Late at night, Pei You'an finally freed himself from various affairs and stepped through the gates of Duke Wei's Mansion.
Even at this hour, the mansion remained brightly lit, with no one asleep. The entire household had been waiting for his return.
After more than a year apart, Pei Quan and Second Madam Meng came forward with their son Pei Xiuluo to welcome him. The couple wore beaming smiles, full of attentiveness, while Pei Xiuluo performed the rites of a younger brother with utmost respect and admiration.
Madam Xin had also stayed up. When she appeared, her face bore a smile, yet no amount of powder could conceal the sallow complexion beneath.
Pei You'an performed the filial rites toward her. When finished, she forced a smile and said, "The whole family has been looking forward to your return. It's just that your second brother has recently fallen ill. He took medicine in the evening and must have succumbed to sleep. Shall I have someone wake him—"
Pei You'an replied, "Let Second Brother rest and recover. There's no need to disturb him." With that, he turned to Yuzhu, who had emerged upon hearing the commotion: "Has Grandmother retired for the night?"
Yuzhu approached and greeted Pei You'an with a smile. "Old Madam Pei is still awake."
"It's already quite late. To have kept Mother, Uncle, and Aunt waiting until now is entirely my fault. Please rest early for your health."
Pei Quan and his wife, understanding he wished to see the Old Madam, nodded with smiles.
Madam Xin watched his departing figure, her smile gradually freezing.
"Sister-in-law, you're truly blessed. You'an is now the emperor's favorite. Securing Xiuzhi's noble title would be just a word from him. In the future, you'll have nothing but good fortune to enjoy!"
Second Madam Meng said cheerfully, her eyes fixed on Madam Xin.
Madam Xin sensed the true emotions hidden beneath her sister-in-law's smile.
Like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, this woman must have already known something—mocking her, despising her, reveling in her misfortune. Yet this cunning woman maintained a flawless facade in daily life.
Thinking of the humiliation her son was enduring, Madam Xin trembled with rage, wishing she could tear off the hypocritical mask from this woman's face.
But she could do nothing.
Her nails dug deeply into her palms as her gaze wandered mechanically. Forcing a smile, she murmured, "Yes, how wonderful..."
...
Pei You'an knelt before Old Madam Pei and kowtowed.
The last time the grandmother and grandson had met was during the Old Madam's grand birthday celebration. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, the world had turned upside down, and the fates of those in this mansion had surged and ebbed like tides—one moment battered by storms, the next painted in vivid hues. Such was the drama of life.
Seeing her eldest grandson kneel before her again, the old woman was undoubtedly overjoyed and moved. But soon, she steadied her emotions, her gaze sweeping over the resplendent court robes he still wore, bestowed with honors.
Pei You'an looked up and said, "The matter I implored Grandmother to assist with involved many complications. I knew it would cause you difficulty. Yet you still fulfilled my wish. Beyond my remorse, I am endlessly grateful!"
For over a year, though Pei You'an was thousands of miles away from Quanzhou, he had kept his promise to Jiafu. His people remained discreetly stationed with the Zhen family. When the Fujian Provincial Governor arrived with the imperial decree to escort Jiafu to the capital, news reached Old Madam Pei even before the entourage had set off.That was a letter Pei You'an had left for his grandmother. In it, he expressed his desire to marry the daughter of the Zhen family, but due to circumstances beyond his control, he was adrift away from home. Should his grandmother ever read this letter, it would mean he could no longer protect her, and he earnestly begged his grandmother to intervene on her behalf.
Old Madam Pei gazed at Pei You'an without speaking at first. After a long while, she slowly said, "You'an, this matter truly puts your grandmother in a difficult position. The Zhen family once had marriage discussions with your second brother. Though it may be somewhat awkward for you to marry her now, that alone wouldn’t be an insurmountable issue. The real problem is her involvement with the Crown Prince. To contend with the Crown Prince for a person—this is no trivial matter. At first, your grandmother was reluctant to agree..."
Her voice gradually softened as she drifted into thought, her eyes distant, as if lost in memories of the past.
"Having lived to this day, your grandmother has seen many things. Blessings may not be blessings, and misfortunes may not truly be misfortunes. You've been sensible since childhood, never one to act rashly. And this is the first time in all these years you've ever asked your grandmother for anything—especially concerning your marriage. Since you've come to me with this request, how could I bear to deny you?"
She sighed, a mixture of resignation and relief in her tone.
Pei You'an's eyes glistened faintly with tears as he kowtowed and said, "This grandson has been willful. It is only by your boundless love that this wish is granted."
A smile touched Old Madam Pei’s lips as she reached out and rested her hand on her grandson’s bowed head, stroking it affectionately for a moment before bidding him rise.
Pei You'an stood and helped her into the inner chamber, seating her by the bed before crouching down, as he had done since childhood, to remove her shoes.
As she watched him, Old Madam Pei suddenly remarked, as if casually, "You'an, I recall that during my last birthday celebration, you and your cousin were still quite distant. How is it that now you insist on marrying no one but her?"
Pei You'an’s hands paused slightly before he gently removed her shoe, placed it on the floor, and helped her lie down. "Grandmother, you may not know this, but I was captivated by her from the moment I first saw her. It’s just that circumstances at the time made it impossible to speak of it to you."
Old Madam Pei studied him, unable to discern whether his words were heartfelt or merely an excuse, and shook her head. "Never mind. You’ve always been exemplary in every way—except for keeping everything locked inside..."
She trailed off mid-sentence, her gaze growing even more tender as she looked at her grandson.
"Grandmother has always liked A'fu. When the Emperor first intended to make her the Crown Prince’s secondary consort, she refused. Now that you’re marrying her, live well with her in the future. Your grandmother has every confidence in you."
Pei You'an smiled and nodded in agreement, tucking the blanket around her before quietly taking his leave.
...
With the new Emperor’s ascension, rewards and honors were bestowed upon the many officials and generals who had followed him to Wuding.
For his merits, Pei You'an was appointed Right Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat, granted the extraordinary rank of Supreme Pillar of State, and concurrently named Grand Academician of the Eastern Pavilion, serving closely by the Emperor’s side day and night. Already basking in the glory of his achievements, he became the envy of many. Now, not only was he granted an imperial marriage, but he was also exceptionally permitted to hold his wedding on the same day as the Crown Prince—an unprecedented honor since the founding of the dynasty, making his standing in the Emperor’s eyes self-evident.
However, the Ministry of Rites deemed it inappropriate to schedule his wedding on the same day as the Crown Prince’s and submitted a formal objection. Pei Quan also submitted a memorial on behalf of his nephew, expressing gratitude for the imperial favor but requesting a change of date to avoid any appearance of overstepping bounds.The emperor declared, "In our youth, the Duke of Wei and I were as close as brothers. We fought side by side in our younger years. His sacrifice on the battlefield for Great Wei, passing in the prime of life, remains an unhealed wound in my heart. During the Battle of Wuding, when the army teetered on the brink of collapse and I too was in grave peril, Pei You'an led his troops in a surprise attack, rescuing us at the critical moment. Today, I specially grant him the honor of sharing the same wedding day as the Crown Prince. There are three reasons for this: first, to honor the bond with my departed friend; second, to recognize his outstanding military service; and third, in hopes that the Crown Prince and Pei You'an may continue the fraternal affection that existed between me and the Duke of Wei. Let this decree be carried out accordingly."
Only then did the court officials understand the emperor's profound intentions. Struck by realization, they were deeply moved and unanimously submitted memorials of congratulations.
On this day, in the front hall of Duke Wei's Mansion, Old Madam Pei knelt with Madam Xin and Second Madam Meng to receive the imperial edict of rewards delivered by officials from the Office of Seals. In addition to her original titles, Old Madam Pei was granted the Imperial Mandate of "Virtuous and Serene Grand Dowager" due to her eldest grandson's merits, along with ceremonial robes and a phoenix crown. Madam Xin was enfeoffed as First-rank Grand Madam, while Second Madam Meng received the title of Fourth-rank Respectable Lady. Previously, Pei Quan, who had toiled for years in the Six Offices, received the highest evaluation of "diligent, solemn, and meticulous, with few errors over the years" during the Ministry of Personnel's assessment of officials. He was soon promoted to Director of Construction in the Ministry of Works, not only entering the fourth-rank officialdom but also securing a coveted lucrative position.
The Pei family's glory blazed like oil fueling flames or flowers adorned with brocade. Overnight, they not only regained the splendor of the Tianxi era but surpassed it. Contemporaries couldn't help but sigh that a family's rise and fall truly depended on the achievements of its descendants. The Pei family served as a prime example, envied by all in the capital.
As the Pei family basked in unparalleled glory, the Zhen family's prestige rose accordingly. The emperor issued an edict granting Jiafu's grandmother, Zhen Hu Shi, the Seventh-rank Matron's Imperial Mandate, along with a phoenix crown and ceremonial robes. These honors, along with gifts of money and fine silks, were swiftly delivered to Quanzhou by express courier. Relatives and guests flooded their home continuously. While visits from Quanzhou-born capital officials seeking connections were expected, even those with the most tenuous ties came offering congratulations, claiming kinship after sitting down. The influx of greeting cards and gifts nearly filled every corner of the house.
Being an imperial marriage, many arrangements were assisted by the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Clan Court, reducing Meng Shi's workload. Her greatest concern was preparing her daughter's dowry. Though time was tight, most items had already been prepared during previous wedding preparations and transported to the capital. Now, during these days, she meticulously checked for any omissions, determined to ensure Jiafu's magnificent departure.
As the wedding day rapidly approached, on the eve of the ceremony, the Zhen family needed to deliver the dowry and prepare the bridal chamber. That day, Second Madam Meng came with Rongfang, while Old Madam Pei sent Yuzhu—several arriving together at the Zhen residence to assist Meng Shi with preparations. Amid cheerful bustle, they smoothly completed setting up the bridal chamber at the Pei household.
The following day would be the wedding. That night, mother and daughter shared a bed, with Meng Shi whispering intimate nuptial knowledge she had never mentioned before, accompanying her daughter through her last night at home before marriage.It was already past midnight, yet Meng Shi still couldn't sleep. Recalling all the twists and turns in arranging her daughter's marriage, it had truly been difficult. Fortunately, in the end, everything had worked out as she wished—her daughter was marrying an ideal husband. Her heart was filled with both joy and reluctance. Suddenly, she felt an arm wrap around her waist, and her daughter's head nestled against her chest. Only then did she realize Jiafu was still awake too.
Thinking back to their conversation earlier that night, Jiafu had seemed distracted, showing none of the shyness a young girl should have before her wedding. The closer the wedding date approached, the quieter she became. Meng Shi was puzzled at first, but then, as if struck by realization, she pulled her daughter closer and whispered comfortingly, "A'fu, Mother knows what's on your mind. It's not that I haven't thought about finding a way to help you conceal what happened on your wedding night. But then I thought again—your cousin knows you were once abducted. If we meddle too much, it might only upset him. Since he was willing to come and propose to you, it shows he doesn’t hold that matter against you."
Jiafu had been unable to sleep. In the dimness, hearing her mother's comforting words only made her heart ache even more.
The events of those days when she had been abducted—now, looking back, they seemed not only unbelievable but also unbearably shameful. She couldn’t even bring herself to speak of them to her own mother, who loved her dearly. These past few days, watching her mother busily preparing for the wedding, she couldn’t help but recall Pei You'an's visit to propose, and the coldness in his eyes when they were alone, along with his final words to her.
He had said, "If I am fortunate enough to return someday, I will keep my promise and marry you."
And now, he was indeed going to marry her. But the impatience and indifference in his tone—each time she remembered it, it made her heart ache anew, filling her with even deeper shame.
"I know, Mother, don’t worry..." Jiafu buried her face in her mother's embrace, forcing her voice to sound light.
Meng Shi patted her back, then suddenly remembered something. She motioned for Jiafu to lie down while she got up, lit a lamp, and took out a key. She unlocked the cabinet, then another small lock inside, and carefully retrieved a small box. Returning to the bed, she opened yet another tiny lock before finally taking out a jade pendant hidden within and handing it to Jiafu.
"I didn’t mention this before," she said. "When your cousin came to propose to your grandmother, he left this jade pendant as a token. He said it was left to him by the Duke before his passing. Since you’ll be married tomorrow, you should keep this token and take it with you."
Jiafu was surprised. She sat up and took the pendant carefully. Under the lamplight, she saw intricate vines carved along the edges, entwined in an unbroken embrace, with a delicate orchid blooming at the center, its fragrance seemingly captured in the jade. The edges were smooth and polished, as if often caressed. When she held it in her palm, it felt warm and seamless, its texture as delicate and comforting as a woman's skin.
"...Think about it. If this was left to your cousin by the Duke before his passing, he must have treasured it deeply. Yet he gave it to our family as a token—that shows his sincerity toward you."
Perhaps it was her mother's words that gave Jiafu a glimmer of confidence, or perhaps it was the warmth of the jade in her hand that comforted her. Lowering her head, she gently traced the pendant with her fingertips, and her previously low spirits suddenly lifted a little.
Meng Shi had her daughter lie back down, then settled in beside her."...My daughter is so beautiful, what man wouldn't adore her? Once you're married, serve your elder cousin well. No matter how big the matter, it will pass with time..."
"A'fu, believe your mother. Your elder cousin will surely cherish you."
Clutching the jade pendant in her hand, Jiafu closed her eyes amidst her mother's incessant murmuring and gradually drifted into sleep.
...
The next day was the wedding.
Throughout the entire day, all the bustle and celebration in the front hall of the Zhen residence had nothing to do with her, the bride. In the rear chambers, Jiafu was merely surrounded by a dozen or so maids and attendants—bathed, her hair styled, dressed in bright red wedding robes, crowned with pearls. Once fully adorned and veiled, as dusk approached and the auspicious hour arrived, guided by the ceremonial official through intricate rites, she was escorted into an eight-man palanquin. Amidst grand music and countless watching eyes, she was carried away from the Zhen family towards Duke Wei's Mansion.
Simultaneously, the wedding at the Eastern Palace proceeded smoothly. As night deepened and the palace halls stood silent, Xiao Lie stood alone before the steps of Cheng Guang Hall, gazing towards the pitch-black northern sky, his figure casting a long shadow under the moonlight.
His godfather had gone to Duke Wei's Mansion for the wedding banquet tonight. Cui Yinshui stood far in a corner, watching the motionless figure before the hall, not daring to breathe loudly.
At the dead of night, the Anding Gate in the northern part of the imperial city creaked open with a heavy groan. A man on horseback, accompanied by guards before and behind, exited the city gate and headed north, his figure soon swallowed by the thick darkness.
Today was the Crown Prince's wedding day, and the Royal Ci'en Temple had conducted celebratory rites during daylight. Now, a monk, startled from deep sleep, watched as a mysterious man cloaked entirely in black entered alone the secluded courtyard where the late Empress Tianxi had last resided.
The courtyard gate closed, the man's figure disappearing behind it. He stood still for a long while on the dim, overgrown path of the quiet courtyard.
Tonight, the imperial city resonated with celebratory music, but here, only the rustling of night wind through the weeds on the walls could be heard.
As the night deepened and the shadows of old trees loomed, his figure finally stirred. Step by step, he approached the silent chamber, reached out, and slowly pushed open the door.
No one from the Pei family had come here this year.
With a soft creak, a faint musty scent wafted into his nostrils, seeping into his lungs.
"A Jing, I've returned."
"This is all I can do for you now. Do you hate me?"
Standing in the darkness, he murmured, his eyes slightly warm. He closed them and took a deep breath.
The person was gone, the fragrance dissipated.
No trace remained in the air of that lingering orchid scent that had once haunted his dreams.
...
Duke Wei's Mansion.
For Pei You'an's wedding, the bridal chamber was set in a courtyard adjacent to Old Madam Pei's northern residence—three main rooms flanked by two side wings, including a bedroom, living quarters, and a study. Facing south with a symmetrical layout, it had been prepared according to the old madam's arrangements.Jiafu had been wearing her bridal veil all evening, like a puppet, led out of the sedan chair, through the ceremonies, and finally the wedding rites. Now, a red silk ribbon was placed in her hand, and she knew the other end was held by Pei You'an. Her heart pounded like a startled deer, and in a daze, as if dreaming, she was guided into the bridal chamber and seated on the edge of the bed, head bowed, waiting for Pei You'an to lift her veil.
The room was filled with the laughter of women teasing the newlyweds. Aside from the Pei family relatives, there were two duchesses and five or six wives of marquises and earls—either familiar faces from frequent past interactions or distant relatives. Perhaps it was the weight of the jeweled headdress and ceremonial robes, pressing down on her for hours, leaving her neck and shoulders sore. Or perhaps it was sheer nervousness. Hearing the wedding matron recite auspicious phrases and the women urging Pei You'an to hurry and lift the veil, eager to see the bride, Jiafu felt so tense she nearly fainted. Yet the veil remained untouched.
Just as her head spun and her breath grew shallow, a faint breeze brushed her face, and light flooded her vision. Jiafu's breath caught. Instinctively, she looked up and met the eyes of a man gazing down at her.
Tonight, he was the only man in this room.
Pei You'an, dressed in deep red ceremonial robes, a jade belt cinching his waist.
It had been over a year since Jiafu last saw him. In her mind, she had repeatedly sketched his noble and radiant image, but she had never imagined him like this. The ancient auspicious color and solemn attire accentuated his striking handsomeness. Wide-eyed, she stared up at this man whose beauty momentarily stole her breath—until the exclamations of the women around her snapped her back to reality. Blushing, she quickly lowered her gaze, not daring to look at him again.
Fortunately, her rouge was thickly applied, but her jade-white earlobes and the sliver of neck exposed above her collar were tinged a delicate pink. It perfectly matched the shyness expected of a new bride, drawing waves of praise from the surrounding women.
The bride was indeed beautiful, deserving of every compliment.
Pei You'an's gaze flickered as he took in her demure, motionless posture. Following the wedding matron's instructions, he sat beside her with a smile. The rituals followed—scattering the bed with symbolic items, eating sweet rice balls, and drinking the ceremonial wine of shared vows.
Jiafu moved carefully, under the watchful eyes and cheerful chatter of the crowd. Not a single strand of hair was out of place as she meticulously followed each step she had been taught.
With the shared wine drunk, the wedding ceremony was nearly complete—only the final step remained: the bridal chamber.
Naturally, that was a private matter for the newlyweds.
It was still early, and many guests lingered outside. After finishing the wine, Pei You'an glanced at Jiafu, who remained with her head bowed, set down his cup, and rose from the bed. Addressing the women who were still eager to tease the couple, he said with a smile, "She's exhausted today. Aunts and elders, for my sake, please step outside. If you're still in high spirits, I’ll toast you all a few more times—how does that sound?"
The Marchioness of Anyuan chuckled. "Let’s go, let’s go! You'an is already doting on his bride before we’ve even properly teased them. Today’s his wedding—we shouldn’t spoil his mood. Us old troublemakers should know when to step back, lest we’re barred from visiting next time!"
Amidst laughter, the women finally filed out of the bridal chamber.Pei You'an turned his head and whispered to Jiafu, "You should rest first, no need to wait for me. I still have guests to attend to." After speaking, he also left the room.
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