Setting his sights on his brother’s husband and trying to snatch him away.
The injuries on He Zhile’s back were superficial. Although there was some redness, swelling, and blood seepage, the ointments from both the Pei residence and the palace were exceptionally effective. In less than two days, the marks had completely faded, and with the scar-removal cream applied afterwards, not even the faintest trace was left behind.
His smooth spine allowed He Zhile to relax considerably. Even though he was too embarrassed to think too much about it, he had received proper instruction before getting married; fear aside, there was also a lingering sense of anticipation.
He did not want Pei Ji to look at him and feel disgust upon seeing scars on his wedding night.
Pei Ji, however, had never once given such things a thought. If he were to ever find out what He Zhile was worrying about, he would likely throw his head back and roar with laughter, because a man who had fought and bled on the battlefields was covered in scars from head to toe.
Seeing that he had completely recovered, the matter of the return visit to his natal family was naturally brought up on the schedule.
Even though Pei Ji utterly despised the He family, they were, after all, He Zhile’s natal family, and he still needed to spare a thought for his partner’s face and dignity.
To avoid people saying that he was only marrying up and looking down on his natal family, a few days before the return visit, Pei Ji purposely made a grand public spectacle of going out onto the streets to purchase numerous expensive luxury goods from various shops, loading them all into large wooden chests by the time the day of the visit arrived.
Having received word, the He family had been waiting at the front gates since early morning. From afar, they spotted the Pei family carriage, followed closely by a train of servants carrying heavy chests.
The women of the He family turned green with envy at the sight. They had long since heard that the Pei family had bought countless treasures for this home visit, and the moment those goods entered their doors, they would all belong to them!
As the carriage finally rolled to a stop, He Hong’an immediately stepped forward with a broad smile. “Your son-in-law has returned! Please dismount, the estate has already prepared a grand feast for you.”
With those words, the luxurious carriage curtain was lifted, revealing Pei Ji’s cold, harsh, yet handsome face. However, he appeared somewhat displeased at the moment, his brow furrowed with a clear aura of annoyance.
Unaware of the inner workings, He Hong’an knew only how much his mute legitimate son was despised. Frowning, he barked an angry reprimand toward the person still inside the carriage, “A-Zhi! Why are you always so lazy and dull-witted? You only know how to anger your husband! Hurry up and get down, or are you waiting for me, your father, to come and support you myself?”
He Zhile, who was in the middle of stepping out of the carriage, was unjustly scolded. Yet, as if he had heard nothing at all, he obediently lowered his head and bowed to He Hong’an to apologize, which was something he had always done out of habit.
Because he could neither speak nor win favor, those who loved to bow to the high and kick the low would always deliberately frame him. His father would generally show a little restraint, and a harsh scolding would usually be the end of it.
Pei Ji caught the person being supported down by Chun Jian, then turned his gaze to He Hong’an, speaking in an unfriendly tone, “Standing right here in the freezing wind, are you going to lead the way or not?”
As a son-in-law, it was hardly proper to speak to his father-in-law in such a manner, but given Pei Ji’s background, even a bit more arrogance was considered entirely normal.
Besides, he had always been notoriously domineering.
Naturally, He Hong’an did not think Pei Ji was standing up for He Zhile. After all, the events that had transpired in the palace were common knowledge, and everyone knew how deeply Pei Ji detested him. Supporting him like this right now was undoubtedly just an act put on for outsiders to see.
He forced a quick smile. “Son-in-law, please, step inside!”
The grand procession swarmed into the He residence, and He Hong’an invited them to sit in the main reception hall, where an oversized round table was already laden with an assortment of rare delicacies and mountain treasures.
Even after all his years living in the He family home, He Zhile had never laid eyes on such a lavish spread of dishes.
“Take a look, son-in-law. Do any of these suit your taste? If there’s anything you don’t care for, I’ll have the kitchens whip up something else,” He Hong’an said with exaggerated warmth, acting as though he wished he could treat Pei Ji better than his own biological son.
Naturally, none of his actual biological children had ever received such royal treatment.
Pei Ji smiled without a word, though he was the first to pick up his chopsticks. He Hong’an then motioned for everyone else to partake, and the table full of people ate and chatted, maintaining an outwardly harmonious atmosphere.
Pei Ji cast a quiet, unobtrusive glance at He Zhile. The little mute was probably so used to the noisy dining table proceeding without him that he simply ate in silence from beginning to end, as if inhabiting a quiet world entirely his own.
Which was fine.
After all, he was still angry with him!
“Young General Pei, I’ve heard tales of your arduous campaigns out on the borders, and I truly admire a man of your stature. Today, I’d like to propose a toast to you with a cup of tea in place of wine, just to show my utmost sincerity.”
Sitting beside Madame Zhuang, He Ruman suddenly spoke up.
With delicate, gentle features, he had always favored vibrant colors, wearing dazzling hair accessories that caught every eye, and even the red mole between his brows was noticeably larger and brighter than He Zhile’s.
While the words themselves sounded bold and heroic, coming from him, and at a moment like this, they felt rather out of place.
Furthermore, strictly speaking by family hierarchy, Pei Ji was his brother-in-law, so it was entirely unbefitting to speak in such an affected, coquettish manner.
Naturally, the underlying implications were painfully obvious.
Pei Ji remained silent, keeping his sideways gaze fixed on He Zhile instead.
Even a fool could tell what He Ruman was driving at, and He Zhile understood it all too well.
Before he was married off, He Ruman had taken absolute delight in snatching away his belongings, frequently bringing his younger sister He Ruxi over to his courtyard to badger him endlessly.
He had truly, naively believed that getting married would solve everything. After all, his stepmother wouldn’t arrange a match with any prestigious noble house for him, so even an ordinary family would do, as long as the person had decent character, because he could live a peaceful life that way.
That way, his younger siblings in the He family would stop circling him like hyenas tearing at raw meat.
Yet he never imagined that here, in his own natal family, on the very day of his return visit, his own younger brother would set his sights on his husband and try to snatch him away.
In this world, a man taking multiple wives and concubines was common practice. Given Pei Ji’s status, he could even marry a princess, let alone take concubines, and he could fill his inner courtyard to the brim without anyone uttering a single word of criticism.
And he, naturally, would never dare to say anything either.
“Tea in place of wine.” Pei Ji let out a cold laugh. “I wasn’t aware that Third Young Master He’s bowl was filled with porridge instead of tea? Otherwise, why would he start talking utter nonsense in broad daylight?”
Such a remark was rather harsh for a delicate young ge’er with thin skin, but Pei Ji acted as though he hadn’t noticed the flush of embarrassment rising across the faces of the He family members.
“To think the rules of your He family are so utterly unpresentable. It just goes to show how lax Madame He has been in her discipline. If word of this gets out, your He children might as well just go hang themselves by the neck, because what is the point of even discussing marriage or matches?”
He Zhile was so frightened he didn’t even dare lift his head, quietly chewing his food. This was, without a doubt, the most delicious meal he had ever eaten in the He residence since his mother passed away.
“Young General Pei, please forgive us. Our third son has simply been spoiled rotten by his mother, so please don’t hold it against him.” He Hong’an offered a hurried apology, shooting a fierce glare at He Ruman. “Hurry up and apologize to Fourth Young Master Pei!”
“It was my fault; I’ve made a fool of myself before you,” He Ruman muttered, not dared to disobey as he forced a tight smile and stood to apologize.
Zhuang Hongxiu hastily chimed in to smooth things over. “You really are a reckless, ignorant child! As punishment, you are forbidden from finishing your meal, so go straight back to your courtyard to reflect on this!”
The meal was practically over anyway, so delivering such a reprimand at this stage was meaningless.
Still, it provided a convenient exit and a bit of face.
Pei Ji wore a mocking sneer, opting not to say anything further. He had no desire for rumors of himself flirting with such a brainless idiot to spread around later.
And thus, the return banquet came to a close.
He Hong’an suggested that Pei Ji accompany him to the study for a private chat. Although Pei Ji held no official military post at the moment, He Hong’an did not dare underestimate him, secretly hoping to probe the political stance of the Pei family.
“Go on back to your old courtyard and wait for me; I’ll come find you shortly,” Pei Ji instructed He Zhile. Although he had started talking to him more proactively, his tone remained cool and detached.
He Zhile nodded eagerly, flashing a few quick hand signs in response.
Chun Jian stepped in at the right moment to translate, “The Young Master means for you to go quickly and return soon.”
In truth, his young master had only gestured for him to hurry along, but figuring that Fourth Young Master Pei was still harboring his anger, it was best to soften the delivery.
Sure enough.
The displeasure lingering around Pei Ji instantly dissipated quite a bit. He gave He Zhile’s wrist a stealthy pinch and flicked his chin upward, prompting the latter to immediately and obediently turn on his heel and leave.
He Zhile’s small courtyard was not tucked away in some remote corner; in fact, it was the very same place he had lived in before his marriage. However, it lacked any real servants inside, and from start to finish, the only person who had ever been truly devoted to him was Chun Jian, who had followed him since his mother’s time.
Still, he was content.
“Young Master, sit down and rest. It’s rare for you to eat such rich foods at home today, so you must be feeling rather greasy from it. Let me pour you some tea.”
Whenever it was just the two of them, Chun Jian always spoke with complete candor, making no effort to hide his biting sarcasm toward the rest of the He family.
He Zhile pressed his lips together and smiled, a soft, radiant expression crossing his bright face that made him look remarkably pure and kindhearted.
Because he was already married off, all of his personal belongings had been cleared out of the courtyard on his wedding day. Whatever remained inside now had clearly been hurriedly added just because of his scheduled visit, making the space feel entirely foreign to him.
Crack!
He Zhile’s ears were exceptionally sharp. He immediately gestured for Chun Jian to go check what was happening outside, though without even guessing, he knew precisely who had arrived.
His second brother, He Yao, fancied himself the legitimate heir destined to inherit the family estate and always disdained interacting with them. That left only He Ruman and He Ruxi.
They were likely still smarting from the humiliation at the dining table and had come to use him as a punching bag to vent their spleen.
“He Zhile! Get out here right now! Don’t you dare hide inside like a cowardly turtle!”
He Zhile let out a soft sigh. To think they actually had the nerve to come make a scene today, because if things escalated into a brawl, it certainly wouldn’t end well.
Chun Jian stepped protectively in front of him, glaring warily toward the doorway as he lowered his voice, “Young Master, be careful. They wouldn’t dare pull anything physical today, but there’s no doubt they’re here to spew venom. I’m not afraid of them, though!”
He Zhile nodded gently, though anxiety still fluttered in his chest. He had been cornered and beaten by them in this very courtyard before, so how could he truly claim to be entirely unafraid?
In the blink of an eye, He Ruman kicked the door open and stormed in. Fortunately, the door had been unlocked, otherwise it might have been smashed to pieces.
Glaring maliciously at He Zhile with a twisted expression, He Ruman ground out, “Don’t you look so smug! You think I was just rejected out there? If anything, it only proves that Fourth Young Master Pei is a man worth entrusting one’s life to! Too bad he fell into your hands, and you must be thrilled, aren’t you?”
Chun Jian frowned deeply. “Second Young Master, aren’t you afraid that such unhinged behavior will reach your father’s ears in the study? Our Principal Husband is now a member of the Pei family. Do you really dare act this wild without fearing punishment?”
He Ruman narrowed his eyes. His delicate face twisted with vicious hostility, as if he wanted nothing more than to tear Chun Jian apart on the spot. “What kind of filthy thing are you to speak to me like this! See if I don’t beat you to death!”
“Do you dare?” Chun Jian stiffened his spine. “Since I was brought to the Pei residence by the Principal Husband, I am a servant of the Pei family now. Do you dare lay a hand on Pei family people as you please?”
He glared back. “Second Young Master should be apologizing to our Principal Husband instead! Otherwise, once this servant returns to the Pei residence, I will make sure to lay bare every single ugly aspect of your true face!”
“Raised by a beast, just a little beast. Elder Brother, does the Pei family have any idea what kind of person you really are?” He Ruxi’s crisp, sweet voice suddenly rang out from the doorway, sounding as innocent and naive as a child untainted by the world.
He Zhile shifted his gaze toward the entrance.
Whether the Pei family knew or not, he couldn’t say.
But Pei Ji certainly knew now.