“An’an.”
At that moment, Shen Lingwei called out softly.
Hearing her voice, An’an turned around, her eyes lighting up. “Mother! Look, big brother is playing with Tuanzi!”
Shen Lingwei showed a look of “surprise,” then immediately bent her knees in a respectful bow. “The Second Young Master is here as well. This servant has been disrespectful. An’an is young and ignorant—she trespassed into your territory. I ask the Second Young Master for forgiveness.”
Then she deliberately put on a stern expression and looked at An’an, her tone becoming more serious. “An’an, what does Mother usually teach you? This place is the Second Young Master’s restricted area. Without permission, you must not enter.”
An’an tilted her head, her big eyes full of confusion. “Mother, what is a restricted area?”
Shen Lingwei crouched down and patiently explained.
“It means it is the Second Young Master’s own little world. Just like your small pillow—if someone takes it without asking, wouldn’t you feel unhappy?”
An’an seemed to understand a little and let out a soft “oh.” She turned to look at Pei Ke with eager eyes.
“Big brother, is that so? But this place is so beautiful, even Tuanzi doesn’t want to leave. Does that mean… I can’t come here to play anymore?”
Her voice was as soft and sweet as freshly steamed cake. Paired with her slightly pouting lips, anyone who saw her would feel their heart soften.
Pei Ke’s lips moved, but he still didn’t speak.
However, his hands clenched tightly together, his gaze anxious, as if he were trying to figure out how to express himself.
Seeing the moment was right, Shen Lingwei began to guide gently. “An’an, the Second Young Master is the master here. We must follow the master’s rules. But if you truly want to come, you can try asking him. Only if he nods in agreement can you come in. Do you understand?”
An’an’s eyes lit up. She stepped forward slightly and looked up at Pei Ke. “Really? Then… big brother, can An’an bring Tuanzi to play with you in the future?”
Pei Ke frowned deeply, as if weighing something.
Shen Lingwei keenly caught a flash of unease in his eyes.
Perhaps for the Second Young Master, this question was too overwhelming. In his understanding, “playing” meant too many uncertainties—rules, duration, sounds, smells.
This fear of the unknown made him fall into decision anxiety.
Shen Lingwei took An’an’s small hand. “An’an, the Second Young Master has to study and practice writing every day. He works very hard. We must not disrupt his rules. How about this—we make an appointment with big brother for a specific time, alright?”
Seeing that Pei Ke did not resist, she continued, “How about this—since I come every evening to tell the Second Young Master stories anyway, you can come with me. We can continue telling the story of Xiong Da and Xiong Er, alright?”
Pei Ke’s eyes lit up as he stared at Shen Lingwei.
“Second Young Master, does that sound acceptable to you?”
This time, Pei Ke did not hesitate. He nodded firmly.
Clearly, he liked listening to stories—far more vivid and interesting than those told by the tutor in class.
After returning from court, Pei Jinzhi went straight to Jinghe Courtyard. By coincidence, he arrived just in time to witness this warm yet astonishing scene.
The glow of the setting sun stretched the shadows of the figures in the bamboo grove.
His second son, who had always refused to let strangers approach, was now standing quietly, watching the two people and the cat just a few steps away.
The mother and daughter crouched across from him, seemingly chatting, while the orange cat—thin and with dull fur—lay lazily on its back at his son’s feet.
This scene made Pei Jinzhi feel a sense of unreality.
It was as if Jinghe Courtyard should have always been like this… as if what he saw now resembled… a family.
Behind him, Chen Fan continued reporting official matters as they walked. “Marquis, that Taoist couldn’t withstand the torture and confessed. He said he was instructed by someone and was paid a thousand taels of gold to destroy the Second Young Master’s foundation…”
Before he could finish, Pei Jinzhi suddenly stopped. Chen Fan nearly ran into his back.
He steadied himself and was about to apologize when he saw the Marquis raise a hand, signaling him to stop speaking.
Chen Fan looked up, following his gaze—and froze on the spot.
That was… the Second Young Master?
He took two steps back and glanced at the plaque to confirm—it was indeed Jinghe Courtyard.
But why were there strangers by his side? And in the very place he had never allowed anyone to enter?
Not only was Chen Fan confused—even Pei Jinzhi felt as though something had struck his chest heavily.
This bamboo grove—even he had never stepped into it. Over the years, he had invited countless famous doctors for his son. His mother had even invited eminent monks, all in hopes of unlocking the barrier in the boy’s heart.
Yet none had succeeded.
And this woman, who had only been in the residence for a few days, had not only saved his son twice—but now had even led him to break his own rule and allow her into his forbidden space!
To say he was not shaken would be a lie.
After a long while, Pei Jinzhi chose not to disturb them. He quietly left the courtyard, even instructing the servants not to interfere.
Shen Lingwei then stayed with An’an and Tuanzi for a while longer. Seeing that it was nearly dinner time, she got up to leave.
Before leaving, she made an agreement with Pei Ke—to start telling him stories that very night, with An’an joining as well.
On the way back, An’an hugged Tuanzi, chattering nonstop.
“Mother, Tuanzi seems to really like big brother. I want to bring it again tomorrow…”
Shen Lingwei responded with a gentle smile while holding An’an’s hand as they walked toward the kitchen.
But as they turned past a corridor, she seemed to notice something behind them.
Very faint—like leaves rustling in the wind… or footsteps?
Yet whenever she turned to look, there was nothing.
Suppressing her doubts, Shen Lingwei continued forward.
But after only a few steps, the sound came again.
She showed no change in expression, only tightened her grip on An’an’s hand and quickened her pace.
Then suddenly—a long, slender shadow darted out from the bushes!
An’an screamed in fright and shrank back.
Shen Lingwei was startled as well upon seeing it.
It was a small green snake, its entire body emerald in color.
The suddenness of it left An’an no time to react.
But in the next moment, Shen Lingwei instinctively stepped forward. Her hand moved like lightning—her fingers precisely catching the snake and gripping it firmly at its vital point.
Her movements were swift and steady, carrying the calm of someone well-trained.
The small snake writhed wildly in her grasp, its tail striking against her arm.
But when Shen Lingwei took a closer look, she realized… the snake seemed to have no fangs?
At that moment, the bushes behind her clearly shook, revealing a corner of sapphire-blue brocade.
Shen Lingwei seemed to realize something, a meaningful smile curling at her lips.
She withdrew her gaze and comforted An’an. “Don’t be afraid. It’s just an ordinary rat snake—non-venomous. It came tonight to bring us a dish.”
“Come, Mother will take it to the kitchen. Do you want snake soup tonight, or braised snake?”
An’an blinked in confusion. “Braised…?”
“That’s right,” Shen Lingwei nodded. “You’ve never had snake meat before, have you? Let me tell you, it’s firm and tender. Back in the countryside, I was best at making snake soup. Add some old ginger and mountain pepper—it’s absolutely delicious. And braised… that’s even more fragrant.”
“Come! Mother will take you to the kitchen!”
As the mother and daughter spoke, they were about to leave.
But at that moment, the “bush” behind them moved again, followed by a voice:
“Hey, wait! Don’t go!”
“Put that snake down!”