After seven or eight days, the wounds on Pei Xiyue’s back gradually healed.
But as soon as he recovered, he could no longer stay idle in the mansion.
Right after finishing breakfast, he hurried out the door.
Sang Zhi jogged after him, wanting to offer a word or two of advice.
But Lang Jun walked so quickly that she simply couldn’t keep up.
In the end, she could only give a few instructions to Mujin, who served by Lang Jun’s side.
Watching him disappear into the distance, Sang Zhi slowed her pace and prepared to return to the courtyard.
Some days ago, she had bought some catnip and planted it. It had been growing for a while now and should be ready soon.
She wondered if Linu would like it.
Sang Zhi was accustomed to walking with her head down, her eyes fixed on her own toes. Even when she lifted her gaze, it was always fleeting.
From the very core of her being, she exuded an air of timidity and fearfulness.
Lost in thought, Sang Zhi paid even less attention to her surroundings.
As she turned a corner, she suddenly collided with a solid wall.
A flicker of confusion passed through her clear, bright eyes, and she couldn’t help but raise a hand to rub her forehead where it had struck.
Where did this wall come from?
Suddenly, a scent of cold sandalwood drifted to her nose. Lifting her head, she realized it wasn’t a wall she had bumped into at all—it was Jia Zhu!
Panic flashed in her eyes as she hastily bowed in greeting.
“J-Jia Zhu.”
Pei He’an acknowledged her with a sound, his dark eyes lingering on the person before him.
The lotus-root-colored dress wrapped tightly around her figure, her dark hair half-tied and cascading over her shoulders.
As she lowered her head, it revealed her pale, slender neck.
The thin skin and flesh could not conceal the protruding cervical bone, leaving it starkly exposed.
Like a rabbit in the forest forced to bare its vulnerable spot.
Using its trembling body and submissive, gentle nature to beg for a chance to survive.
Sang Zhi stood in place as the sunlight slanted.
A tall, dark shadow instantly enveloped her, and an overwhelming wave of cold fragrance swept over her without restraint.
Sang Zhi felt like a green leaf bent under the weight of snow, teetering on the edge of collapse.
Sang Zhi pressed her lips together, unable to understand why Jia Zhu stood there motionless.
Yet she could keenly sense his gaze fixed upon her.
Could it be that Jia Zhu knew the jade pendant was with her?
At this thought, Sang Zhi grew tense once more.
She wanted to ask but was too afraid.
She remained standing there, not daring to leave.
It wasn’t until Mu Shan appeared from somewhere that this strange encounter finally came to an end.
The oppressive shadow finally shifted away, and the icy, suffocating presence dissipated like melting snow.
Sang Zhi couldn’t help but glance at Jia Zhu’s retreating figure.
Just one look, and the person walking ahead seemed to sense it, turning slightly to the side.
Sang Zhi immediately averted her gaze and hurried back toward the courtyard.
Only when she finally returned to the courtyard did Sang Zhi dare to relax.
Yet she couldn’t help but wonder.
Had Jia Zhu wanted to say something to her earlier?
No, that couldn’t be. If Jia Zhu had something to say, why wouldn’t he speak?
After much thought, Sang Zhi still believed it had something to do with that jade pendant.
But how could she return it to Jia Zhu?
Before Sang Zhi could ponder further, the matron from Mother Pei’s side suddenly entered.
Her face wore an arrogant expression, and without even a bow, she said, “Third Young Lady, Daniangzi asks that you come over.”
Sang Zhi stood up woodenly, her lips pressed tightly together.
Hoping to delay, she said, “Then I… I’ll change my clothes…”
"No need. The third young mistress is delicate and precious. It takes a long walk from Linfeng Courtyard to the front hall, so it's better to go to Daniangzi's courtyard early."
Sang Zhi detected the veiled sarcasm in the words of the matron beside her mother-in-law, feeling a flash of embarrassment on her face.
Not daring to speak, she could only follow the matron toward Mother Pei's courtyard.
"Daniangzi, the third young mistress has arrived."
Sang Zhi performed a proper bow, though inwardly she was uncertain why her mother-in-law had summoned her.
Seeing her approach, Mother Pei abruptly slammed her teacup onto the table.
She snorted coldly and said, "Sang Shi, is this how you behave as a wife? Sanlang went out before his injuries had fully healed, and you not only allowed it but also enjoyed yourself leisurely in the courtyard. Is this how the Sang family taught you?"
Sang Zhi's lips felt bitter. How could she have stopped Lang Jun when he was determined to go out?
Still, she acknowledged her fault, saying, "Mother-in-law, your reprimand is justified. It's just that Lang Jun…"
"Don't make excuses. You know perfectly well that Jing Zhi dislikes Sanlang's reckless behavior outside, yet you indulge him like this. Are you hoping for Sanlang to be punished again?"
Sang Zhi quickly knelt and said, "Mother-in-law, please calm your anger. Your daughter-in-law would never, ever dare."
Hearing the stuttering words of the person kneeling below, Mother Pei's eyes flashed with disgust.
She looked away and said, "In that case, go out of the estate and find Sanlang. If you can't find him, you are not allowed to return!"
…
"Jing Zhi, you've come. I sought you out today because I have something to discuss."
Pei He'an sat across from Xie Shi'an with a cold expression, his slender fingers tapping lightly on the teacup.
The celadon teacup was painted with a magnolia branch extending beyond its rim, its pale yellow stamens resting on the lid.
This reminded Pei He'an of the woman enveloped by magnolia blossoms, her fair and slender shoulders and neck adorned with petals.
Her trembling, lightly fluttering eyelashes seemed like unknown roots.
But she… seemed afraid of him.
Author's Note:
Jingjie is catnip [shy]
Short today, but definitely longer tomorrow! [Let me see]