Chapter 18
After returning to the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince stayed behind in the Linglang Hall after dinner. Perhaps due to exhaustion, he had barely rested on the couch before Pei Yun heard his steady, deep breathing.
The next morning, the Crown Prince had already risen early to attend court.
With the Crown Prince present, it was inappropriate to speak of what had happened after Pei Yun left the Chengzhong Hall yesterday. Now, while Pei Yun was having breakfast, Shu Mo could no longer hold back and poured everything out.
Yesterday, when Pei Qian was so shaken up, Madam Pei flew into a rage. Madam Wang, unable to endure the harsh insults, finally lost her composure and began to clash with Madam Pei, hurling the term “old shrew” back at her.
Before Pei Yun took her father’s coffin back to their hometown in Cangzhou, Madam Pei had been living with the second branch family, a household not easy to get along with. Madam Wang had served her mother-in-law for over ten years, rising early and working late, like a beast of burden.
She resented Madam Pei and envied how comfortably the first wife, Madam Zhou, lived, with all her children thriving. This jealousy prompted her to stir trouble, leading to Madam Pei tormenting Madam Zhou later on.
Madam Wang had intended to slowly poison Madam Pei after Pei Qian entered the Eastern Palace, so that Madam Pei, often losing her clarity of mind, wouldn’t become a burden to her daughter.
Once Pei Qian gained favor and possibly replaced Pei Yun, supporting the second branch family, Madam Wang’s future would be filled with countless good days.
But she never expected this dream to shatter so quickly.
As Shu Mo recounted the vivid details, Pei Yun sipped her porridge slowly, unable to help but laugh at the imagined scene of dogs biting each other.
In fact, it was thanks to her eldest sister-in-law that Pei Yun came to know of Madam Wang’s theft of medicinal herbs and her poisoning of Madam Pei.
In her previous life, after Pei Chi’an tragically drowned, Madam Wang, overwhelmed with grief and despair, clung desperately to her elder brother Pei Xu’an, accusing him frantically of causing Pei Chi’an’s death to cover up the incident, threatening to report him to the authorities and demand justice.
Fearing the matter would escalate, her eldest sister-in-law sought evidence to control Madam Wang, and unexpectedly uncovered proof of her swapping herbs and poisoning Madam Pei.
Faced with irrefutable evidence, Madam Wang finally grew fearful and settled down. Eventually, Pei Xu’an arranged for her to be sent back to Cangzhou.
“The old madam and the second madam are both being sent back to Cangzhou. Now, these two hate each other so fiercely yet must live under the same roof in the future. Just imagining their constant torment of one another makes me feel satisfied,” Shu Mo babbled endlessly. Shu Mo’s words made Shu Mo shake his head and smile helplessly as palace attendants cleared the dishes.
After breakfast, Pei Yun sat by the window couch holding her nearly four-month-old son, Li Shen, who had grown plump and adorable and was already skilled at rolling over. He lay on the soft cushion, lifting his head, his bright, round eyes fixed on Pei Yun, who was sewing a scented sachet.
Shu Mo took out a rattle to amuse him. Li Shen’s eyes followed the spinning toy as he suddenly broke into a wide smile, cooing softly.
Just then, a palace attendant entered to announce the arrival of the Second Princess.
Hearing this, Pei Yun paused for a moment before hastily inviting her in.
It was Li Shutang’s first visit to Linglang Hall. She cautiously looked around, her gestures somewhat restrained.
“Greetings, Third Sister-in-law,” she said nervously. “Tang’er did not send word in advance and suddenly came without notice. I’m afraid it’s rather presumptuous and may have disturbed you?”
Pei Yun smiled and pulled her up onto the couch. “Second Princess, don’t say that. If you hadn’t come today, I would have sent someone to invite you in a few days.”
She handed Li Shutang the unfinished sachet. “I can’t seem to get these stitches right. Could you take a look and show me how to place the needle?”
Li Shutang, quiet by nature and mostly confined to her own chambers, could only practice needlework to pass the time. She glanced at it carefully and patiently shared her thoughts.
Pei Yun followed her instructions for a few stitches and was pleased. “Second Princess, you truly have a gift for handiwork. If you opened an embroidery shop, you’d probably rival the best in the capital, the Luoshan Pavilion.”
Li Shutang blushed at the teasing, and the earlier awkwardness vanished.
She looked at the few finished sachets in the embroidery basket and tentatively asked, “Third Sister-in-law, is this one for Third Miss Pei?”
“Yes,” Pei Yun smiled warmly. “My Yan’er loves peach blossoms, so I embroidered two or three branches on it.” Speaking of Pei Wei, her smile deepened. “That girl is two years older than you but has a more fiery temper, not as calm or steady as you.”
Li Shutang could see that although Pei Yun often complained about Pei Wei, her eyes revealed deep affection. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy.
Though she had many siblings, their relationships were far from close.
Thinking this, Li Shutang’s smile faded. Perhaps it was only that they weren’t close to her because she was timid and quiet, lacking the charm of the imperial elder sister.
Seeing Li Shutang’s expression dim, Pei Yun put down her needlework and picked up Li Shen, placing him in Li Shutang’s arms.
“Second Aunt, hold him and see if our Shen’er has grown heavier.”
Startled by the sudden change of arms, Li Shen faintly opened his mouth, tilting his head back to study this second aunt, his bewildered and adorable expression making Li Shutang laugh.
Pei Yun gave Li Shen the rattle. He shook it, his eyes lighting up at the moving strings, and began to waggle it endlessly.
The rattle’s rhythmic sound echoed through the hall as Pei Yun wiped the drool from Li Shen’s mouth, praising, “Our Shen’er is truly clever.”
Li Shutang gazed at Pei Yun playing with the child, momentarily lost in thought. The warm sunlight filtered through the window lattice, brushing her fair, jade-like face—arched brows, delicate nose, bright and kind eyes—reminding Li Shutang of the first time she saw Pei Yun.
She was only five then, when her eldest imperial sister had taken her to a banquet held at the Pingnan Marquis’s residence to see the newly bestowed Crown Princess, wondering what she looked like, though not even a tenth as impressive as Second Sister Shen.
At that time, Li Shutang did not understand all the nuances nor the disdainful glances thrown their way, only remembering that the moment she laid eyes on her new third sister-in-law, she knew what it meant to be breathtakingly beautiful.
It turned out that besides Second Sister Shen, there was indeed such a stunning woman in the world.
Everyone said the third sister-in-law was unworthy of the third brother, and that he did not like her at all.
But Li Shutang thought otherwise. If he truly disliked her, why during that banquet at the Pingnan Marquis’s house did her brother look straight across the lake at her in secret, his gaze falling immediately upon the third sister-in-law?
It was as if he knew exactly who she was.
Yet he was always proper and well-mannered, never casting sideways glances in such formal settings.
Li Shutang had lunch in Linglang Hall and stayed almost the entire day, only taking her leave when dusk fell.
Pei Yun invited her to stay for dinner, saying she had already sent Shu Mo to fetch Li Jin from school. Feeling it impolite to overstay and with Lady Yuepin waiting, Li Shutang declined and promised to visit again.
As she left, Pei Yun asked if she planned to attend the Lantern Festival a few days hence, where Pei Wei would also be present.
Li Shutang stifled her excitement and smiled in agreement. Having spent the day with her third sister-in-law, she felt much closer, even the form of address had shifted from “Second Imperial Sister” to simply “Tang’er.”
She planned to tell her mother, Lady Yuepin, about today’s visit. On her way back, she unexpectedly encountered Li Changye.
Seeing his sister so suddenly in the Eastern Palace surprised Li Changye. Upon inquiry, he learned she had been at Linglang Hall all day.
“Third sister-in-law was embroidering sachets, and I kept her company,” Li Shutang said playfully, winking at the Crown Prince. “I think the one she made for third brother with the green bamboo design is especially beautiful.”
She had counted five sachets in total: two with auspicious cloud patterns for the children, two bright ones likely for Madam Pei and Third Miss Pei, and the remaining one—judging by the color and pattern—undoubtedly for her third brother.
After Li Shutang left, Chang Lu observed his master’s expression and smiled. “The Crown Princess misses Your Highness.”
He could tell the Crown Prince’s mood had been excellent these past days, and his concern for the Crown Princess seemed to have grown.
That day, to accompany the Crown Princess to the Guo family mansion, he had worked on affairs until the fourth watch and rested only briefly before rising again.
Li Changye’s expression remained unchanged. After walking a hundred paces forward, he suddenly said, “Send word to Linglang Hall that I shall visit the Crown Princess later.”
Chang Lu nodded quickly and gave a sharp glance to the attendant beside him.
Back in Chenghua Hall, Li Changye hastily ate dinner and buried himself in his documents as usual.
As night deepened, Chang Lu was about to remind him when the Crown Prince looked up. “What time is it?”
“Your Highness, it is already the third quarter of the Xu hour.”
Li Changye closed the document in his hand. “Prepare water.”
Chang Lu called a palace attendant to assist the Crown Prince with his bath and change of clothes, then accompanied him to Linglang Hall.
The hall was still brightly lit. Li Changye did not announce his arrival. Approaching the main hall corridor, he heard clear laughter from within.
It was his Crown Princess.
His steps faltered. He could no longer recall the last time he heard that laughter—it must have been years ago.
Unconsciously, his expression softened. Yet the moment he strode inside, the laughter abruptly stopped.
He saw his eldest son, Li Jin, sitting on the small couch.
Suddenly noticing his father, Li Jin hurried over, slightly flustered. “Greetings, Father.”
Li Changye nodded. “At this hour, why have you not retired?”
Though he knew his father meant no reproach, the deep and dignified voice still made Li Jin nervous. Before he could answer, a gentle, melodious voice sounded from behind.
“Jin’er was telling me about the amusing events at Gengzhuo Pavilion today. I got so engrossed that I lost track of time.”
Li Changye said, “You are still growing; staying up late harms your health. Return early.”
“Yes,” Li Jin respectfully bowed. “Father, Mother, I will take my leave.”
Li Jin bowed and retreated to the hall entrance before turning to leave. His body swayed slightly, causing the scented sachet tied at his waist to swing gently.
Li Changye narrowed his eyes and glanced toward the small couch where Li Shen lay, his nanny preparing to carry the drowsy child away.
A tassel peeked from the corner of the small blanket wrapping Li Shen.
“Your Highness, I will go bathe first,” Pei Yun said.
Li Changye nodded slightly, watching Pei Yun walk leisurely toward the bath. That strange feeling crept over him again.
He had clearly sent word in advance, so why was Pei Yun unprepared, still with the two children?
It was as if she did not care whether he came or not.
His lips pressed tightly. Sitting on the couch, his gaze fell on the embroidery basket in the corner.
On top lay a pale yellow sachet embroidered with a green bamboo design.
His tightly knit brows instantly relaxed.
When Pei Yun returned from her bath, the Crown Prince was seated on the small couch in his underclothes, apparently playing a game of chess—he had somehow procured a board—and silently engaged in a match.
Hearing her return, he rose and approached the bed.
Years of marriage had made Pei Yun accustomed to their silent companionship.
The Crown Prince left the lamp burning, and she said nothing. Having lied the last time, she knew she must continue the charade.
Lying on the bed, she was in rare good spirits while sharing a bed with him. After tonight, the three days of intimacy this month would be complete.
She could look forward to a month of peace.
The charcoal stove burned warmly, filling the room with cozy heat. Pei Yun closed her eyes, caught between sleep and wakefulness, when the low, rich voice sounded.
“What amusing stories did Jin’er share to make you laugh so joyfully?”
Disturbed from her rest, Pei Yun furrowed her brow in surprise. In her past life, the Crown Prince had always rested quietly before sleep. What was going on today?
She intended to feign sleep but heard the subtle rustling of garments and the man’s steady breathing growing louder beside her.
Unable to resist, she opened her eyes, alarmed to find the Crown Prince had turned slightly toward her.
In the dim candlelight, his jet-black eyes were as deep and unfathomable as an abyss.
Helpless, she turned slightly to face him and replied, “Jin’er said that today Mr. Song Yu was teaching them painting in the hall, and the Crown Prince of Qin was quite annoyed…”
“What happened?” he asked, drawing closer.
Pei Yun forced a smile. “The Crown Prince of Qin painted Mr. Song with puffed cheeks and a big belly, looking exactly like…”
Sensing the warmth of his breath, she abruptly stopped.
“Exactly like what?” His voice was husky above her head, and her own breath faltered as she whispered one word.
Li Changye lowered his eyes, inhaling the lingering fragrance around his nose—the same scent as yesterday in the carriage.
It was floral yet richer, like rouge scented but fresher and more elegant.
Could the woman’s scent really be this delightful?
Though their intimate moments were not frequent, Pei Yun had borne two children and could not be unaware of what had transpired.
Almost instinctively, she tried to pull away, but before she could move, his strong, powerful arms encircled her waist. With a gentle squeeze, she was drawn against his solid, warm chest, held tightly in his embrace.