight and smiled, "It's good to have you back. You've been gone for months—I've missed you greatly. How is your grandmother? Did everything go smoothly?"
The connection between Pei You'an and King of the Clouds Xiao Lie traced back many years. After leaving the capital as a youth, Pei You'an returned to the frontier where his late father, Duke of Wei, had once garrisoned. The once radiant and noble young master seemed a changed man, growing taciturn and charging into battle at the forefront as a dare-to-die cavalryman. Once, after being wounded and disappearing, he was found near death in the icy wilderness by Xiao Lie, who secretly took him to Yunnan. Perhaps fate had other plans for Pei You'an—under careful nursing, he miraculously recovered. From then on, Xiao Lie held the debt of saving his life. Later, when the Young Emperor vanished and Prince Shun'an seized power, the southwestern border became turbulent with frequent conflicts. Pei You'an gradually stayed on, assisting Xiao Lie in stabilizing the region. Fair and strict in governance, adaptable to circumstances and people, he skillfully mediated and resolved ethnic tensions, earning deep respect from the southwestern tribes, who relied on him for critical matters. Xiao Lie valued him highly, often seeking his counsel on difficult military and political affairs. At the end of last year, longing to see his grandmother, Pei You'an took leave from Xiao Lie and returned to the capital he hadn't set foot in for years. Now, after several months, he was back. Xiao Lie, who held Old Madam Pei in high esteem, was delighted to see Pei You'an return and inquired after her.
Pei You'an replied, "Though we hadn't seen each other for years, fortunately, my grandmother is well."
Xiao Lie sighed, "Losing my mother young left me with regrets. In my youth in the capital, I was fortunate to receive your grandmother's kindness, which I remember to this day. It's a pity I'm now bound by many constraints and lack the freedom to visit her in person to offer my respects and well-wishes."
"On behalf of my grandmother, I thank Your Highness."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Xiao Lie's expression turned grave. He paced the study with his hands behind his back before suddenly turning to Pei You'an. "Now that Prince Shun'an has usurped the throne and sharpens his blade against me—You'an, you know well that all these years I've been searching for the Young Emperor. If he lives, I would surely restore him to the throne. But alas, there's been no trace, and his fate remains unknown. I know you, too, cannot let go of this matter. Have you any new leads?"
His tone was earnest. Pei You'an remained impassive and said, "To be frank with Your Highness, during this trip beyond Yunnan, after visiting my grandmother, I also secretly investigated areas like Quanzhou where the Young Emperor might be found. I encountered clashes between the Brocade-Clad Guards and the Golden-Masked Dragon Lord, but unfortunately, I found no news of the Young Emperor. As I'd been away for some time, I had to return empty-handed."Xiao Lie frowned slightly, "What exactly is the origin of this Golden-Masked Dragon Lord? Why would he clash with the Brocade-Clad Guards?"
"I'm not entirely certain either, but judging by the Golden-Masked Dragon Lord's actions, he seems to oppose Prince Shun'an. It's only natural that the prince would want to eliminate him."
After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Lie nodded, "Enough. As they say, man proposes but heaven disposes. You've just returned and must be exhausted. Rest well these next few days and don't go anywhere. Your health is paramount—take good care of yourself."
Pei You'an smiled faintly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. You'an will remember your words."
Xiao Lie studied him for a moment before nodding, "Go now. Remember, if anything arises, don't hesitate to come to me. You know of the childhood bond between your father and me. I've always regarded you as a nephew. There will be many occasions where I'll need your assistance in the future."
"Your Highness once saved my life. These years, I've been fortunate to serve you in whatever small way I can. It is You'an's honor to share your burdens."
Pei You'an bowed respectfully to Xiao Lie, "You'an will take his leave now."
As he turned and was about to exit the study, Xiao Lie suddenly called out to him again, "You'an, you're twenty-three now, aren't you? Yintang is younger than you, and though he's also unmarried, he's long been betrothed. Once the Daughter of the Zhang family completes her mourning period, they will wed. It's time you settled down too, so someone can take care of you. Have you met someone you fancy? If so, I'll arrange it for you. If not, I can keep an eye out."
"Thank you, Your Highness. Without establishing myself first, how can I think of marriage? You'an has no inclination toward this matter and wouldn't dare trouble Your Highness."
Xiao Lie watched him leave, the smile on his lips gradually fading. He paced to the window, hands clasped behind his back, gazing northward in deep thought. After a long while, he murmured with a sigh, "A Jing, do you see? In the blink of an eye, my temples have turned gray, and he's already grown so much..."
...
Pei You'an exited the study of the King of the Clouds and made his way toward the main gate of the palace.
Xiao Yintang stood on the steps of a roadside pavilion, the sunlight glinting off the golden embroidery of his Heir Apparent robes, creating a dazzling spectacle.
Pei You'an continued forward until he was near, then nodded slightly to Xiao Yintang and greeted, "Heir Apparent." Xiao Yintang smiled and approached, saying, "I heard you'd returned. It's been some time since we last met. I was just about to look for you, but here you are. How was your journey? Smooth, I hope?"
Pei You'an smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Heir Apparent. It went well enough."
Xiao Yintang also smiled, "Good to hear. To be honest, I went on a trip myself not long ago. Though I returned empty-handed, I did gain something... Don't laugh, but when I was in danger, a woman came to my aid. I fell for her at first sight."
Pei You'an chuckled, "Fair ladies are what gentlemen seek. Why would I laugh? Congratulations, Heir Apparent."
Xiao Yintang gave a half-smile, staring at Pei You'an, "But that woman was taken from me midway. The one who stole my love happens to be a friend of mine. I'm truly at a loss, You'an. You're known for your wisdom—if it were you, how would you handle this?"Pei You'an gazed at Xiao Yintang and said, "Since the Heir Apparent has asked me directly, I shall speak frankly. To be honest, two days ago when I passed through Chengjiang Prefecture and lodged at a courier station for the night, I did indeed intercept someone else's beloved along the way. That woman is my cousin, a native of Quanzhou, a virtuous maiden from a respectable family. By chance, she caught the eye of a nobleman. This could have been her fortune—to be his wife would be great luck, and even as a concubine, it wouldn’t be too demeaning. Yet that nobleman, forsaking the proper rites of matchmaking and betrothal, sent men to abduct her directly from Quanzhou to Yunnan. As the Book of Rites states, 'A wife is taken with proper rites; a concubine is taken without them. Both parents and countrymen despise the latter.' Forgive my bluntness, but if that nobleman had succeeded, my cousin might not even have the status of a concubine. This is intolerable. What place did that nobleman intend for her? Did he ever consider how her family, unaware of their beloved daughter’s fate, would suffer in anguish? Thus, I played the spoiler and ruined his plans. May I ask the Heir Apparent—was my interception justified?"
Xiao Yintang's expression darkened gradually.
Pei You'an smiled faintly. "That night, I told those insolent servants that my cousin is like a sister to me—these were words from my heart. If the Heir Apparent were in my shoes, and someone treated your sister this way, would you remain indifferent? I, Pei You'an, am willing to help others achieve their happiness, but I will never allow anyone to defile my cousin in such a manner, no matter how noble or high-ranking that person may be. What does the Heir Apparent think?"
Xiao Yintang remained silent.
Pei You'an cupped his hands in salute. "I shall take my leave first."
"You'an, wait!" Xiao Yintang suddenly called out, quickly catching up to him.
Pei You'an halted.
Xiao Yintang paced back and forth by the roadside for a moment before saying, "After hearing your words, I feel as though a veil has been lifted from my eyes, and I deeply regret my actions. I suppose you’ve already realized—the one who brought your cousin from Quanzhou here is none other than me. Indeed, I acted without due consideration and wronged her. You know my circumstances—I am confined to Yunnan and cannot step beyond its borders. Yet she resided in Quanzhou, far to the east. Moreover, when I met her, chaos had erupted in Quanzhou. How could I send envoys to her family to declare my identity and propose marriage at such a time? It’s not that I didn’t consider waiting, but as you know, my father, the King of the Clouds, has long been under imperial suspicion. If I delayed, who knows how many years it would take? And would the Zhen family keep their daughter unmarried indefinitely? After much deliberation, my admiration for her overwhelmed me, and I resorted to extreme measures. I blame myself for acting too hastily. Your reproach is entirely justified—I was at fault first and hope for your forgiveness."
Pei You'an looked at him, his expression finally softening. "It is good that the Heir Apparent recognizes the impropriety of his actions. In that case, I shall arrange to send her back to Quanzhou at an appropriate time. I hope the Heir Apparent will not disturb her peace again."
"No!" Xiao Yintang immediately objected.
"At least not now," he added after a pause.
Pei You'an turned to him.
"Do not misunderstand. You know that Lord Ma, sent by the court, is seeking faults in my father’s conduct. The Cloud King’s residence is in peril, and disaster could strike at any moment. She knows I went to Quanzhou and now even knows my identity. If she returns and word spreads of her connection to me, it would not only bring calamity upon my father but also endanger her. It’s not that I distrust her, but circumstances may force her hand. This is as much for the safety of the residence as it is for her own protection—the stakes are too high to act rashly."Pei You'an pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, "The Heir Apparent's concerns are not unfounded. I will consider an appropriate time to send her back."
Xiao Yintang nodded with a sincere expression. "You'an, you are her elder brother, and I have always regarded you as one as well. Since this matter has ultimately come before you, I shall speak frankly. I was captivated by her at first sight. If I could have her by my side in this lifetime, I would die without regret. It was indeed my fault for being too forward and frightening her. May I have the chance to see her and apologize for my mistakes? Whether she scolds or hits me, I will accept it willingly!"
Pei You'an looked at Xiao Yintang, but his mind flashed back to the night when the disheveled girl had rushed over and clung to him desperately, refusing to let go. Then he recalled how she had sat obediently, wrapped in his clothes, staring at him with wide eyes. A strange feeling slowly welled up in his heart.
"Very well. I will convey your message when I return," he said after a pause.
...
Pei You'an's residence had once been the vacation home of a local chieftain. Though not very large, it had a three-courtyard layout with distinctive local architectural features, adorned with intricate carvings that gave it a unique charm. In the main courtyard stood a three-story round tower with a pointed roof. From the bedroom on the third floor, one could see the entire city. The bedroom itself was exquisitely decorated in an exotic style, opulent and luxurious, with thick carpets woven in complex patterns covering the floor. However, Pei You'an seemed not to favor it, as it had remained unused until Jiafu arrived. He had it cleaned and prepared for her. Jiafu, on the other hand, quite liked the place. Earlier that day, before Pei You'an left, he told her that he had already sent someone to Quanzhou to inform her family of her safety. Now, Jiafu was simply waiting for him to send her home. That day, she wandered around his residence in high spirits, feeling as carefree as she had during her childhood when her father was still alive.
As dusk fell, Pei You'an finally returned.
Once it was dark, Jiafu had been listening intently for any movement from the front. The moment she heard his footsteps, she dashed out to greet him like a cheerful little bird.
"Elder Cousin! Have you eaten? I was waiting for you to have dinner!" she said sweetly, beaming at him.
A maid reached out to take the cloak Pei You'an had removed, but Jiafu snatched it first and hung it up herself.
Watching her bustling figure, Pei You'an smiled faintly and said, "In the future, you may eat first. There's no need to wait for me."
Jiafu agreed. During dinner, he sat in his usual place at the head of the table while she took the seat beside him, eagerly passing him rice and soup—almost to the point of offering to massage his shoulders. Whether it was discomfort or preoccupation, Pei You'an soon put down his chopsticks, straightened up, and said to Jiafu, "Take your time eating. Come to my study afterward."
Once Pei You'an left, Jiafu lost her appetite. Recalling his serious expression, she grew slightly uneasy. After finishing her meal quickly, she brought a pot of tea to the study, knocked lightly on the door, and entered.
He was seated behind his desk, writing with a brush. Jiafu placed the tea beside him and said softly, "Elder Cousin, here's your tea."
Pei You'an gestured for her to set it aside. She did so and stood nearby.
Without pausing in his writing or looking at her, he said, "I've spoken to the Heir Apparent about your situation. Nothing like this will happen again."
Jiafu's face lit up, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, Elder Cousin!"Pei You'an paused and glanced at her. "It's just that the Heir Apparent said he wishes to see you again to apologize for his previous actions. Would you like to meet him?"
Jiafu was startled, her eyes widening instantly. "No! I don’t want to see him! And I don’t need any apology! Besides, what does meeting him have to do with me? Cousin, you didn’t agree, did you?"
Pei You'an gave a faint hum. "Understood. I’ll decline on your behalf."
Only then did Jiafu exhale in relief. After a moment’s thought, she asked, "Cousin, when can I return to Quanzhou?"
To be honest, she was somewhat reluctant to leave—reluctant to part from Pei You'an.
For some reason, just having him nearby gave her an inexplicable sense of security.
Pei You'an replied, "Not yet. When the time is right, I’ll send you home."
Seeing Jiafu’s confusion, Pei You'an explained Xiao Yintang’s concerns. "His reasoning isn’t unfounded. It’s better that your family remains unaware of his identity. The more you know, the greater the danger. After some thought, I believe it’s best for you to stay here with me a while longer—for your own good."
Jiafu knew Pei You'an truly had her best interests at heart. She wasn’t opposed to his decision. But the moment she became entangled with Xiao Yintang again, unease crept into her heart.
Would Xiao Yintang really let her go so easily?
Memories of the past resurfaced. Back then, just like now, she had caught Xiao Yintang’s eye and fallen into his grasp. Even after Pei You'an rescued her, she had ultimately failed to escape Xiao Yintang’s pursuit.
Would a man like Xiao Yintang, who coveted what he desired, ever give up so easily?
Jiafu’s fears about Xiao Yintang were soon confirmed.
Half a month later, an unexpected visitor arrived—one Jiafu had never anticipated.
Zhang Fengtong, Xiao Yintang’s betrothed.
Zhang Fengtong was the daughter of the prestigious Zhang family of Chuxiong, renowned since childhood for her feminine virtues. The King of the Clouds, impressed by her reputation, had arranged the marriage for his son when she was fourteen. Unfortunately, due to successive mourning periods for her mother, grandmother, and grandfather, she was now nineteen and still hadn’t married Xiao Yintang, with several months of mourning remaining. Yet the entire princely household already regarded her as the future consort of the Heir Apparent. She frequently visited Wuding Prefecture and, even before officially entering the household, had earned universal praise.
She had arrived in Wuding Prefecture a few days prior and was originally set to depart that day. Upon learning that Pei You'an’s cousin had traveled from afar, she graciously extended her stay and, without any condescension, personally came to visit Jiafu.
Pei You'an was not home. To avoid trouble, Jiafu hadn’t dared step outside for the past half-month. Bored, she had been idly counting passersby from her bedroom window when she spotted an ornate carriage stopping at the gate. Soon after, the Pei family steward announced Zhang Fengtong’s arrival.
Zhang Fengtong had an ordinary appearance but a round, doll-like face. Her words were always preceded by a warm smile, and her speech was as soothing as a spring breeze—no one could dislike such a woman.
In her past life, it wasn’t until the very end that Jiafu realized Zhang Fengtong was no saint either.She was just an ordinary woman who would feel pain and resentment when her husband favored another woman.
Jiafu sat across from Zhang Fengtong, who was nineteen years old. When the latter smiled at her and called her "cousin" in a gentle voice, the bone-deep despair and agony she had endured before her death surged through her once more at the sight of that face.
A chill ran down her spine. Suppressing the cold dread rising in her heart, she lowered her gaze and remained silent.
Zhang Fengtong didn’t mind whether her companion was talkative—usually, in any gathering she attended, she was the one who took charge.
After lavishing the most sincere praise on Jiafu’s beauty and grace, she dismissed all the servants, moved to sit beside Jiafu, and gently took her hand. Studying Jiafu’s face, she sighed softly, "What a beautiful sister you are. Even I can’t help but be moved—no wonder the Heir Apparent couldn’t bear to forget you."
OpenNovel