Chapter 10

Some time before the noon banquet, the ladies gathered in the hall sipping tea and chatting idly. After about half an hour, the Crown Prince, having bathed and changed his clothes, returned.

Perhaps forewarned to prepare in advance, he moved swiftly. His newly donned azure robe embroidered with cloud patterns was far more formal and elaborate, outlining a figure even more upright and dignified, exceptionally handsome.

The moment he stepped in, many noble ladies present blushed, their faces adorned with shyness.

Pei Yun, accustomed to her husband’s flirtations, regarded it as routine. She waited briefly but noticed the Crown Prince was alone—no one followed him. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly.

Madam Pei and Lady Wang also noticed this, their expressions turning subtly complex.

The Crown Prince should have gone to the front hall to meet with the male guests. His return was to hold the child. He had come in haste, dusty and disheveled, making it inappropriate to approach closely. Furthermore, the biting cold outside and Pei Yun’s decision not to have the wet nurse bring Chen’er out during the imperial edict meant the Crown Prince had yet to see his son.

When the wet nurse handed the child to Li Changye, Chen’er flailed his limbs, showing resistance.

This was not due to Li Changye’s unfamiliarity with holding a child. Although in his previous life he had spent limited time with his two children, whenever free, he made it a point to visit Chen’er and Jin’er, caring attentively for their lives and studies. Though a man of few words, unlike the mother, he was patient and never lost temper easily, earning the deep respect and affection of both children.

This life, separated too long from this father and feeling weary and unwell, Chen’er struggled fiercely. After a moment, he looked longingly toward Pei Yun and began to wail.

In the previous life, Pei Yun was absent and unaware if this scene occurred. Even if she had seen it, she likely would have remained indifferent, merely signaling the wet nurse to take the child away. But this life was different. She immediately stepped forward, heart aching, and took the child from Li Changye.

Chen’er rested on his mother’s shoulder, quickly ceasing his cries, yet sobbed softly, looking pitiful.

Pei Yun gently patted his back, soothing him softly. Occasionally, she lifted her eyes to find the man before her watching quietly, his expression inscrutable.

With so many guests present, Pei Yun assumed he felt embarrassed and said, “Chen’er is always fussy when sleepy. For the past three months, Your Highness has been away on official duties, and I have been the one to soothe him, so he recognizes me more.”

Li Changye smiled faintly but did not speak.

Some ladies nearby chimed in, offering excuses on the Crown Prince’s behalf. Everyone understood the reason the child was not fond of him; it was no great matter. After a few words, Li Changye left for the front hall.

Pei Yun instructed the wet nurse to take the now-sleeping Chen’er away.

No sooner had the Crown Prince departed than Pei Qian was assisted back into the room by Shuyan and another young lady.

This young lady was none other than Miss Meng Qinzi of the Meng family—the same noble girl involved in that scandal in the previous life.

Compared to Pei Qian’s smiling face, the other two looked displeased.

Pei Yun understood why Shuyan acted so but was puzzled by the other’s expression.

“What took so long?”

Just as Pei Qian was supported before Pei Yun and, together with Miss Meng, offered a polite bow, Madam Pei impatiently asked.

“My granddaughter’s foot hurt terribly halfway along the way. Sister Shuyan couldn’t support her alone. Luckily, Miss Meng happened by and helped. She then accompanied my granddaughter back to the lady’s chamber to dress and apply medicine. That’s why she could return safely,” Pei Qian said, casting a grateful glance at Meng Qinzi.

Miss Meng, a refined lady, smiled gently as she entered the hall, no longer bearing the frown she had upon arrival.

“It was but a small favor, Second Lady, you are too courteous.”

“How coincidental,” Pei Yun replied casually, “I should thank Miss Meng on behalf of my younger sister.”

Before she finished, Shuyan’s eyes lit up, about to speak, but someone beat her to it: “Indeed, quite the coincidence. We were in a bind and just happened to meet Miss Meng nearby, who was searching for a jade pendant.”

“Searching for a jade pendant?” Pei Yun raised an eyebrow as if unaware.

Meng Qinzi’s smile stiffened. “I carelessly lost the jade pendant I have worn since childhood. In fact, I should thank the Second Lady for finding it for me.”

“My sister would never deserve thanks,” Pei Qian said timidly. “The jade pendant is a deep shade of jadeite. I spotted it near the Crown Prince’s Chenghua Hall at a glance. It wasn’t difficult.”

Though Pei Qian’s tone was moderate, many in the hall overheard clearly.

Meng Qinzi’s face paled instantly.

She pressed her lips together, ready to explain, but Shuyan’s voice cut in: “What the Second Lady said is true. I suppose Miss Meng and your maid were careless, causing you to search back and forth so long before Chenghua Hall.”

Shuyan’s words, laden with well-meaning “defense,” nearly made Pei Yun laugh silently. Sharp-tongued as Shuyan was, she had remained quiet since the year Pei Yun became Crown Princess, having learned her lesson. Now, seeing through Miss Meng’s intentions and watching her falter, she eagerly piled on, leaving Meng Qinzi no chance to recover.

Everyone quickly grasped the underlying scheme.

It seemed Miss Meng had seized the Crown Prince’s absence during his bath and change to try her luck at gaining favor.

Unfortunately, her luck ran out when she collided with Pei Qian.

Caught speechless by the accusations and under the disparaging gazes of the guests, Meng Qinzi forced a smile until Madam Meng arrived, offering weak excuses that Meng Qinzi had been anxious and thus had trouble finding the pendant sooner.

Pei Yun graciously gave them a way out, but the joke had been made. All present, being astute, would see through such a flimsy excuse.

Reborn, Meng Qinzi’s petty tricks no longer held weight. Even if Pei Qian had not come, Pei Yun would have sent Shuyan to stir up trouble.

Still, she found today’s events somewhat amusing.

Pei Yun glanced quietly at Pei Qian, already seated by Madam Pei’s side. During their exchange, Pei Qian boldly returned the gaze and nodded politely.

Pei Yun smiled slightly, her delicate hands slowly stroking the hand warmer resting on her lap.

After the banquet, Pei Yun led the ladies in the hall to drink tea and aid digestion. Around the hour of Shen, the guests dispersed. She deliberately kept the Pei family members to the end for private conversation.

Today’s plan had failed. Madam Pei’s face was tight with displeasure. Once the palace attendants left, she scolded, “Foolish! I told you to strike first, but you refused to listen. Now look—how many are eagerly waiting to enter the Eastern Palace? Don’t let others take the lead!”

Lady Wang also urged anxiously, “Indeed, the Meng family is not to be underestimated. Even Miss Meng resorts to such means. In the capital, countless maidens harbor hopes of entering the Eastern Palace. None are simple. You must send Pei Qian in early to support you…”

The word “support” sounded particularly sweet.

Lady Zhou frowned at this, about to speak, but a light glance from Pei Yun stopped her. She smiled gently, “The noble families have sought to send daughters into the Eastern Palace for many years without success. There’s no need to rush. Your granddaughter already has another plan. Grandmother, please rest easy.”

She glanced at Shumo, who nodded and respectfully presented an item to Madam Pei.

“Grandmother, it is rare for you to come to the Eastern Palace. I have little to offer, but mother said you have been unwell recently. I chose some fine deer antler from the storeroom. It is said to be worth a thousand gold pieces, good for boosting energy and blood, highly effective. I hope you will accept it.”

Madam Pei, once a country farmer’s wife unfamiliar with luxury, had only enjoyed such privileges thanks to her eldest son’s success. Though unable to discern the quality of the medicine, the words “worth a thousand gold” brightened her eyes and instantly erased the coldness from her face.

Not only her, Lady Wang’s eyes widened as she stared intently at the deer antler without blinking.

Pei Yun watched Lady Wang’s eager gaze with a half-smile and added a few words encouraging Pei Qian to tend well to her injury, promising she would return to the Duke’s mansion after the New Year before personally escorting her out.

Lady Zhou seemed somewhat uneasy and grasped Pei Yun’s hand as she left. Pei Yun understood her mother’s concern—worried that her grandmother’s goodwill might be short-lived. She comforted her with a gentle pat on the back of her hand, assuring her she understood.

Once affairs here were settled, Pei Yun thought of her son, Li Jin, and sent someone to inquire after him. She learned that after the earlier banquet, Jin’er had returned to his chamber, appearing fatigued. She abandoned the idea of inviting him to supper and headed directly to the Linlang Hall.

The sky had darkened, palace attendants carried lanterns ahead. Pei Yun walked slowly, when suddenly she noticed points of light around the corner ahead. Perhaps having noticed her, the group stopped.

Before Pei Yun could see clearly, Shuyan recognized them first.

“Your Highness, it is His Highness,” she said.

Pei Yun frowned with annoyance but had no choice but to quicken her pace and approach with a bow.

Li Changye glanced at her direction. “Has the Crown Princess just sent off all the guests?”

“Yes,” Pei Yun replied. “I haven’t seen my family for a long time, so I kept my mother and grandmother to chat a bit.”

The Crown Prince murmured, “Having been busy until now, I imagine the Crown Princess has not eaten supper.”

As Pei Yun was about to answer, he added, “Nor have I. Perhaps we should dine together in Linlang Hall.”

Her smile stiffened.

After a long day, Pei Yun only wished to rest, not to engage further with this man. Yet he gave no opportunity for refusal.

Changlu, overhearing this, immediately ordered the attendant beside him to send in the meal.

The entourage slowed their pace, allowing the two principals to walk alone ahead.

Pei Yun lowered her head silently, trailing two steps behind Li Changye. She disliked being too close to him.

He was nearly nine feet tall and trained in martial arts; his imposing stature overwhelmed her. Standing together, she barely reached his shoulder.

Walking side by side always brought an invisible pressure.

Thinking this, Pei Yun glanced at his cold profile, lips slightly pursed.

In truth, this pressure was not just from standing beside him…

She clearly remembered their wedding night. Outside the tent, candlelight flickered while the man’s towering presence weighed heavily upon her, frightening her so much she struggled to breathe.

The path to Linlang Hall was not far, and the two remained silent the entire way.

Pei Yun felt no awkwardness. After many years of marriage, their relationship had always been like this—respectful but distant. Outsiders might think them the least like a married couple.

The imperial kitchen was swift. Within less than the time of a single incense stick, the meal was served.

Pei Yun was already famished. When the Crown Prince began to eat, she also started.

After a while, seeing Pei Yun remained motionless, Changlu’s expression grew strange. Shuyan and Shumo exchanged a glance.

Not only them, Li Changye looked toward Pei Yun, his expression steady, soon averting his eyes.

Pei Yun felt the gazes around her but feigned ignorance. Previously, when dining with the Crown Prince, she always arranged the dishes for him. Now, breaking this habit, naturally aroused their curiosity.

When Pei Yun first entered the Eastern Palace, she followed Madam Sheng’s instructions from the late Empress to dutifully serve the Crown Prince at the table. Though the Crown Prince often said it was unnecessary, she insisted, fearing criticism from others.

Now, she no longer wished to perform this duty. The Crown Prince did not mind, and she could eat on her own. Why bother with these extra steps?

After some time, seeing the Crown Princess truly had no intention to serve, Changlu braved stepping forward and reached for a pair of chopsticks nearby, only to be waved off by the Crown Prince.

Though Li Changye was proper, he was not rigid. He adhered to protocol in major matters but cared little for such small details.

He waited a moment until the woman beside him had eaten enough, then spoke slowly.

“If there is anything you like, feel free to keep it. No need to force yourself.”

The familiar voice startled Pei Yun, halting her chopsticks.

The Crown Prince always advocated no talking while eating or in bed, a rule she had strictly observed, enjoying the quiet. She did not expect him to speak first today.

His words likely referred to the events of the day.

She set down her chopsticks, nodded slightly, and replied softly, “I understand.”

Seeing her composed and polite demeanor, Li Changye’s expression revealed complexity.

Pei Yun seemed unchanged, yet something was different today.

When Bai Ruir was asking her for weaving brocade earlier, he had expected Pei Yun’s temperament to yield easily.

Yet she did not refuse outright, but her expression and manner clearly conveyed reluctance. After many years of marriage, this was the first time he saw her so openly reveal her feelings.

He did not blame her but thought it good.

She had preferences and attachments. As an elder sister-in-law, she need not always yield to the younger siblings, lest they be spoiled.

Li Changye pondered briefly, then asked, “Has Ruir ever been rude to you before?”

He usually avoided meddling in the affairs of the women in the rear palace, but judging from Ruir’s attitude toward Pei Yun today, it was likely not the first time.

Upon hearing this, Pei Yun lifted her head. Her almond-shaped eyes shimmered with a hint of evasion, lips parted as if to speak but remained silent, finally lowering her gaze again.

Li Changye understood.

“You are her elder sister-in-law. If she offends you again, reprimand her. If she does not listen, tell me immediately.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” came a particularly soft and sweet voice that stirred something deep within him, like a feather brushing lightly, causing an inexplicable tickle. He gazed at Pei Yun deeply.

Her face bore a faint smile, soft and beautiful under the honey-colored candlelight.

He rarely saw this side of her. In his memory, after the initial confusion of marriage, she had grown steady, calm, courteous, and reserved. Her nature had grown distant, seldom smiling, even toward their children.

He knew she was strict with Jin’er but never interfered, feeling no fault as he himself had been raised similarly.

Yet today, seeing her tenderly cradle the crying Chen’er and soothe him incessantly, so unlike her usual treatment of Jin’er, surprised him.

Pei Yun’s temperament seemed truly changed.

Li Changye did not resist this change. After all, her willingness to reveal her feelings signified some trust and reliance on him as her husband.

Perhaps the grievances she voiced last time were merely due to a foul mood.

What he thought next, Pei Yun did not know, but she herself had changed her mind.

After deliberately testing today, she realized she need not hide her emotions so well. She was strong-willed and proud. Previously, when wronged, she never confided in the Crown Prince, bearing it alone, hoping to gain others’ approval through herself.

Now she understood most of her grievances stemmed from this man before her. Why not use him?

Though the Crown Prince’s heart belonged elsewhere, he was most respectful and upheld strict hierarchy and order. Bai Ruir had dared to bully her elder sister-in-law; the Crown Prince would not stand idly by.

The noble ladies despised her deeply and would not change easily. It was better to wield the Crown Prince’s power to silence them and prevent further offenses.

Such a useful weapon—Pei Yun only regretted not realizing it sooner in her past life.

After the meal, the palace servants cleared the dishes and served tea. Pei Yun sat quietly, waiting to see the Crown Prince off. He then spoke softly.

“Has the Crown Princess’s health recovered?”

Pei Yun looked into those deep, black eyes, her heart dropping into an icy pit.

Reborn, she knew all too well.

This was no ordinary inquiry but a veiled question about her physical readiness.

If she answered yes, the Crown Prince would order the imperial physicians to arrange a consummation date.