During the meal, the two of them sat in their usual places as before. Pei You'an remained silent, his expression grave.
Jiafu initially thought he was still upset about the earlier commotion. Feeling somewhat awkward herself, she didn’t dare act coy or playful as she usually would. Instead, she kept her head down and quietly ate her rice, barely touching the dishes. The servants standing nearby to attend to them exchanged bewildered glances, making the atmosphere rather strange.
But soon, Jiafu realized that Pei You'an was clearly preoccupied with his own thoughts. He quickly set down his bowl and chopsticks, said nothing, and went straight to his study.
Jiafu listlessly finished her meal, returned to her room, bathed, and lay down in bed. Her mind was filled with the events of the day—Zhang Fengtong’s smile, Xiao Yintang’s piercing gaze, Pei You'an’s anger—leaving her in such turmoil that she couldn’t sleep at all.
Pei You'an’s study was diagonally opposite the round building where Jiafu stayed. From her window, she could see it clearly.
She peeked down through the window. The light in the study remained on late into the night.
That evening, she lost count of how many times she got up to hide by the window and steal glances. Finally, exhausted, she collapsed onto the bed after one last look and fell asleep. By the time she woke the next morning, Pei You'an had already left. Yinhuan told her that before departing, he had left word for her not to wait for him for dinner that evening.
Indeed, he returned very late that night, and the same pattern continued for several days—he was constantly busy.
The incident from that night seemed to have passed just like that. Then, one day, he returned earlier and told Jiafu that in two days, he would be leaving for Mengmu Prefecture for about half a month. He would leave people behind to protect her and instructed her to stay at home and not go anywhere until he returned.
The Grand Chieftains of Mengmu and Mengding were the two most powerful chieftains in the southwest. They had long been at odds over territorial disputes, with conflicts erupting frequently between them. Two years ago, during one such clash, the only son of the Mengmu chieftain was severely injured and on the brink of death when Pei You'an saved him with his medical skills. The chieftain was deeply grateful and, heeding Pei You'an’s advice, agreed to negotiate with the Mengding chieftain. Through Pei You'an’s mediation, the two sides finally ended their years-long conflict and reconciled.
Unexpectedly, when Pacification Commissioner Lord Ma visited recently, he deliberately favored one side over the other under the guise of imperial orders, sowing discord between them. As soon as Lord Ma left, tensions flared again between the two prefectures. Both sides gathered their forces, bringing them to the brink of war, and the news reached Xiao Lie’s ears.
If the two Grand Chieftains of Mengmu and Mengding were to reignite their feud, the rest of the southwestern prefectures would inevitably be affected. At such a time, unrest in Yunnan would be extremely unfavorable for Xiao Lie. Naturally, Pei You'an had to step in to mediate again. He had already sent letters to both sides, and they, out of respect for him, agreed to a temporary ceasefire. Now, he needed to make another personal trip to settle matters.
The moment Jiafu heard he was leaving for another place, her heart panicked. Her first thought was to follow him. But upon hearing that he had already arranged everything for her in his absence, she knew he wouldn’t easily take her along.
If not for her earlier reckless behavior, she might have seized an opportunity to act spoiled or shed a few tears in front of him, softening his heart enough to agree. But now, she didn’t dare push her luck. Crestfallen, she lowered her head and said nothing.
Pei You'an glanced at her, then turned and left.The next day, Pei You'an went out. As Yinhuan packed his belongings, Jiafu felt a void in her heart. While she was lost in thought, a servant ushered in a well-dressed woman who announced that the King of the Clouds' consort had sent for her, with a carriage already waiting at the door.
Jiafu recognized the woman—surnamed Lin, a trusted confidante of the King of the Clouds' consort. Startled, her first instinct was to refuse.
First, it was Zhang Fengtong, and now the King of the Clouds' consort. Jiafu knew it must be related to Xiao Yintang.
If she had been inside her room and unseen by Granny Lin, she could have feigned illness and waited for Pei You'an to return. But now that they were face to face, she had no choice but to agree. Using the excuse of returning to her room to comb her hair and change clothes, she instructed Yinhuan to send someone to inform Pei You'an. Only then did she emerge and reluctantly follow the woman out, boarding the carriage to the King of the Clouds' residence.
The King of the Clouds' consort, surnamed Zhou, was nearly forty but well-preserved, exquisitely dressed, appearing no older than thirty. Adorned in luxurious attire, she radiated wealth and nobility.
Xiao Yintang's looks, in truth, were inherited more from his father, Xiao Lie.
Despite Xiao Lie's status and position, for many years, the residence had only Zhou Shi as his principal wife—no concubines or consorts. This was not because Zhou Shi was intolerant, but because Xiao Lie himself refused to take any. Thus, in earlier years while still in the capital, people spoke of the third prince's devotion, and Zhou Shi held considerable prestige among the noblewomen of the imperial family.
Jiafu naturally recognized Zhou Shi and had some understanding of her temperament.
Logically, since Xiao Lie was not one for women and had remained devoted to her alone for decades, their marital bond should have been deep. Yet, in Jiafu's impression, the King of the Clouds and his consort did not seem as close as outsiders claimed. Zhou Shi focused more of her attention on her son, Xiao Yintang, doting on him excessively, granting nearly every wish. Earlier in the year, when Xiao Yintang had abducted her to Yunnan, the Granny Zhu who had overseen her during the journey was one of Zhou Shi's people. Clearly, she must have known what her son had done. In her eyes, the daughter of a merchant family from Quanzhou was likely insignificant—if her son fancied her, taking her was no great matter.
What unsettled Jiafu was why she was summoning her now. What did she want?
Could it be the same as Zhang Fengtong—to persuade her to submit to her son?
With trepidation, Jiafu was led before the King of the Clouds' consort. After kneeling and paying respects, the consort smiled warmly, beckoning Jiafu closer. She praised her lavishly before saying, "I know all about what my son did to you. I was furious—not only did I punish that old woman, but I also reprimanded him severely. He deeply regrets his actions. As for your cousin, I’ve already spoken to him, assuring him that nothing like this will ever happen again."
To Jiafu's surprise, the consort began by chastising her own son. Though puzzled, Jiafu found this preferable to being pressured into submission and remained silent, her head bowed.The princess consort spoke amiably, engaging Jiafu in casual conversation—what books she usually read, her needlework skills, how many were in her household, her relationship with the Duke's residence, and so on. Jiafu answered carefully, standing on the polished floor beneath her feet, yet her entire body felt as if pricked by needles, wishing only to leave as soon as possible. Finally, nearing the end, the princess consort called out, and that Granny Lin emerged, holding a gilded and painted tray. Lifting the red velvet cover revealed a ruyi scepter, a pair of jade bracelets, and a box of hair ornaments adorned with pearls and gems, glittering brilliantly.
The princess consort smiled and said, "I called you here for no other reason than to ensure you weren’t frightened. Seeing you well, I am relieved. You are You’an’s cousin, and my son offended you first. Since this is your first visit to me, how could I let you leave empty-handed? Take these as gifts and enjoy them."
At last, hearing the dismissal, Jiafu sighed in relief. She had no desire for these items and politely declined, but the princess consort would not take them back. After expressing her thanks again, Jiafu had no choice but to accept them, kowtowing once more in gratitude.
With a gentle smile, the princess consort instructed Granny Lin to escort Jiafu out. Just as she stepped over the threshold, Jiafu’s footsteps faltered slightly.
The person she least wanted to see—inevitably, she couldn’t avoid him.
Xiao Yintang stood in the distance by another path. Though not particularly close, Jiafu could still feel his gloomy gaze fixed on her. He narrowed his eyes but did not approach.
The sunlight reflected off the golden crown binding his hair, casting a blinding glare.
Every hair on Jiafu’s body stood on end, but she steadied herself, eyes fixed ahead, expressionless as she continued walking past him.
Even after walking far away, she could still vividly feel Xiao Yintang’s gaze lingering on her back.
Once outside the prince’s residence and seated again in the carriage, Jiafu found her palms damp with cold sweat.
The more thwarted Xiao Yintang was, the less he would let her go. She knew his restraint was only temporary—he was merely waiting for the right moment.
……
Xiao Yintang watched as that figure turned the corner ahead, completely obscured by the foliage. The corner of his lips twisted faintly before he turned and entered the princess consort’s chambers. "Mother, with your status, why fear Pei You’an? He’s nothing but a discarded son of the Pei family. No matter how capable, he still serves at Father’s command."
The princess consort replied, "You think I fear Pei You’an? After what you’ve done, I fear your father finding out! I’ve always felt your father treats him differently—values him more than his own son. Haven’t you noticed? If he ever decides to make trouble for you and speaks ill of you before your father, you’ll suffer for it! I’m trying to smooth things over for you!"
Xiao Yintang’s smile vanished. "Mother, I miscalculated this time. But you know I’ve never gone to such lengths for a woman before. This girl helped me leave the city—I was smitten at first sight and couldn’t resist bringing her here. If not for Pei You’an meddling, it would’ve been done long ago. What nonsense about her being like a sister to him? She’s just a distant relative from the Pei family’s second branch—how is she his cousin? He’s clearly opposing me!"The princess consort sighed. "I know you've taken a liking to that girl from the Zhen family, but the timing isn't right now. No matter how much you care, you must restrain yourself. Pei You'an cannot be offended at present—your father trusts him and relies on him greatly. Since he serves your father, he serves you as well. For this reason alone, you must hold back for now."
Xiao Yintang smirked. "Do you really need to remind me of this, Mother? If not for restraining myself, would I have tolerated his interference in my affairs?"
The princess consort said, "As long as you understand. In any case, you mustn't act against that girl now. If you truly like her, when the opportunity arises, I'll find a way for you."
Xiao Yintang smiled and moved closer to massage his mother's shoulders. "Mother always dotes on me the most."
The princess consort chuckled. "You're my only son. If I don't treat you well, who else would I treat well?"
...
When Jiafu returned, Pei You'an soon hurried back as well. Though she was in her own room, he called her out to ask about what had happened earlier.
Jiafu briefly recounted the events, and Pei You'an nodded. "It's more or less as I expected. The princess consort sought me out yesterday and spoke of this matter. Don't worry—the Heir Apparent will restrain himself out of caution."
Jiafu remained silent. Pei You'an glanced at her and noticed her pale face, faint dark circles under her eyes, and weary expression. He paused and asked, "What's wrong? Are you unwell?"
Jiafu replied softly, "Cousin, I've been having nightmares every night lately—always dreaming of a vicious tiger chasing me, trying to devour me. I can't sleep... And now you're leaving again. I'm so afraid. Won't you take me with you? I can disguise myself as your page—no one will recognize me."
Pei You'an refused immediately. "I'm going on official business. It wouldn't be appropriate to bring you. Go back to your room. I'll come shortly to examine your pulse and prescribe a calming remedy. Take it as directed, and you'll recover."
Jiafu shook her head like a rattle-drum. "Your medicine is too bitter—it makes me sick. Cousin, please, take me with you. I promise I won't cause any trouble."
Pei You'an hesitated, then said gently, "Listen to me. Wait for me at home. I'll be back in at most half a month..."
Jiafu bit her lip, gave him a resentful look, and before he could finish, turned away and left him standing there.
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