“I shall do as Grandmother instructs.”
Pei Du cupped his hands in acknowledgment, then hesitated before asking,
“However, Grandson has long had one question.”
“Oh? Speak freely,” the Old Madam replied as she settled back into her seat.
“Rather than saying I treat Lichun differently, it would be more accurate to say that Grandmother holds her in special regard. But I know you don’t cherish her simply because I was the one who brought her back.”
At those words, the Old Madam burst into hearty laughter.
“Of course I don’t favor that child because of you, you little rascal!”
Her gaze drifted into the distance as memories surfaced.
“That girl, Lichun… she’s sincere by nature and yearns for freedom. She reminds me so much of Xianyao when she was young.”
Pei Xianyao was the Old Madam’s only daughter, whom everyone respectfully called Fourth Aunt.
“Sadly, Xianyao later became trapped by household duties and worldly burdens. Her whole heart revolved around that worthless husband of hers and their children. It was as though a radiant pearl had lost all its luster.”
The Old Madam’s expression dimmed, grief for her daughter evident in her eyes.
“Lichun is but a humble maid. How could she compare with Fourth Aunt?” Pei Du said gently in consolation.
After a long silence, the Old Madam finally spoke again.
“One night, I woke up late and saw Lichun secretly reading by lamplight in the side room. Her eyes were so clear, so earnest, utterly free of distractions. They were exactly like Xianyao’s when she used to lose herself in astronomy and geography.”
Pei Du paused, momentarily taken aback.
“She thought I didn’t know. Every night she secretly taught herself to read. Once, she accidentally knocked over the lamp oil. She was so afraid I’d discover it that she didn’t dare make a sound. The next morning, I saw a large burn on her right hand.”
“She resembles Xianyao so much. But I hope she will have a happier ending—not spend half her life adrift as Xianyao did.”
“So… Grandmother wanted her to stay by my side because…”
“When I look at her, I see the passionate and bright Xianyao of years past. But Xianyao married the wrong man—that wastrel—and it became the greatest thorn in my heart.”
“But you’re different. You’re the most accomplished child in this family. Lichun also shares a connection with you. I know her background is far from ordinary. Perhaps she can never become your wife, but if you protect her, she won’t suffer the same fate as Xianyao.”
After saying that, the Old Madam let out a weary sigh and fell silent.
Pei Du comforted her softly.
“Grandmother, there’s no need to worry. Now that Fourth Aunt has returned, she’ll be able to stay by your side from now on.”
But the Old Madam seemed to have drifted to sleep. Her eyes slowly closed, and she gave no reply.
Pei Du watched as Nanny Zhou helped the Old Madam onto her bed before finally taking his leave.
The moment he stepped outside, he noticed Pei Hong sitting in the garden pavilion, leisurely drinking tea.
“You haven’t left yet?”
Hearing Pei Du’s voice, Pei Hong hurried to his feet and strode over.
“When were you finally released?”
“Third Brother, please don’t tease me. I only regained my freedom yesterday. I waited here because there’s something I wanted to discuss with you.”
“Oh? What is it?”
Pei Du’s tone remained calm and emotionless.
“I… only learned after coming out that Miss Lichun has been transferred to Yangshan Terrace?”
“She has.”
Pei Du nodded lightly.
“She was injured some days ago, so it isn’t convenient for her to come out at the moment.”
Concern flashed across Pei Hong’s face.
“I heard everything that happened that night. Third Brother, let me visit her. Or… do me a favor and give her to me. You don’t exactly lack maids.”
Pei Du lowered his gaze slightly, his thin lips parting.
“I’m afraid that wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“Why not, Third Brother? Has she done something wrong?”
Pei Du answered evenly,
“Do you know that because of you, Third Uncle developed quite a prejudice against her? She nearly got driven out of the manor.”
Seeing the guilt on Pei Hong’s face, he continued,
“She has sincerely reflected on her mistakes. She told me she doesn’t wish to have anything more to do with you. Besides, she’s now entangled in a murder case, and I still need her help with several investigations.”
“What?”
Pei Hong seized upon only one part of the explanation.
“Lichun… said she doesn’t want to see me anymore?”
Pei Du sighed with apparent regret.
“That’s right, Fifth Brother. Your Spring Examinations are approaching. Don’t remain obsessed with this and jeopardize your future.”
“I understand, Third Brother. But Father is truly heartless. He already sent Liniang away. Why must he keep targeting a mere maid?”
Bitterness filled Pei Hong’s eyes as he slowly shuffled away.
The afternoon stretched lazily on.
The Imperial Street bustled with endless streams of pedestrians, while merchants busily called out to customers, creating a lively and prosperous scene.
A carriage made of purple sandalwood rolled to a stop outside a side entrance of the Marquis of Changping’s Manor.
An elderly maid helped the young lady inside alight from the carriage. Immediately, a maid dressed in red hurried out to greet her.
“Miss Song has arrived! Greetings, Miss Song. Our County Princess has been waiting for you since early this morning.”
Song Jintang wore a moon-white gauze dress embroidered with mirrored floral patterns. A green silk sash accentuated her graceful figure, while a white jade jasmine hairpin adorned her glossy black hair.
Smiling sweetly, she settled onto the sedan chair prepared by the Pei Manor and said to the maid,
“I’ve been terribly bored staying at home. Since the County Princess invited me, I wished I could grow wings and fly here.”
The group chatted merrily as they passed a rock garden.
Just then, they saw the heir to the Marquis of Changping leisurely walking toward them.
“Stop!”
Jintang whispered urgently, a rosy blush blooming across her cheeks.
As soon as the sedan chair halted, she hurried down. A maid quickly supported her and murmured into her ear,
“Miss, try to be a little more reserved.”
Song Jintang shot her a bashful glance. Seeing Pei Du drawing near, she quickly lowered herself into a graceful curtsy.
“Greetings, Heir.”
“Mm.”
Pei Du gave her a slight nod and was about to continue on his way when she quickly called after him.
“Heir…”
His footsteps paused.
“Is something the matter?”
Song Jintang smiled gently. Taking an embroidered box from her maid, she spoke softly,
“I suppose the Heir doesn’t remember me. Last autumn, we met briefly at Her Majesty the Empress Dowager’s Chrysanthemum Banquet.”
Pei Du paused in thought for a moment.
Seeing his expression, Song Jintang wasn’t offended. Instead, she said with a hint of playful complaint,
“The Heir truly has the memory of an important man. My father is Song Qingqi.”
“So you’re Prime Minister Song’s daughter. Yuyang must have invited you here.”
“Yes. The County Princess has been rather bored staying at home, so she asked me to keep her company. Oh, that’s right…”
She offered him the embroidered box.
“Heir, I made these candied crispy plums myself. I brought them for the County Princess to try. If you don’t mind, please take a portion as well.”
Changming reached out to accept it, but Pei Du shot him a glance before declining calmly.
“Thank you for your kindness, Miss Song, but I don’t care for overly sweet foods. Leave them for Yuyang instead. I still have official business to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”
“Safe travels, Heir.”
There wasn’t the slightest trace of embarrassment or resentment on Song Jintang’s face. She simply smiled warmly as she watched him go.
After they had walked several steps, Changming remarked,
“Heir, Miss Song isn’t like those arrogant noble ladies in the capital. She seems quite gentle.”
“Too much chatter.”
Changming pouted and wisely kept his mouth shut.