On the way back, Jiafu still shared the carriage with Second Madam.
Jiafu had long noticed that Second Madam was quite excited at the moment—in fact, many of the other ladies present tonight likely felt the same way. They had merely intended to add a touch of festivity to the birthday celebration of the Crown Princess's mother, but who could have expected that a perfectly good banquet would end so abruptly in such a manner? Not only was there the inside story of the sudden death of the Eastern Palace's concubine some time ago, but it also confirmed a rumor that had been circulating in secret: both the Crown Prince and Pei You'an had once been interested in Zhen of Quanzhou, and in the end, the emperor had intervened, allowing Pei You'an to win the beauty. After all, the Zhen family had been summoned to the capital by imperial decree along with the Fujian governor, and the subsequent dispatch of eunuchs to the Zhen family to deliver the edict had been quite a spectacle. It was impossible for such news not to spread, especially since it involved two prominent figures—one the Crown Prince and the other a trusted minister of the new emperor—and was tinged with romantic intrigue. Such gossip naturally spread like wildfire, though it had remained in the shadows until now. Who would have thought that tonight, it would be laid bare so starkly? And most crucially, the one who revealed it was none other than the Crown Princess, who had always been known for her virtue!
Second Madam had been watching Jiafu's expression closely, waiting for her to burst into tears and lament the injustice. Seeing that Jiafu remained silent after boarding the carriage, Second Madam held back for a while but eventually couldn't resist leaning closer and saying, "What a strange night! Even if the Crown Princess was drunk, her drunken tantrum was truly something to behold—rambling to such an extent that she not only implicated the Crown Prince but even dragged you and You'an into it! I don’t mean to speak disrespectfully behind her back, but she must have lost her mind! I used to think she was so dignified and virtuous, yet in just a few days, she’s revealed such disgraceful behavior!" She clicked her tongue and shook her head.
Jiafu still didn’t respond.
She truly had neither the mood nor the energy to deal with her aunt at the moment.
Earlier, Zhang Fengtong's father had detained Pei You'an for a conversation, and Jiafu could guess what it was about. There had been far too many people in the banquet hall, and with so many eyes watching, Zhang Fengtong's outburst had been impossible to suppress.
When Pei You'an returned, Jiafu had lifted a corner of the carriage curtain to steal a glance at him and saw that his expression was grave.
She became even more certain that he was truly angry.
From the very beginning, he had known about Xiao Yintang's intentions toward her, and their own relationship had started because of it. But before tonight, this had been a secret to outsiders—at most, a subject of speculation. No one would have dared to bring it into the open.
After tonight, however, things were different.
By tomorrow, if not sooner, the entire court would know about it.
For the Crown Prince to covet the wife of a high-ranking minister was naturally a moral failing on his part. But for Pei You'an, being the subject of such romantic gossip was hardly a matter of pride.
He would be humiliated because of her.
Jiafu deeply regretted her impulsive decision to switch the medicated wine to Zhang Fengtong's place. Had she known the woman would say such things after drinking it, she would have swallowed her anger and never acted.Second Madam glanced at Jiafu, noticing her still lost in thought, and took her hand, adopting a comforting tone. "A'fu, Auntie knows you're upset, but who you are—others may not know, but how could I not? Don’t take it to heart. Anyone sensible wouldn’t believe the Crown Princess’s nonsense just now. You were merely caught in the crossfire. You'an surely thinks the same. When you return, just explain it properly to him, and that’ll be the end of it."
Ever since Jiafu had addressed her as "Auntie" after she initially called herself "Aunt," Second Madam no longer used that term when speaking to Jiafu.
Jiafu found Second Madam’s chatter unbearably grating, her mind in turmoil. She turned her head slightly, lifting the carriage curtain to glance outside once more.
He rode on horseback, unhurried, keeping pace alongside the carriage.
When the group arrived at the Pei residence, the carriages stopped one by one at the entrance. Maids and matrons from the rear carriages descended, placing footstools beside them. Second Madam was helped down by a matron first, followed by Jiafu. Tanxiang stepped forward to assist her, but Pei You'an reached out, gently steadying Jiafu’s arm. Once she was steady, he released his hold.
The two were about to escort Madam Xin back to her courtyard, but she declined, adding, "You'an, if you have a moment, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you."
Pei You'an acknowledged her request and turned to Jiafu. "Go back to your room first and rest early. I’ll return shortly."
His tone was gentle as he instructed Tanxiang and Liu Momo to escort the young madam back first.
Jiafu glanced at Madam Xin, suppressing her unease, and had no choice but to turn and leave.
Pei You'an accompanied Madam Xin to her quarters. "What did you wish to speak about, Mother?"
Madam Xin looked at him, a smile gracing her face. "You'an, I know you’ve never been close to me, and perhaps you resent me for favoring your younger brother. It’s not that I hold any prejudice against you. You’re my son too, my eldest, and now the entire household relies on you. Even in my old age, I’ll depend on you. But you’ve always been sensible, never needing much attention, while your brother isn’t as capable. That’s why I’ve kept a closer eye on him. I hope you can understand the difficulties of a mother’s heart."
Pei You'an replied, "I’ve always known this without you saying it. Was there something else you wished to discuss?"
Madam Xin sighed. "You must have heard about what happened with the Zhang family tonight. The Crown Princess, in front of everyone, accused the Crown Prince of coveting our new daughter-in-law, even naming you directly. This might have embarrassed you before His Majesty and your colleagues—such talk is unsavory, after all. It’s not that I find fault with her since she joined our household. I’m telling you this not to imply anything else, but because you’re my son, and I can’t stand by while your reputation is tarnished. When you return, it might be best to speak with her, lest such incidents shame you again in the future."
Pei You'an asked, "What do you suggest I say to her?"
Madam Xin hesitated, taken aback. "Why would the Crown Princess slander the Crown Prince out of nowhere? She must have been driven to it by sheer anger. As the saying goes, a straight foot is not afraid of a crooked shoe—perhaps there’s been some interaction between her and the Crown Prince..."
"It’s late. If there’s nothing else, Mother, you should rest. I’ll take my leave."
Pei You'an gave a slight bow to Madam Xin and turned to leave.
"You'an! I only care about your reputation—"Pei You'an suddenly halted his steps, turned his head, and fixed Madam Xin with a gaze that carried an unexpectedly sharp and severe edge.
For so many years, though their relationship had been distant, this "eldest son" had always maintained proper decorum toward her as his "mother," fulfilling his filial duties without fail.
An expression like the one he wore now was something Madam Xin had never seen before. She couldn't help but startle, instinctively taking a step back.
"What kind of person she is, I understand far better than you, Mother. 'A man's wealth is his own ruin'—surely you know this principle? Is the ravings of a deranged woman worth subjecting me to such an inquisition?"
His use of the word "inquisition" spoke volumes without needing further elaboration.
To say Madam Xin was shocked would be an understatement. She stared at Pei You'an, her expression gradually darkening.
"You... how dare you speak to me like this..."
Her voice trembled slightly, laced with anger, but faced with this suddenly provoked eldest son, she didn't dare say anything more.
Pei You'an slowly exhaled. When he spoke again, though his voice no longer carried anger, his tone was as cold as ice.
"Mother!" he said. "The reputation you speak of—I lost far more of it at sixteen than I ever could today. Back then, I never uttered a single word in my own defense. Did you truly think I would care about it now?"
"You were my mother then, and you remain so now. As you said earlier, if you truly need me to support you in your old age, should that time come and I still be here, I will not refuse. But that is all. My affairs, and Fu'er's matters—I ask that you refrain from interfering henceforth. I know well enough what should be done."
"It's late. You should rest."
Madam Xin stood frozen, watching Pei You'an's retreating figure until it disappeared. She remained utterly still, only her lips trembling faintly.
...
Jiafu listlessly entered the room, took a bath, and had just changed her clothes when Pei You'an returned.
She had some inkling of what Madam Xin might have said to him and discreetly observed his expression. Finding it as composed as ever, showing no signs of disturbance, she watched as he bathed and changed before heading to his study as usual.
It was his habit to go to the study every evening.
Lately, sometimes she would accompany him, while other times he would go first and she would follow later.
In the study, Pei You'an would occasionally be distracted by her, setting aside his work to indulge in affection before they returned to the bedroom together.
But there were also times when, despite her allure, he remained unmoved, wholly absorbed in his own tasks. On such occasions, Jiafu could only sit nearby, reading to pass the time until she eventually dozed off over her book, either to be carried back to bed by him or to leave him behind and retire alone.
In any case, as their relationship grew increasingly intimate, Jiafu now came and went from his study as freely as she did their bedroom, without needing to ask his permission.
She could have followed him directly as she had the previous nights, but because of tonight's events, she found herself hesitating again. She stayed in the bedroom, waiting until the middle of the Hai hour—by this time on previous nights, they would already have retired, as this was the latest bedtime Jiafu had set for him.
She had her reasons, and she defended them staunchly. Grandmother had instructed her to ensure he didn't stay up too late. At the time, he had seemed reluctant but ultimately nodded in agreement, looking as though he had no choice but to comply.The night was stiflingly hot. Despite the open gauze windows, not a breath of wind stirred in the room, making it hard to breathe.
Jiafu walked to the study and gently pushed open the slightly ajar door. To her surprise, she found him not seated behind the desk but standing by the north window, hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the dark, overcast night sky outside. His silhouette was solemn and still, as if he had been standing there for quite some time.
Jiafu's footsteps came to an abrupt halt at the doorway.
Pei You'an heard the sound she made and turned his head to glance at her, his gaze slightly shadowed.
Hesitating, Jiafu whispered, "It's late. Aren't you going to sleep?"
Pei You'an gave a faint smile, turned to extinguish the lamp, and said, "Let's go."
They returned to the bedroom. The lamp was out. Pei You'an seemed somewhat weary; as soon as he lay down, he closed his eyes as if sinking into deep sleep.
But Jiafu found the bed curtains unbearably stuffy and hot. Despite having bathed, she was covered in a sticky sweat, her mind swirling with thoughts. Sleep eluded her. After a while, she opened her eyes and, in the dim shadows of the bed curtains, looked at his serene profile, as quiet as the night. Summoning her courage, she said, "Eldest Cousin, are you angry with me? Do you blame me for bringing you shame...?"
"I'm fine, and I'm not angry with you. Don't overthink it."
His reply reached her ears.
She lay still for a while longer, feeling her clothes cling uncomfortably to her back. Softly, she murmured, "I'm too hot. I think I'll go wash again..."
She slowly sat up and, in the darkness, fumbled to part the bed curtains before climbing down to sit on the edge of the bed. As she bent to search for her shoes, a pair of hands suddenly tightened around her waist from behind. With a small gasp, she was dragged back into the bed curtains and pressed against the pillow.
Jiafu's blood surged, her heartbeat quickening abruptly. Before she could react, his weight settled heavily atop her, pinning her firmly beneath him. Then he lowered his head and captured her lips.
Trapped beneath him, Jiafu felt the rapid rise of his desire as he kissed her. She was still dazed, unsure why he had suddenly become like this.
He had kissed her more than once before, always gently, their lips and tongues meeting in ways that brought her pleasure and sweetness.
This time was different. His breath scorched her face, his kiss almost possessive, grinding heavily against her lips and tongue until it became uncomfortable.
"Eldest Cousin... you're hurting me..."
Jiafu could barely breathe, shaking her head repeatedly until she finally broke free. Gulping, she mumbled a complaint.
"Call me husband!"
His tone carried an undeniable command.
"Husband..."
Trembling all over, Jiafu gasped softly and obeyed.
In that long, sweltering summer night, Pei You'an claimed the sweet, intoxicating body beneath him—a body that belonged to him alone.
Outside, unbeknownst to them, a night rain had begun to fall. The water washed over the trees in the courtyard, pooling along the eaves of the covered walkway before cascading down in a steady rush. The damp night breeze seeped through the gauze windows, gradually dispelling the stifling heat within the bed curtains.
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