Chapter 9

Back so soon?

Pei Yun was somewhat surprised.

She recalled that in her previous life, he had clearly returned to the Eastern Palace only in the afternoon. How was it that this time he arrived nearly two hours early?

At the mention of the words "imperial edict," everyone sitting in the hall quickly rose to greet him. Upon reaching the courtyard, they indeed saw the Crown Prince striding in with the chief eunuch Fang Xi.

Pei Yun followed behind, watching as the Crown Prince halted before the Noble Consort Gao and greeted several other consorts in turn. She couldn’t help but quietly observe her husband, whom she had not seen in nearly three months.

His usual dark blue long robe accentuated his tall and slender figure, yet his face looked haggard, a faint bluish-black stubble ringed his lips, and there were dark shadows beneath his eyes. Though he still carried that refined and noble air, he appeared weary and travel-worn, clearly having rushed back hastily.

Pei Yun did not know if he had looked just as disheveled in her previous life. When he returned to the Eastern Palace, she had been busy elsewhere, only learning after returning to the flower hall that the Crown Prince had already come and gone to his chambers to change.

As she pondered this, those pitch-black, profound eyes suddenly swept past the people ahead and fixed themselves directly on her.

At the moment their eyes met, Pei Yun remained calm and simply gave a polite nod. Yet when she looked again, the man was still silently gazing at her with a deep, somber look. He nodded slightly in response but did not immediately look away.

The gaze lingered so long that Pei Yun felt as if he had something to say to her.

This thought made Pei Yun smirk silently to herself.

What could he possibly say? It would only be the usual lofty formalities anyway.

“Crown Prince, did you just return from Chaoyun Hall?” The Noble Consort Gao inquired.

Only then did Li Changye slowly withdraw his gaze. “Yes, Your Highness. My second brother and I have reported to the Emperor the completion of the Qin County dam, and I have also brought the imperial edict bestowing a name upon the child.”

After speaking, he glanced sideways at Fang Xi behind him.

Fang Xi understood and bowed with a smile. “Your Highness, Crown Princess, please receive the edict.”

Upon hearing this, Pei Yun stepped forward quickly and stood beside the Crown Prince.

Seeing the imperial edict was like seeing the Emperor himself; everyone in the courtyard knelt en masse.

Fang Xi unfolded the edict and read it aloud.

The edict first stated that His Majesty personally chose the name for the little prince, then praised the Crown Prince’s achievements concerning the completion of the dam.

Of course, Chen’er’s name remained unchanged. What differed was that this time, the gifts for the hundred-day banquet were delivered together with the rewards for the Crown Prince’s successful task.

Over a dozen lacquered red sandalwood boxes of various sizes were carried in by palace servants. The dazzling array of gifts filled more than half the courtyard, leaving the guests wide-eyed in astonishment.

Yet Pei Yun remained silent.

She still recalled that in her previous life, the gifts for the hundred-day banquet and the rewards for the Crown Prince’s deeds had come separately. At that time, she was uncertain if the Crown Prince would return, and seeing the strange looks from the guests, she had been anxious and uneasy. But even so, she had forced herself to maintain a poised and dignified smile.

Though he returned to the palace that afternoon, and the idle talk dissipated, Pei Yun still remembered the feelings clearly.

Fang Xi respectfully handed the edict to the Crown Prince and, smiling, offered some congratulatory words. Pei Yun then politely invited him to stay for the meal.

Fang Xi refused, saying he had to report back at the palace front. Pei Yun instructed Shumo to escort him out and secretly slipped him some congratulatory money.

Shumo agreed.

No sooner had Fang Xi left than a delicate figure darted out from the crowd and affectionately hooked her arm around the Crown Prince’s.

“Third Brother, did you bring me any gifts from Qin County this trip?”

Li Changye glanced at his usually lively younger sister and softly murmured, “Both you and Tang’er have gifts. After today’s banquet, they will be sent to your palaces.”

Hearing her name, Li Shutang, hidden in the crowd, lifted her head and pursed her lips slightly, as if pleased.

But Li Shurui frowned in dissatisfaction and said, “No, I want to see them now. I must choose from them myself. What if I don’t like what Third Brother sends? And as for Chaochao, Third Brother must have prepared one for her as well.”

Having spoken, Shen Ningchao, standing nearby, stepped forward and bowed slightly to Li Changye, blushing as she greeted, “Crown Prince cousin.”

Li Changye nodded in response.

He had always treated his sisters well, and even his cousin Shen Ningchao was no exception. Seeing that Li Shurui’s request was not too excessive, he sent a meaningful glance to Chang Lu.

Just then, because Li Changye had rushed to meet the Emperor after returning to the palace, then hurried back to the Eastern Palace with the rewards, Chang Lu had not yet instructed anyone to arrange the luggage. It was all mixed in with the pile of gifts in the courtyard.

Chang Lu ordered several boxes to be brought before Li Shurui.

Li Shurui immediately joyfully began selecting with Shen Ningchao.

While she was happily choosing, Pei Yun suddenly recalled something and turned to look. As she moved, the man beside her also followed her gaze toward the crowd, then said, “Tang’er, you come choose together.”

Li Shutang, called upon by her brother, showed a look of being favored but hesitated, glanced at their mother, and then slowly stepped forward.

Li Shurui paid no heed to her sister and picked out the brocade she liked, having palace maids place it aside. Shen Ningchao respectfully gave way for Li Shutang, but Li Shutang, always restrained before her elder sister, only chose what Li Shurui rejected.

Fortunately, the brocades Chang Lu purchased were all in delicate colors fitting for young ladies and were all quite beautiful.

As usual, each person received four bolts of brocade. Li Shurui, being picky and discerning, chose only three, unable to find anything else she liked.

She lifted her eyes to a corner of the courtyard. When Chang Lu ordered the boxes moved, she had noticed an identical box still untouched. She pointed and asked, “Is the brocade inside also brought from Qin County?”

Chang Lu looked over and frowned. “Your Highness, it is indeed brocade from Qin County, but…”

Before he could finish, Li Shurui had already lifted her skirt and quickly ran over, opening the box without waiting.

At a glance, her face lit up with delight, then she pouted in complaint. “Third Brother, why are you so stingy? If you have such fine ones, why hide them and not let me choose? This bolt is beautiful; give it to me.”

She spoke as she held up the brocade from the box, and everyone in the courtyard saw it.

Pei Yun remembered this brocade. In the previous life, it had been placed in her private store. Its color was exceptionally unique. She recalled it had a beautiful name, “Clear Sky After Rain.” The fabric lived up to its name, resembling the sky washed clean after rain, a pure azure, with silver threads gleaming like a shimmering lake under the bright sun.

Though Pei Yun was not fond of blue-green hues, she couldn’t help but be drawn to this brocade.

Li Shurui liked the brocade more and more, even imagining what clothes to make from it. Her brother had always doted on her and surely would not refuse her.

Yet just as she was confident, Li Changye almost without hesitation said, “That bolt is not for you. That entire box…”

He paused, glancing to the side, “is all prepared by me for your sister-in-law.”

His resolute tone stunned the guests, but none more so than Pei Yun herself.

She looked in disbelief at the man beside her, as if seeing a ghost.

Probably because over thirteen years and two lifetimes, she had never received such “honor” from this man before.

She was puzzled but then understood the reason. Most likely, after he left last time, her complaints prompted him to specially select and prepare a box for her this time.

If this had happened within the first two years of their marriage, Pei Yun might have been moved for a while. But having lived two lifetimes, with no more youthful infatuations and a clear mind, she was utterly unmoved by such things.

After all, what was the point if he only did things after she reminded him?

Moreover, over the years, everyone firmly believed the Crown Prince had no genuine affection for her. His words would only confuse them further.

Pei Yun’s guess was correct—Li Shurui was among them.

After her initial shock, Li Shurui was baffled as to why her third brother suddenly cared about the Crown Princess and refused her.

But since the Crown Prince had said this publicly, she couldn’t insist. She flicked her eyes and suddenly had an idea, so she ran up to Pei Yun. “Sister-in-law, you’ve received so many gifts today. I suppose you don’t mind this bolt of brocade. Why not just give it to me?”

Pei Yun quietly regarded Li Shurui. In all the years since marrying into the Eastern Palace, this was the first time she had heard her speak in such a tone. She knew in her heart that this pampered princess had always looked down on her.

But Li Shurui seemed certain she would not refuse.

Not just her; everyone thought so.

After all, this Crown Princess had always been magnanimous toward Princess Haoyue.

Everyone waited for Pei Yun to nod, granting Li Shurui’s wish, but the usually straightforward Crown Princess remained silent for a long time, her eyes revealing a trace of reluctance. After a while, she turned to the Crown Prince and bowed with a somewhat sullen tone, “I leave it entirely to Your Highness’s decision.”

Many lady guests were surprised. They hadn’t expected the Crown Princess to hesitate, indicating she truly liked the brocade.

Li Shurui noticed this but didn’t care about Pei Yun’s feelings. Since she said so, she took it as consent.

She looked at Li Changye expectantly, but he did not nod. Instead, he frowned slightly and looked down at the lady quietly lowering her gaze beside him. After a moment, he shifted his eyes back.

“If you like this color and style, I will send someone to Qin County to look for something similar for you.”

Li Shurui’s smile instantly vanished.

She felt as if thunder had suddenly struck near her ear and the sky was falling. Today had already been unlucky, and now she faced repeated setbacks.

Biting her lip, her eyes reddened. After a moment, she suddenly turned to Pei Yun and vented her anger at the woman she blamed.

“It’s all your fault! If you didn’t want to give it, fine, but why pretend? As if I forced you or bullied you. If it weren’t for you, why wouldn’t Third Brother have given me this brocade!”

At these words, the courtyard fell into dead silence. Consort Zhen’s heart trembled sharply, her face filled with alarm. She knew all too well that the Crown Prince, though outwardly refined and gentle and indulgent toward her daughter, had his limits.

Sure enough, she saw his eyes quickly harden. Under the blazing sun, it was as if a biting winter storm swept over everyone.

“Li Shurui,” he said each word distinctly, “even capriciousness must have its limits.”

His tone was steady, but the low, cold voice carried authority that terrified Li Shurui. She shuddered and abruptly fell silent, shrinking behind Consort Zhen, no longer half as arrogant as before.

She had never seen her Third Brother so frightening.

Consort Zhen hurriedly said, “Crown Prince, please calm down. Ruier was spoiled by me and has been unruly. She did not mean any harm…”

“No harm…” Pei Yun heard this and found it amusing. A few years ago, when Li Shurui was only seven or eight, she could excuse her disrespect as childish naivety stirred by others. But now, at thirteen, she should know better. The reason she dared to bully her repeatedly was simply that she never took her seriously.

“Apologize to your Third Brother at once.” Consort Zhen pulled Li Shurui forward.

Li Shurui lowered her head, trembling slightly. “Third Brother, I was wrong. I really like this brocade, that’s why…”

But before she could finish, she was coldly interrupted. “Who do you owe an apology to? Me?”

Li Shurui’s voice faltered. She raised her eyes to meet the usually doting Crown Prince’s expression, now as cold as water, his gaze sharp as a blade. Though no biting light shone, it felt like she was being cut inch by inch, sending chills down her spine.

She bit her palm and then reluctantly turned to Pei Yun. “Sister-in-law, I…”

“No need, your Highness. You were just momentarily angry and spoke hastily. There’s no need to apologize to me.”

Interrupted again, Li Shurui looked toward Pei Yun, who smiled warmly, genuinely not upset at all. Yet with just a few words, she left Li Shurui stranded and without an exit.

Li Shurui bit her lip in frustration.

In truth, Li Shurui did not think her words were wrong—wasn’t it true that her Third Brother never truly cared about Pei Yun? If Pei Yun had agreed readily today, none of this would have happened.

Proud and arrogant by nature, Li Shurui was at a loss for words against Pei Yun’s calm rebuttal. She chose to stubbornly bite her lip in silence rather than admit fault. All eyes were on her, and she had never felt so embarrassed.

“Enough. Today is the hundred-day banquet for the third royal grandson. No more nonsense.” After a moment, the Noble Consort Gao spoke coldly. “Consort Zhen, take Ruier back. Let her stay inside the palace this month to reflect quietly. She is not allowed to go anywhere!”

Li Shurui’s face turned pale. She dared not argue and was obediently led away by her mother, Consort Zhen. Before leaving, she still shot Pei Yun an angry glare.

Pei Yun knew she had completely offended the pampered princess but didn’t mind. Previously, endless tolerance had only encouraged her to overstep repeatedly. It was better now to break the mold and refuse to yield.

Besides, she held grudges. Over countless times in both lives, Li Shurui had humiliated her. Now it was only fair she tasted the same.

With the uproar, the atmosphere in the courtyard grew tense. Everyone exchanged looks, their thoughts varied. No one expected the Crown Prince to defend the Crown Princess so fiercely.

Pei Yun was not surprised. Li Shurui’s disrespect toward her was, in essence, disrespect toward the Crown Prince himself. His defense was ultimately for his own dignity and face.

“Don’t take Ruier’s behavior to heart.”

As she pondered, a familiar voice suddenly whispered near her ear.

Pei Yun looked up and smiled gently. “The midday banquet is about to start. Your Highness, please go to Chenghua Hall to change.”

Seeing her avoid answering, Li Changye gazed at her deeply. After a moment, he said, “Ladies here, please kindly be entertained by the Crown Princess.”

Pei Yun bowed and said, “Yes.”

Li Changye nodded approvingly and turned to leave.

Pei Yun watched his retreating figure, her smile fading. Then, citing the cold weather, she invited the ladies inside.

After the commotion today, once seated indoors, Pei Yun remembered another matter—her grandmother and party had yet to arrive.

She glanced around the room and noticed someone missing in the corner. She wondered if their late arrival meant the planned performance might not take place.

It was strange. Her grandmother had been so eager for Pei Qian to enter the Eastern Palace. Why the delay until now?

While musing, a palace servant came to report that the matriarch had arrived.

Soon, the elder Lady Pei entered the flower hall, supported by her daughter-in-law Zhou, her face looking displeased.

Pei Yun soon understood why: Pei Qian trailed behind, half-supported by Lady Wang, limping painfully.

Zhou explained, “Qian just entered the palace recently. She slipped on ice and twisted her ankle badly. She couldn’t stand, hence the delay.”

A twisted ankle? What a coincidence.

Pei Yun studied Pei Qian, her eyes red from crying in pain. Her new clothes were soiled and damp from the fall.

“Qian truly was careless,” Lady Wang frowned and anxiously asked Pei Yun, “Lady Yun… Your Highness, now that the Crown Prince has returned, is there still time?”

Pei Yun understood Lady Wang’s meaning. She glanced at Shuyan and whispered instructions. Shuyan looked puzzled but nodded obediently.

Pei Yun then said to Pei Qian, “Second sister, your clothes are dirty. Go to my chambers to change and let us treat your ankle.”

At these words, the elder Lady Pei’s cold expression softened considerably.

Pei Qian thanked her elder sister and allowed Shuyan to assist her out, though she still frowned tightly, clearly in great pain.

Pei Yun sipped her tea lightly, recalling events from her previous life.

Back then, while she was busy with the banquet preparations outside, a minor incident occurred, one she later heard about.

A noblewoman had followed closely behind the Crown Prince as he changed and returned. It seemed someone from the Crown Prince’s chambers also returned her lost jade pendant.

This was not important in itself, but the noblewoman’s secretive behavior when questioned aroused suspicion.

Although nothing happened in the end, the incident publicly embarrassed Pei Yun.

This was one of the unpleasant memories from the previous hundred-day banquet.

However, this time Pei Yun devised a plan. On the day of the homecoming, she suggested to her grandmother that Pei Qian imitate the noblewoman’s behavior exactly.

This way, the Crown Prince would be led to interact with Pei Qian early, creating rumors that might smooth Pei Qian’s later entry into the palace.

Lady Pei and Lady Wang were stunned and, having never considered Pei Yun’s reputation, had no reason to refuse. What they didn’t know was that Pei Yun had manipulated things behind the scenes.

Pei Yun lightly twirled the jade bracelet on her wrist, a faint smile playing on her lips.

She wondered what a scene it would be when those two like-minded people collided at the gate of Chenghua Hall…