Autumn had arrived in earnest, and the weather in Yanjing had turned cooler. The scenery in Liuli Courtyard had taken on an entirely new appearance.
The fragrance of osmanthus drifted for miles, while clusters of chrysanthemums bloomed in abundance.
Pei Yaosheng and Pei Yunting were keeping Lin Shuyu company in her room, chatting with her as they looked after her. Pei Zhonghan had just returned from the training grounds. Hearing that his sisters were there, he eagerly joined them as well. The siblings soon filled the room with lively chatter, and seeing her children so spirited and full of life brought a healthy flush to Lin Shuyu’s complexion.
“Where’s your eldest brother?” she suddenly asked. “Has your father kept him behind again to spar?”
At the mention of it, Pei Zhonghan wore a defeated expression.
“Yeah… Father works the two of us to the bone every single day. We’re so exhausted that I can eat two extra bowls of rice every meal. Eldest Brother can endure it, but I can’t, so today I made an excuse and came back first.”
Someone suddenly flicked his forehead.
Looking up, he found his eldest sister, Pei Yaosheng, frowning at him.
“Don’t make excuses. Your eldest brother is only looking out for you. You should share some of his burden. Next time, don’t leave him behind and come home by yourself.”
Pei Zhonghan rubbed the reddened spot on his forehead and pouted.
“I know, Elder Sister…”
Meanwhile, Pei Yunting sat beside their mother with her arm linked through Lin Shuyu’s, deep in thought.
After the family had finished dinner, Pei Zhao’an finally returned with an utterly exhausted Pei Changfeng.
After changing out of his dusty clothes and washing up, Pei Changfeng stepped out from the inner room to find several dishes, still warm, waiting on the table.
A young woman sat quietly beside them, reading a book with great concentration.
Hearing his footsteps, she lifted her head and smiled brightly.
“Eldest Brother, I saved some food for you. Hurry and eat while it’s still warm.”
At that moment, all of Pei Changfeng’s exhaustion seemed to melt away beneath the warm candlelight and his sister’s gentle smile.
After drying his hands, he said softly,
“If you aren’t full yet, grab another pair of chopsticks and eat with me.”
Pei Yunting smiled and shook her head.
“I saved these especially for you. I’ve already eaten.”
Watching one side of his cheek puff out as he chewed, she continued,
“Eldest Brother, Father is strict—he never went easy on me when teaching me swordsmanship either. But as long as you persevere, you’ll improve.”
“Second Brother simply lacks perseverance. Just encourage him a little more.”
“And if you’re injured, come find me.”
“If you’re upset, talk to Elder Sister.”
“Whatever you do, don’t keep everything bottled up. Also—”
She was still chattering away when Pei Changfeng suddenly stuffed a chicken drumstick into her mouth.
With an oddly embarrassed expression, he muttered,
“Little girl, it’s not your place to lecture your big brother. If you’re not eating, go back and get some rest.”
“Eldest Brother, I—”
Before she could finish speaking, Pei Changfeng had already carried her outside.
Watching the door slam shut in front of her with astonishing speed, Pei Yunting stood there speechless.
A few days later, Pei Yunting finally received Yan Huaijin’s reply, delivered by fast horse.
As always, his tone was casual and carefree.
The letter said he was occupied with important duties and extremely busy, followed by several pages of meaningless rambling.
Only at the very end did he write:
“I care nothing for other girls. I merely wonder how the treasured pearl of the Zhen’an Marquis Manor is doing.”
Pei Yunting secretly cursed him for being shameless.
Yet despite herself, her cheeks grew warm.
Just then, Yan’er entered carrying a plate of fruit.
“Miss, these green mandarins were sent by Her Majesty the Empress.”
Before Pei Yunting could put away the letter, Yan’er added,
“The Zhou family is visiting today as well. Young Master Zhou and the others are chatting with Madam in the front courtyard.”
Only then did Pei Yunting realize it was an official day off.
In previous months, both families would always choose one rest day to gather for a meal.
As she was thinking about it, a servant from Zhou Sinian’s household arrived.
“Miss Pei, Young Master Zhou invites you to Ninghui Hall for tea.”
When she arrived, she discovered that Ninghui Hall, normally rather quiet, was packed with people.
Not only were the First and Second Branches present, but even the Third Branch’s eldest son, Pei Mengci, along with his two younger sisters, had come.
The moment Zhou Sinian saw her, he smiled.
“Little Sister Yunting, you’re finally here.”
There he goes pretending again.
When had Zhou Sinian ever called her Little Sister Yunting before?
Taking the seat beside Pei Yaosheng, Pei Yunting glanced around the room.
“Elder Sister, why is everyone gathered here?”
Meeting her eyes, Pei Yaosheng’s smile was full of amusement.
“Just watch. They’ve all set their sights on Young Master Zhou as though he’s a fat piece of meat, and they’re ready to fight tooth and nail over him.”
Pei Yunting frowned.
The Old Marquis—her grandfather—had been a handsome and romantic man in his youth.
Tall, dignified, and a celebrated general, he had once been the dream husband of countless young ladies throughout Yanjing.
Besides his legitimate eldest son, Pei Zhao’an, the current Marquis of Zhen’an, he also had two concubines who bore the children of the Second and Third Branches.
Naturally, conflict within the inner residence had been unavoidable.
Although the Old Madam’s position had always been secure, and despite the Old Marquis’ strict prohibition against household infighting, the rivalry between legitimate and illegitimate lines had never truly ceased.
Thus, the First Branch had never been particularly close with the other two.
At every festival, smiles masked hidden daggers, while behind the scenes they constantly schemed against one another.
Over time, everyone grew tired of it.
Lin Shuyu understood that some things couldn’t be forced.
She often taught her children to show mercy whenever possible.
After all, they were still one family living beneath the same roof.
As long as no one crossed the line, maintaining superficial peace was enough.
For that reason, over the years Pei Yunting had simply turned a blind eye to the Second Branch’s constant attempts to curry favor and to Pei Xuan’s obvious feelings for Yan Huaijin.
But Zhou Sinian…
Pei Yunting rubbed her forehead.
Why did everyone keep eyeing the people around her like hungry wolves?
The Zhou family had risen from humble origins.
Zhou Sinian’s father, Zhou Xingchuan, had been the top scholar of his imperial examination year.
Relying on his talent alone, he rose to become Vice Director of the Secretariat.
By chance, he and the Marquis of Zhen’an became sworn brothers, and their friendship had remained as solid as ever.
Therefore, no matter how hard the Second Branch tried, as long as Zhou Sinian himself had no interest, Pei Zhao’an would never allow the matter to proceed.
Besides, judging by the Second Branch’s temperament, they undoubtedly wanted one of their daughters to become the principal wife.
Yet under normal circumstances, no matter how open Great Qi’s customs were, no one would ever permit a concubine-born daughter of a marquis’ household to marry the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review as his lawful wife.
Such a thing would overturn centuries of distinction between legitimate and illegitimate birth.
Seeing Pei Yunting’s solemn expression, Pei Zhonghan leaned over with obvious mischief.
“Yunting, tell me. Between Young Master Zhou and the Third Prince, which one is better?”
Knowing full well what kind of troublemaker her second brother was, Pei Yunting rewarded him with a glare.
The atmosphere inside Ninghui Hall remained rather awkward.
Zhou Sinian chatted more with the members of the First Branch.
Toward the Second and Third Branches, however, he merely answered questions politely without ever initiating conversation.
Pei Yunting noticed him lifting his teacup while subtly giving her a meaningful look.
She couldn’t help smiling.
“I’ve heard Brother Changfeng is quite interested in the cases handled by the Court of Judicial Review. Some details aren’t suitable to discuss publicly.”
“Everyone has been entertaining me long enough.”
“How about Brother Changfeng and I go discuss them privately for a while?”
“When dinner is ready, Little Sister Yunting, come fetch us.”
“Very well.”
Pei Yunting blinked and nodded.
“In that case, everyone should return and get some rest first.”
Seeing this, the others had no choice but to take their leave.
Zhou Sinian followed Pei Yunting all the way back to Liuli Courtyard.
The moment he sat down, he let out a long sigh.
“Ah… What an ordeal.”
“I don’t visit often, but every single time I do, all your brothers and sisters stand guard like they’re facing a formidable enemy.”
“I truly can’t handle it.”
Pei Yunting spared him no mercy.
“Vice Minister Zhou is handsome, graceful, and elegant.”
“Any young lady who sees you would surely fall for you.”
Zhou Sinian shot her a sharp look.
“Mind your words.”
“Those sisters of yours have probably heard rumors that His Majesty intends to promote my father to Director of the Secretariat.”
“No wonder they’re all trying so desperately to marry into the Zhou family.”
Director of the Secretariat ranked alongside the Right Chancellor.
It was an enormously influential position.
If Zhou Xingchuan truly attained it, it would demonstrate Emperor Ren’an’s tremendous trust in the Zhou family and his complete confidence in Zhou Xingchuan’s integrity and ability.
Pei Yunting looked at him seriously.
“Zhou Sinian.”
“If you become rich and powerful, don’t forget your old friends.”
Zhou Sinian: “…”
After the brief joking ended, his smile faded.
Finally, he spoke of the real matter at hand.
“Do you remember the night we split up during the search of Li Rao’s residence?”