Chapter 127: Rumors

Pei Yuan also spotted Ji Jiaying, and his brows furrowed slightly.

Duke Rong explained, “The Side Consort has also returned to visit her family. It’s a coincidence—the sisters both chose the same day. It’s a perfect chance to gather together.”

As he finished speaking, he led the crowd behind him to bow. Pei Yuan stopped them, saying calmly, “Since it is a family feast, we are all family. Regardless of rank, there is no need for such formalities.”

Hearing this, Duke Rong beamed even wider, his belly protruding with joy as he repeatedly agreed, “Good, good.”

Lady Tao stood behind him holding her young daughter, a forced smile on her face. Gone was her former domineering arrogance. Her only reliance, her brother, was dead; her daughter was merely an unfavored side consort in the Crown Prince’s estate; and she herself had no son to secure her position. Feeling a lack of confidence, Lady Tao felt awkward in everything she said and did, looking like a punctured leather bag.

Bao Ning greeted her as “Mother.” Lady Tao responded with an “Ah,” and said with a smile, “Come in, it’s almost time to eat.”

She had never been this pleasant before, and the awkwardness was so palpable that she nearly tripped over her own feet, almost dropping the child in her arms. Quickly steadying herself, she handed the young girl to a nearby wet nurse and smiled. “I’ll go arrange the tasks; you all go ahead and rest.” With that, she hurried away.

Watching Lady Tao’s subservient behavior, Bao Ning thought she would feel happy.

In truth, she had returned to her family home with a bit of petty spite; in the past, everyone had looked down on her and thought she had married poorly. Now that she had gained power, she wanted to stand tall and show them. She wanted those who used to look down on her to feel the sourness of envy—forced to flatter her and bow their heads.

But now that she actually saw it, Bao Ning didn’t feel the thrill she expected. She felt it was quite meaningless and even made her feel a bit small-minded.

Pei Yuan and Duke Rong walked at the very front, chatting and laughing, while the female members of the family followed behind.

Ji Jiaying walked up to Bao Ning’s side. She still maintained her overbearing attitude from before; even though her circumstances were not what they used to be, she showed no fear. She let out a snort and tilted her head toward Bao Ning. “So, you must be very proud of yourself now?”

Bao Ning asked without looking at her, “What makes you say that?”

“Times have changed. You are now the most noble person in this Duke’s estate. Isn’t that enough to be proud of? Even my mother has to force a smile for you. Look at how much face you have. Indeed, your face is big enough—becoming a Wangfei (Prince Consort), what incredible luck. A low-ranking daughter of a concubine suddenly flying up a branch to become a phoenix.” Ji Jiaying glanced at Pei Yuan’s back and curled her lip. “If I had known the King of Jibei would have such a day, would that marriage have ever fallen to you? You really should thank me.”

Bao Ning stopped in her tracks, looked at her for a moment, and suddenly reached out to stroke Ji Jiaying’s face.

Ji Jiaying was startled and hurriedly dodged. Her face actually turned red, and she snapped in exasperation, “If we’re going to argue, then argue! If I mock you, you can just mock me back! If that’s not enough, let’s fight—call that guard of yours and push me into the lake again. But what are you doing touching my face? You hooligan!”

Bao Ning flicked her fingertips and asked, “Do you see this powder flying off?”

Ji Jiaying looked at her warily. “What do you mean?”

“Next time, don’t apply so much,” Bao Ning said with a smile. “It makes your skin look… thick.”

“You!” Ji Jiaying gritted her teeth in hatred, rubbing the spot on her cheek that had been touched. “Fine! Consider this round your win. But don’t get too proud—I still have a trump card!”

With that, she stomped away in a huff.

Once Ji Jiaying’s back disappeared around a corner, Lady Xu walked a few steps closer to Bao Ning and whispered, “Why are you arguing with her again?”

“Just a little bickering, I’m not truly angry.” Bao Ning took her arm and gave it a gentle squeeze. Seeing that she hadn’t lost weight, Bao Ning said happily, “Auntie, you look well lately. You have a weak constitution; you must continue to eat more.”

Lady Xu patted her hand. “Don’t worry, don’t fret over me.”

After a pause, Lady Xu added, “The reason your fourth sister came home isn’t as simple as your father said.”

Bao Ning asked in surprise, “Is there some other hidden reason besides just a visit?”

“She had a fight with His Highness,” Lady Xu sighed. “It’s a matter that could be big or small. I heard the gist of it: the Crown Prince held a banquet at home for General Feng Huchang and invited the female family members to accompany them. The fourth girl was among them. General Feng is a lecherous man; he complimented her beauty during the feast, and the Crown Prince told her to go pour the General a cup of wine. Being high-minded, she felt insulted and made a scene right there. She came home last night.”

Bao Ning was speechless. This was indeed something Ji Jiaying would do. Her mind was quite simple, just not in the way normal people were.

Bao Ning frowned. “However, asking her to pour wine for a general is indeed a bit humiliating. She is a Side Consort, after all.”

Lady Xu sighed. “So what if she’s a Side Consort? It’s just a nice title; to put it bluntly, she is still just a concubine. How much respect can she truly receive? It’s only because the fourth girl is foolish and bold that she dared to make such a fuss. Anyone else would have just endured it.”

Bao Ning sighed with emotion.

They walked in silence until they reached the entrance of the banquet hall. Lady Xu finally couldn’t hold back anymore and pulled Bao Ning aside, whispering in her ear, “I’ve dropped so many hints to you—did you take them to heart? You must keep a close eye on your Prince. Don’t let him take concubines; it’s bad for you and bad for the girls. Also, I was too embarrassed to say this before, but don’t just guard against women—you must guard against men too. Don’t let anyone take advantage… that Wei Meng, has he been very close with the Prince? Rumors are already spreading in the capital, saying General Wei is indecent and is seducing the Prince… You must question him thoroughly when you go back!”

Bao Ning was shocked. “What?”

…

After the meal, the women left the table to chat in another room, leaving only Duke Rong, Pei Yuan, and Ji Yun at the table.

Pei Yuan was reflecting on the look Bao Ning had given him earlier. No matter how he thought about it, something felt off, making him absent-minded even while drinking.

Duke Rong had been suppressed by Lady Tao for nearly twenty years; his fear was practically carved into his bones. Although Lady Tao no longer oppressed him, he remained timid whenever she was present. Only after she left did he dare to drink freely. After just a few cups, he was unexpectedly drunk.

“Son-in-law…” Duke Rong began to cry in his drunken state. “I have failed you! I have also failed my daughter!”

Pei Yuan pulled himself together to comfort him. “Father-in-law, do not cry. How have you failed me? Quickly, eat some food.” He placed a piece of green vegetable into Duke Rong’s bowl.

“It’s good that you don’t blame me.” Duke Rong excitedly grabbed Pei Yuan’s hand. “When you were ill, I should have fulfilled my duty as a father-in-law and at least given you some financial support. But that tigress of a wife—she wouldn’t let me! I didn’t dare act recklessly. I could only let you suffer, and let Bao Ning suffer, making you both have to watch people’s expressions even just to come home…”

Pei Yuan said, “Father-in-law, you are overthinking it. I do not mind.”

As they held hands, Pei Yuan’s mind was a mess. One moment he was comforting Duke Rong, and the next he was thinking about Bao Ning’s gaze. He didn’t notice that Ji Yun, sitting beside them, was also looking at him strangely.

“You don’t know…” Duke Rong wiped the corners of his eyes and downed another cup of wine, saying loudly, “You don’t know how happy I was after that brother-in-law of mine died!”

“…” Ji Yun shuddered. This was becoming more and more outrageous. He hurriedly supported Duke Rong, trying to lead him away to rest. “Father is drunk; please stop talking.”

“When Tao Maobing died, that tigress wife of mine lost her arrogant backing! She could only rely on me and never dared to shout at me again!” Duke Rong pushed Ji Yun away and shook his head. “Who would have thought I’d still be afraid of her? When her eyes glare, I tremble. Is it because I’ve been bullied for so long that my bones have become lowly? I really am…” Duke Rong beat his chest. “I have no face to meet my ancestors!”

Ji Yun was stunned. Because of Lady Tao’s control over the years, Duke Rong had almost never been drunk. Who would have thought his behavior while intoxicated would be so poor? Not only was he talking nonsense, but he also had Herculean strength and couldn’t be pulled away.

Duke Rong grabbed Pei Yuan’s wrist with tear-filled eyes. “Son-in-law, I only have one question for you, and you must answer me.”

Pei Yuan said, “Ask away.”

Duke Rong asked, “When Bao Ning hits you, does she kick the left side of your butt or the right side?”

…

Pei Yuan called for the servants, and after much effort, they finally moved Duke Rong to the bedroom and let him sleep.

Pei Yuan stood under the eaves for a while to let the wind blow over him, frowning as he recalled Duke Rong’s drunken ramblings. He found it incredibly ridiculous—for a man to reach such a state was quite humiliating. To be beaten and scolded without daring to fight back, not even daring to drink, and then making a fool of himself and crying like he was at a funeral when he finally did.

He thought of Bao Ning and fell silent for a moment. Had Bao Ning ever hit him when she was angry? Probably not. Pei Yuan made excuses for her—hitting his head a few times with a rattle drum didn’t count as a violent assault; it didn’t even hurt. Most of the time, Bao Ning was gentle and sweet, giving him a warm and tender feeling.

However, in the future, the act of hitting his head with a rattle drum would have to be stopped.

One shouldn’t lack family discipline; it would make people laugh!

Pei Yuan had already forgotten the strange look Bao Ning had given him at the banquet. Immersed in his own thoughts, he turned his steps and walked toward the backyard.

He actually had an appointment with someone today. It wasn’t convenient to meet at his own estate, so coming to the Duke’s estate made it less likely to arouse suspicion.

Pei Yang was already waiting for him. Unlike the last time they met with his flamboyant red hair, he looked much more grown up—steadier and taller.

Walking closer, Pei Yuan patted his shoulder and asked in a low voice, “Why did you insist on meeting today?”

Pei Yang said, “Fourth Brother, yesterday the Emperor issued a decree naming me the Prince of Linfen.”

“I know, it’s a good thing.” Pei Yuan smiled. “When do you plan to leave?”

Pei Yang bit his lip. “The schedule is tight. I’m leaving tomorrow.”

Pei Yuan’s smile vanished. “So soon?”

“Fourth Brother, you know my mother; her health is poor. Her only wish was for me to be named a Prince early so she could go to the fiefdom to recover.” Pei Yang lowered his head and gave a bitter smile. “She won’t let me get close to you. She’s afraid that if we walk too closely, it will cause suspicion and I’ll be targeted. Fourth Brother, I haven’t been avoiding you on purpose these past days; it’s just that Mother keeps a close watch… Actually, when choosing a fiefdom, Father gave several options. Mother made me choose the weakest one, Linfen. She said I’m useless and couldn’t hold a large place, so it’s better to live out my days in a small city. Although people look down on it, at least I can live comfortably.”

“I understand your mother’s thoughts,” Pei Yuan said. “Living comfortably is fine, but don’t leave your life in the hands of others. Train your troops well.”

Pei Yang said seriously, “I will remember.”

His expression became even more solemn. “Actually, besides saying goodbye, I came here to tell you two things.”

Pei Yuan said, “Go on.”

“The palace has not been peaceful lately.” Pei Yang’s brow furrowed. “The Queen’s madness seems to have worsened. Not only does she have fits, but she also faints from time to time. Consort Gao can no longer restrain herself; there might be some major moves coming. My mother and I are rushing to the fiefdom not just for her health, but also to avoid the disaster. The Mid-Autumn Palace Feast is coming up soon. Fourth Brother, you must be extremely careful.”

Pei Yuan nodded. “I’ve noted it.”

“The other thing…” Pei Yang hesitated, then gritted his teeth and asked, “Fourth Brother, what have you been busy with these past few days?”

Pei Yuan replied, “There might be war in the south, so I’ve been busy reviewing troops and arranging logistics. It’s a bit complicated, and I’ve been handling some private matters too. Is there a problem?”

Pei Yang nodded. “You are often in the military camp and haven’t paid attention to the marketplace rumors, so it’s not surprising.”

“What rumors?”

Pei Yang said loudly, “The news that you are fond of men has already spread!”

Pei Yuan looked at him in shock.

Pei Yang continued, “They say General Wei is a green-eyed beauty with a honey-sweet fragrance, hiding a soft heart under his rugged exterior. They say he has long since secretly loved you, that you two have been having a secret affair, and even have an illegitimate son? A boy named Yuanyuan. They say you lived together for a while at the villa in Lihu, and finally, my sister-in-law drove him away in a fit of rage.”

Pei Yuan instantly realized what that look Bao Ning gave him earlier was all about.

Pei Yang looked at him expectantly and asked, “Fourth Brother, is this true, or is someone intentionally trying to ruin your reputation?”

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