Pei Jingchuan had rented a courtyard house in Qizhou, just one street away from Jiang Mei's tofu shop.
The courtyard wasn't large. Like the Zhou family's home, it had only two bedrooms, with the main hall in the center. A small area behind the kitchen was designated as the latrine. The entire courtyard was even smaller than Pei Jingchuan's room back at the Pei residence.
When Jiang Mei stepped into that courtyard, her entire body went rigid.
She had originally thought Pei Jingchuan had only come here temporarily for some business and would return to the capital before long. But now, it seemed he intended to stay for a while.
When had he rented this courtyard? Did he know her tofu shop was on the next street over? Was that night's encounter a coincidence, or had he planned it long ago?
Jiang Mei's mind was a tangled mess, unable to find any clarity. Numbly, she followed behind Pei Jingchuan. Just as they were about to enter the house, Bai Yi stepped forward and blocked her path. "The master needs to rest. The kitchen is over there."
Jiang Mei snapped back to reality. Right, she was here to cook for Pei Jingchuan.
Following Bai Yi's direction, Jiang Mei went to the kitchen. Pushing the door open, she was met with a scene of utter chaos. The kitchen walls were stained black with soot, the stove top was littered with vegetable scraps and rice grains, and a pile of charred, unrecognizable black matter sat in the wok.
Shocked, Jiang Mei couldn't help but glance sideways at Bai Yi. Bai Yi, his neck stiff and face taut, said coldly, "The master hasn't eaten much these past few days. Be quick about it."
Jiang Mei: "…"
Thank goodness he hadn't eaten much, or he might have already been poisoned to death.
Zhou Hongyuan had to return to the tofu shop after buying the chestnuts, so Jiang Mei didn't dare waste time. Rolling up her sleeves, she began cleaning the kitchen. There weren't many usable ingredients. After a quick scan, she asked, "Did he eat that bowl of tofu pudding?"
"He only had two bites."
As he said this, Bai Yi's tone and gaze were tinged with resentment. If she hadn't said she wanted to see the master, he wouldn't have rushed out without even finishing his meal.
Feeling somewhat guilty under Bai Yi's stare, Jiang Mei thought for a moment and asked him to go buy some pickled vegetables.
Bai Yi frowned. "How can such coarse food be fit for the master's palate?"
Jiang Mei didn't mince words. "However coarse, it's still better than what you cooked."
"…"
Bai Yi had no retort and left silently.
After cleaning up, Jiang Mei prepared to start the fire but found the firewood logs too large. She found an axe and went into the courtyard. Just as she was about to start chopping, Pei Jingchuan's voice came. "What are you doing?"
Wasn't he resting inside? When had he come out?
Jiang Mei nearly strained her back. She turned around, bowing her head respectfully. "These logs are too big; they're not good for starting a fire. I'll chop them smaller and then start cooking."
Because of that rough kiss in the carriage, Jiang Mei's lips were bruised and still hurt.
After the kiss, Pei Jingchuan had reverted to his previous aloofness. Jiang Mei didn't dare dwell on it, but she still felt somewhat uneasy.
"Where's Bai Yi?"
Pei Jingchuan asked as he walked up to her.
Even while ill, his imposing aura was still strong. As the distance closed, it felt even more oppressive. Jiang Mei lowered her head further. "I asked Guard Bai to help buy some things."
As soon as the words left her mouth, her hand felt empty—the axe was taken from her grasp.
Jiang Mei quickly looked up, but before she could protest, Pei Jingchuan had already raised the axe and brought it down, splitting a round log in two.
Pei Jingchuan stood one half upright and glanced at Jiang Mei. "How small do you need them?"
Jiang Mei silently swallowed the words that a sick person should rest more and gestured with her hands. "About this size is fine."
Thump! Thump! Thump!
In the blink of an eye, the thick log was transformed into evenly sized firewood strips under Pei Jingchuan’s axe.
Jiang Mei resisted the urge to give him a thumbs-up and bent down to pick up the wood, but Pei Jingchuan beat her to it.
“Do you do this kind of work at home too?”
Pei Jingchuan’s sudden question made Jiang Mei pause, the marks on her hands now exposed and impossible to hide.
Zhou Hongyuan had to focus on his studies, and Mrs. Li never let him do household chores. Zhou Lan helped Mrs. Li with embroidery to supplement the family income, so tasks like chopping wood, cooking, and washing clothes all fell to Jiang Mei.
Embarrassed, Jiang Mei curled her fingers slightly.
When she was with Pei Jingchuan, although her status was that of a courtesan, she was never mistreated, let alone forced to work from dawn till dusk. To keep Pei Jingchuan, her money tree, the madam would buy her fashionable clothes and fine, fragrant cosmetics. At the height of his favor, she even bathed in milk.
Back then, her fingers were slender and delicate, and her entire being was soft and tender.
Without Pei Jingchuan’s favor, she was like mud compared to clouds.
“My husband must prioritize his studies, my mother-in-law is too old for heavy work, and my sister-in-law is still growing. It’s only right that I do more.”
Jiang Mei answered truthfully.
She thought that Pei Jingchuan, who despised her so much, might feel some satisfaction knowing she was living poorly.
Sure enough, Pei Jingchuan spoke coldly the next moment: “What, did they rely on begging to survive before you married into their family?”
Jiang Mei’s throat tightened as if pierced by needles.
It was humiliating.
She had gone to great lengths to buy her freedom and marry, yet her life remained difficult.
Jiang Mei didn’t argue with Pei Jingchuan, murmuring softly, “Yes, this is what I deserve.”
Pei Jingchuan’s expression, which had softened slightly, instantly darkened again.
This was a heartless woman—why was he even talking to her?
With a cold face, Pei Jingchuan carried the firewood into the kitchen and returned to his room. Jiang Mei lit the stove to cook vegetable porridge and, when Bai Yi returned, stir-fried a small portion of shredded pork with pickled vegetables.
Half an hour later, Jiang Mei brought the steaming porridge and dishes to Pei Jingchuan.
The vegetable porridge was thick, soft, and fragrant, while the pickled pork shreds carried a tangy aroma that whetted the appetite.
Pei Jingchuan took a sip of the porridge, his brow relaxing slightly. Noticing Jiang Mei still standing there unmoving, he asked casually, “Is there something else?”
It was a clear hint for her to leave.
Outside, the wind and snow were fierce. Without even an umbrella, Jiang Mei would likely freeze on her way back to the tofu shop.
She wasn’t afraid of the cold, but she feared Pei Jingchuan might suddenly appear and torment her on a whim.
She blinked, trying to appear sincere: “Those who are ill need care the most. I see you’re still short of a cook here—I could stay.”
Pei Jingchuan paused while picking up food with his chopsticks, finally looking up at her. His gaze was icy, filled with suspicion and scrutiny.
Jiang Mei knelt down: “I know my sins are unforgivable, and I’m willing to work like an ox or a horse to atone for them. But my husband is innocent. When I first arrived in Qizhou, I fell seriously ill and nearly died—it was he who saved me. Now, with the Spring Imperial Examination approaching, I don’t want to distract him. Once the examination is over, I will request to leave the marriage. Then, you can deal with me however you wish.”
This was the most thorough plan Jiang Mei could think of.
Pei Jingchuan remained silent, chewing his food as if considering her proposal.
Just as hope flickered in Jiang Mei’s heart, a young woman’s cheerful voice suddenly rang out from the courtyard: “Brother Pei, are you home?”
The courtyard gate was unlocked, and the girl walked straight in. Jiang Mei panicked, her body moving before her mind could react, lifting the tablecloth and hiding beneath the table.
Under the table, Pei Jingchuan’s legs were slightly apart. Jiang Mei’s sudden retreat placed her right between his thighs.