Even during his rest break, Pei Xu maintained the disciplined routine he had followed in Chang’an. At the break of dawn, as the eastern sky gradually lightened to the color of fish-belly white, he had already returned from his morning exercises in the bamboo grove.
Linqin had been busy these days training the young maids selected for Pei Ba Niang, leaving Lu Ju to attend to the study. However, for tasks outside the inner courtyard, Pei Xu more often relied on his page boys and young servants.
As he approached the gate of the mountain lodge, the page boy Li Yan hurried over with eager steps: “Young Master, Young Master, the steward from the Third Branch has been here.”
Pei Xu tossed the sword sheath to the boy and asked casually, “What was it about?”
Li Yan replied, “It seems Third Master invited you. As for what it was about… the steward thought I was too young and wouldn’t say, only asking when you would return.”
Pei Xu nodded, changed into clean clothes, finished his breakfast, and then took Li Yan with him to the Third Branch.
The courtyard of the Third Branch was spacious and tranquil, with a faint scent of medicinal herbs lingering in the air.
Due to the master’s prolonged illness and the constant exposure to medicinal aromas, the plants here seemed to have a deeper, richer hue compared to elsewhere.
The steward who had delivered the message earlier was waiting under the corridor. Seeing Pei Xu approach, he smiled warmly and bowed deeply: “Fourth Young Master has arrived.”
“Our master is inside.”
Pei Xu nodded and said to Li Yan, “Wait here.”
“Yes.”
A maidservant lifted the dark blue door curtain, and immediately, a stronger, more pungent medicinal odor wafted out.
For those unaccustomed to the smell, like Pei Xu, he subtly furrowed his brow without showing any outward sign.
Stepping inside, a black-lacquered, gold-painted landscape folding screen divided the room into inner and outer sections. As he rounded the screen, he came face-to-face with Third Madam.
“Third Aunt.” Pei Xu paused to greet her.
“…It’s Silang.” Third Madam smiled. “Go in. Your uncle has been talking about you.”
Pei Xu did not miss the fleeting look of stunned confusion on her face, nor her slightly reddened eyes, as if she had been crying. Combined, these made her smile appear strained and unnatural.
In his memory, this Third Aunt had always been a woman well-protected by her husband. Second Madam often envied her, lamenting that Pei Xu’s father had been heartless, leaving her a widow at a young age.
At this moment, Pei Xu attributed her unnatural expression to lingering fear. Third Uncle’s high fever over the past few days had indeed been cause for concern.
This vague worry solidified into reality when he saw Third Master’s increasingly emaciated figure.
Pei Xu performed a junior’s bow with practiced composure: “Uncle.”
Third Master smiled faintly: “Herlang has come.”
Herlang was Pei Xu’s childhood name.
In Chang’an, the Duke of Jiang was stern and dignified, treating the younger generation with solemnity and rarely smiling. It had been a long time since Pei Xu had been addressed so affectionately, and he instantly felt a sense of closeness.
Backlit by the morning light, Third Master also studied his nephew.
Majestic as a dragon, graceful as a phoenix, noble as jade, and pure as a gem.
His dark eyes were as deep and unfathomable as the sea, their sharpness concealed within, revealing nothing.
This was the young man who would soon undertake the Jian-si (Succession Marriage) for the Third Branch, serving as the adopted heir to care for his wife and estate.
If the talents of the Pei family’s descendants were as vast as the stars, then Pei Silang was the moon around which all stars gathered.
A true pride of heaven, his appearance as elegant and noble as orchids and jade trees, untouched by worldly dust.
His descendants would inherit the Third Branch’s lineage, and Third Master was deeply satisfied.
“Herlang, come.” A servant from the Third Branch helped Third Master sit by the window. A small table on the couch was set with a Go board, and Third Master beckoned to him.
Pei Xu sat opposite and said, “Having just recovered from a serious illness, Uncle should still rest more.”
Third Master smiled and said, "It's been a long time since we, uncle and nephew, last met. Why not play a game of chess?"
Since Third Master had already said so, Pei Xu naturally wouldn't dampen his elder's enthusiasm any further. "Uncle, please."
In truth, Pei Xu wasn't as reticent in his childhood as he is now. While his father served as an official in Chang'an, Third Master was the closest male elder in his life. Whenever he encountered problems in his studies or daily life, he would often seek advice from him.
However, Pei Xu's talent was too exceptional, and he soon left for Chang'an. During that time, some changes occurred, gradually shaping him into the person he is today.
In this world, gains and losses are always intertwined.
Third Master took white and made the first move. Amid casual conversation, he inquired about the situation in Chang'an as if offhandedly: "How is it that I've heard Duke of Wei is seriously ill, and many officials from the Fengming Sect have secretly pledged allegiance to the Emperor?"
The Duke of Wei was the Emperor's maternal uncle. The uncle and nephew had endured the Gengzi Palace Coup together, sharing hardships. However, after supporting the current Emperor's ascension to the throne, the Duke of Wei's influence in the court gradually expanded. Most military officials belonged to his Fengming faction, and his relationship with the Emperor, who was supported by civil officials, grew increasingly delicate.
Such behavior of manipulating factions to control the court was neither justified nor legitimate, and the Pei Family deeply despised it.
Only Old Master Pei had long asserted that the Emperor was weak and unlikely to achieve much, a point later confirmed by the deaths of his elder sister, Princess Jinling, and her consort.
Thus, over the years, the Pei Family adhered to the principle of staying clear of trouble, aligning with neither side, and worked solely for the sake of the nation.
There were, however, like-minded officials who, like them, formed their own "pure faction" within the court.
The rumors about the Duke of Wei's illness had been rampant even while Pei Xu was still in Chang'an. He lowered his gaze, looking at the chessboard that seemed black and white but was actually seething with undercurrents, and said calmly, "I fear those people will become sacrificial offerings to the Wei Mansion."
Third Master was taken aback, his heart roiling with shock.
To wield such power over the court was not enough—they actually sought to overthrow the dynasty.
As a fellow member of the Pei clan, Third Master felt profound disdain. "The Wei Clan actually harbors such wolfish ambitions!"
And Pei Xu's next words left him even more horrified.
"Before I left the capital, Her Ladyship was already diagnosed with a pregnancy." Pei Xu lightly rubbed a chess piece and said in a low voice, "This matter is known only to the Emperor, my uncle, and aunt in the capital."
Even Consort Pei's own brothers remained unaware.
Pei Xu added, "I must ask you, Uncle, not to inform Grandmother, lest she worry."
Third Master trembled momentarily. "Then why did you…"
If the Duke of Wei's mansion truly harbored rebellious intentions, and at such a critical juncture, Consort Pei was pregnant, how could they possibly stay clear of trouble? As the pillar of the younger generation of the family, how could Pei Xu distance himself from Chang'an, away from the center of information and political power?
Third Master's gaze swept over the young man's refined features, and a faint suspicion began to surface in his heart.
"Because at the beginning of the year, the Wei Mansion submitted a memorial," Pei Xu raised his head and said calmly, "requesting a marriage alliance between me and Princess Yiyang."
…Indeed.
Third Master broke into a cold sweat.
The Pei Family was renowned and prestigious, yet they remained independent. The Duke of Wei was unwilling to give up such a significant source of support and sought to bind them through marriage.
And Pei Xu was the most outstanding scion of the Pei Family in this generation. By securing him, they would naturally gain control over the Pei clan.
Nepotism has been scorned since ancient times, yet it remains a firm and effective tool.
"The memorial was rejected by the Secretariat. The Secretariat Drafter, Yang Zhi, is the nephew of Grandfather's old friend and has always opposed the practices of the Fengming faction…"
"But if the Empress Dowager were to issue a direct decree…"
Third Master gritted his teeth. "So, Elder Brother had you feign illness and return home to avoid the turmoil for now."
Pei Xu's expression was cold, his left hand hidden beneath his sleeve clenching slightly before relaxing.
A distinguished young Zhuangyuan, soaring on the path to success, yet forced to return to his hometown to "avoid misfortune" for such a reason—truly frustrating.
In the eyes of Third Master, once he regained his composure, he realized this added a measure of certainty to his plans.
He comforted Pei Xu: "There's no need to dwell on it too much. Misfortune and fortune are intertwined; this might even be a turning point. During this time at home, you can also accompany your second sister-in-law… Eighth Sister's studies are rather disappointing."
Pei Ba Niang's studies were indeed something that made one sigh just thinking about it.
Third Master shifted the topic, discussing the events of yesterday's welcoming banquet.
"Ninth Brother and Tenth Brother competed in poetry, yet neither could match the Twelfth Brother from Wu County." Third Master chuckled, "This Twelfth Brother."
That "chuckle" naturally expressed admiration.
The Pei family of Wu County and the Pei family of Yuhang shared the same ancestral lineage. During the turmoil of war, they migrated south and settled in their respective locations, maintaining contact ever since.
Yesterday's grand banquet saw representatives from their side as well.
"However," Third Master remarked with a smile, "he still doesn't compare to you in your youth."
If everyone possessed the literary talent of a Zhuangyuan, then Jinshi scholars would no longer be rare.
Pei Xu replied naturally, "My younger brothers are still young. Twelfth Brother is indeed quite good."
He had listened for a while yesterday. At that age, with such skill, he was already outstanding compared to ordinary youths.
After all, the current head of the Wu Pei family served as an academic official in the prefectural school, so his descendants naturally excelled in poetry and literature.
Meanwhile, the eldest master of the Yuhang Pei family, Pei Xu's Eldest Uncle, held the position of Minister of Ceremonies and, due to his daughter's favor, was enfeoffed as the Duke of Jiang.
From this perspective, the two families did not follow the same path.
Third Master smiled faintly, "Next month during the Cold Food Festival, you will likely need to take charge of the ancestral worship ceremonies alongside them this year."
Such minor matters, Pei Xu agreed to handle.
However… he glanced up at Third Master.
Third Master sat by the window, the light filtering through the oiled paper illuminating his face, masking much of his sickly pallor.
Pei Xu remained silent for a moment before asking, "Should we also begin preparations for Sixth Brother's affairs?"
According to local customs, the memorial rites in the first year after a person's death should be conducted with grandeur.
Upon hearing this, the smile gradually faded from Third Master's face.
It was as if he had aged and withered in an instant.
Losing a child in middle age is the deepest sorrow of human life.
Pei Xu offered condolences, saying nothing more, simply keeping a silent companionship.
After a while, Third Master spoke slowly, "My health, ravaged by excessive grief, has long been failing. I only hold on because I worry about your third aunt, fearing she cannot withstand repeated blows."
"But now, even if I have the will, I lack the strength to endure further. I can only take it one day at a time."
"Uncle, do not speak such discouraging words." Pei Xu rose and bowed deeply. "You are in the prime of life; preserving your health is of utmost importance."
Third Master sighed, "How could I not wish to accompany your third aunt a little longer?"
"You know, in this lifetime, I only had Sixth Brother as my child. I have failed your third aunt."
In his early years, Third Master once rescued Second Minister from a fall in the mountains, sustaining injuries that left him unable to have more children.
Pei Xu fell silent.
After a moment, his promise echoed quietly in the stillness, "Uncle, rest assured. Whenever there is a need for my assistance, I will not hesitate."
"Good!"
Third Master felt deeply gratified. "Then I shall speak plainly."
"I was thinking… to entrust Sang Shi to you."
Pei Xu abruptly looked up!
He was so incredulous, yet clearly aware that Third Master's words of "entrusting" carried implications far beyond their literal meaning.
Third Master looked at him and continued on his own, "Sixth Brother was young and left no heirs, which has always been a concern for me and your Third Aunt. But the incense of the third branch must still be passed on."
"A young wife enduring widowhood is difficult; having a child to rely on is better than anything."
He smiled bitterly, "An adopted child is never the same as one's own flesh and blood."
…Absurd.
Pei Xu firmly refused, "Impossible!"
Utterly absurd.
"Sixth Brother cherished his wife deeply, even risking his life for her. Her resolve to remain chaste is as steadfast as metal or stone. For others to interfere would be nothing short of sacrilege."
He rose solemnly from his seat and bowed deeply, "I shall pretend Uncle never spoke these words today, and I implore Uncle to think of Sixth Brother. Please, never mention this again."
Third Master's pupils reflected Pei Xu's icy expression.
He smiled faintly.
"Helang, you are still too young," he said. "It is precisely for Sixth Brother's sake that I entrust Lady Sang to you."
Pei Xu frowned.
Third Master Pei continued, "You have memorized the family history since childhood. Surely you know that in great clans, it is not uncommon for widows and orphaned mothers to be exploited and left destitute?"
"The underhanded schemes in the inner chambers are endless. You reside in the capital—how could you oversee everything at all times?"
Pei Xu was about to respond sternly when he suddenly recalled the incident some time ago when Lady Sang fell into the water.
If he hadn't witnessed it and had Linqin intervene, how far would his sister have gone in her mischief?
Pei Xu paused, his expression turning cold.
This moment of hesitation was caught by Third Master, who said, "If Sixth Brother knew in the afterlife, he would surely wish for his mother and wife to have descendants to rely on in the future."
Yet Pei Xu's resolve did not waver for long because of this hesitation.
He said coldly, "As an elder brother, I regard Lady Sang as my sister-in-law. To interfere or lay hands on her would be sacrilege and a violation of morality and kinship. Third Uncle, are you trying to trap your nephew in a position of immorality and injustice?"
Third Master looked at the young man's stern brows and eyes and paused.
This nephew appeared filial and respectful, but in truth, he was distant and adhered strictly to propriety. If you tried to pressure him with the authority of an elder, you could not force him to yield.
However, Third Master had been pondering this matter for some time. If he hadn't been confident he could persuade him, he wouldn't have invited him today.
Third Master said calmly, "You are overthinking it."
He continued, "This matter is not without precedent."
"Earlier, I mentioned the Wu Pei branch. You younger generations only know that our families share the same ancestry, but you are unaware that during the wartime chaos, our clan members dwindled, and we had no choice but to migrate south. During the journey, our great-grandfather fell off a cliff, leaving his wife and mother without successors. It was Lord Yi of the Wu Pei branch who stepped forward."
"…He voluntarily became the adopted heir and entered into a Jian-si (Succession Marriage) with the widowed sister-in-law, which is why our Yuhang branch flourishes today."
"Lord Yi's great righteousness is praised by all as virtuous. Our two families remain close to this day, offering sacrifices to Lord Yi every year… How could I possibly harm you?"
Third Master's eyes gleamed brightly, "Helang, do you truly think I am exploiting a debt of gratitude to manipulate you?"
A ripple of emotion flickered in Pei Xu's eyes before he composed himself, "Your nephew would not dare."
Third Master continued, "Since Eighth Brother and Ninth Brother are still young and their temperaments unsettled, it is unsuitable for them to be near women. In the old residence, you are the only one who has come of age. Besides you, there is no one else to entrust with this matter. Moreover…"
"Helang, the Wei Clan is powerful. Until your marriage is settled, it will be difficult for you to return to the capital."
Third Master placed a piece on the board and let out a long sigh, "This is mutually beneficial."
Princess Yiyang, the most beloved daughter of Princess Xuancheng and the heir to the Duke of Wei, and the most prideful lady of the dynasty, could never tolerate her husband having another woman by his side.
Pei Xu's thin lips tightened slightly, and he remained silent for a long while.
For a favored son of heaven like him, who had always sailed smoothly through life, the most crucial pressure point was naturally his official career.
He was already under immense strain, and there was no need for Third Master to say more.
Yet…
He heard himself slowly say, "This Sang woman. I wish to meet her first."
Author's Note:
Third Uncle, every word you speak digs a pit for yourself.