Chapter 50: Repentance

“A zhuangzi?” Bao Ning looked at him in surprise. “Where did you get that much money?”

“These past few months, I’ve been doing a bit of small business,” Ji Yun frowned, searching for the right words, but couldn’t find a better explanation, so he simply left it at that. “Sis, don’t worry. It’s all legitimate trade, nothing shady.”

Bao Ning still found it hard to believe. “You’re still so young. How much did you make to be able to buy an estate?”

“I partnered with Second Brother-in-law. He put up the capital, I did the work—we’ve been dealing in land deeds and similar business,” Ji Yun evaded further explanation. “Sis, ambition isn’t measured by age.”

Second Brother-in-law was Jia Xian, a concubine’s son from the Marquis of Chongyuan’s household. Bao Ning had met him once; a cultivated, refined man. Ji Yun’s explanation made things sound more reasonable. Though still skeptical, she didn’t press further. Ji Yun had always been independent, and besides, this was part of his growing up.

“Just one thing,” Bao Ning warned sternly. “You’re not allowed to gamble, or get involved with those vulgar courtesans. And anything involving corruption, lawbreaking, or harming lives—absolutely forbidden. Otherwise, I’ll tell Auntie and she’ll break your legs!”

Ji Yun understood perfectly well what she meant by “vulgar courtesans”—she was referring to places like the Yingchun Brothel. Too embarrassed to say it directly, she’d used euphemisms to cover it up.

He smiled and agreed, but his eyes lingered on her face with a hint of probing curiosity. In his heart, he thought: I bet she still doesn’t know what kind of business Pei Yuan did as a teenager.

Spending time with Jia Xian had exposed Ji Yun to plenty of gossip and inside stories about the royal family and noble houses. He’d heard quite a bit about Pei Yuan’s past. Whatever his character may be, his infamous reputation was widely known. Pei Yuan was fierce in battle, having fought under the Great General of National Defense for years, and had some military merits to his name.

Most notably, he was incredibly wealthy.

Ji Yun wasn’t sure why Pei Yuan had seemed so down and out when they first met, but based on what he knew, the man’s wealth went far beyond appearances.

Stationed for years at the northern border, Pei Yuan would return to the capital now and then, indulging in pleasures and running shady businesses. Everything Bao Ning disliked, Pei Yuan had once been involved in—and had even excelled at.

But judging from her attitude, Ji Yun’s silly sister apparently knew nothing about it.

He ran his fingers along the handle of his teacup, eyes downcast for a moment before glancing at Bao Ning again.

She truly was carefree—already setting aside the money topic, resting her chin on her hand, and gazing happily toward the riverbank where children were flying kites. There were pleasure boats on the river too, and when she spotted them, she perked up and invited Ji Yun to go sightseeing with her later.

“Brother-in-law won’t be happy,” Ji Yun shook his head. “I just came to check in, give you the deed, and now that I’ve seen you’re doing well, I’ll head off.”

“Just stay a bit longer,” Bao Ning said, disappointed. She looked around for Pei Yuan but didn’t see him. Turning back to Ji Yun, she asked, “You’re not even staying for a meal?”

“No.” Ji Yun pursed his lips, hesitating, but then spoke up. “Sis, I just hope you find true happiness.”

Bao Ning smiled. “Of course. I’m doing really well now.”

“But you still need to keep your guard up,” Ji Yun said seriously. “Don’t be too naive and trust everyone. Always leave yourself an escape route. Some people may appear sincere but hide their true intentions.”

Bao Ning looked a bit bewildered.

Realizing he’d gone too far, Ji Yun didn’t press the topic. He let out a quiet breath and pulled a paper envelope from his sleeve, sliding it across the table to her. “This has the estate’s location. Keep it in mind. There are always servants stationed there. If you ever need a break, just go.”

Bao Ning held the envelope, turning it over in her hands, joy lighting up her face. She glanced at Ji Yun and smiled. “My little brother’s all grown up now. So accomplished.”

“Look at you, so silly,” Ji Yun laughed. Bao Ning gave him a playful glare, then asked about Madam Xu’s recent situation. Hearing that she was doing well, she was relieved.

Things at the Duke’s mansion, however, were a bit chaotic lately. Madam Tao was close to giving birth, and Ji Jiaying was preparing for marriage.

She was to become the Crown Prince’s secondary consort—a concubine position, but still noble. Most importantly, the state diviner had said that Ji Jiaying’s birth chart was highly compatible with Prince Pei Xiao’s and that their union would benefit the nation’s fortune. The emperor was delighted and granted them an extravagant wedding celebration. Many distinguished guests would attend, and the Ji family women would be present too.

The siblings chatted for quite a while—nearly a quarter of an hour—but still, Pei Yuan hadn’t returned. Not even a glimpse of him.

Ji Yun stood up and smiled. “Sis, I’ll go now. If I stay any longer, even if night falls, your husband still won’t come back.”

Bao Ning suddenly felt a bit sad. Ji Yun patted her shoulder to comfort her, then hugged her briefly and left.

She watched his figure fade into the distance. He was still slender—not as solidly built as Pei Yuan—but his upright posture carried youthful vigor. When he turned the corner and disappeared into the crowd, Bao Ning finally looked down, her eyes misty.

“He’s gone?” Pei Yuan had returned at some point, sitting beside her. Seeing her red-rimmed eyes, he frowned and wiped her tears.

“Weren’t you just happy a moment ago? Why are you crying now?”

“What do you know? That’s my own brother—I miss him. So what?” Bao Ning pushed his hand away on purpose, trying to irritate him.

Sure enough, Pei Yuan’s face darkened. He didn’t like it when Bao Ning gave her heart to anyone else, especially men—not even her own brother or father.

“What were you doing just now? It took you that long just to relieve yourself?” Bao Ning stared into his eyes, having noticed his sour mood but refusing to coax him.

She pressed him further. “Were you avoiding us on purpose?”

Pei Yuan turned his head away. “No.”

Bao Ning, feeling hurt, snapped, “Pei Yuan, I think there’s something wrong with the way you treat my family.”

“Alright, Ning Ning,” Pei Yuan softened first. He pinched the back of her neck gently, like calming a cat. “I know your family matters to you. In a few days, I’ll buy some gifts and take you to visit your aunt—how about that?”

Bao Ning didn’t want to argue anymore. She thought, Maybe it’s because he lost his mother young, spent years away at the borders, never really experienced fatherly love, and had a scheming older brother. It makes sense that he’s indifferent to family bonds. These weren’t things she could fix overnight. It would take time.

Seeing her face ease a little, Pei Yuan relaxed. He pulled a paper-wrapped bundle from his sleeve and teased her, “Guess what I got you?”

Bao Ning took it and opened it—inside was a glistening, ruby-red sugar hawthorn skewer, sprinkled with white sesame seeds, exuding a sweet and tangy aroma.

“At least you have some sense left,” Bao Ning bit angrily into the candied hawthorn and stood up, walking outside. “So? How’s that repentance letter coming along?”

“I’ve got a draft in mind.” Pei Yuan grabbed her, playing the pitiful card. He knew Bao Ning cared most about his leg, so he used that for sympathy. “My leg’s hurting. Slow down a bit, wait for me.”

Bao Ning’s heart tensed. She turned quickly to check on him and saw the pained expression on his face. She rushed to support him. “Is it that bad? Should we go back now?”

“It’s nothing serious… just this repentance letter…” Pei Yuan sneaked a glance at her. The look in his eyes gave him away—Bao Ning caught on instantly. With a quick thought, she realized: he was faking it to trick her.

“You’re so childish! How can you joke about something like that?” she snapped, shaking off his hand and biting into another hawthorn, crunching loudly through the sugary shell. “I’m never trusting you again.”

“Come on, I’ll read it to you, okay?” Pei Yuan coaxed, his arm blocking her way, nose brushing her neck affectionately. “I’ll recite it right now.”

The gesture was way too intimate. Passersby turned to look, whispering as they watched them.

Bao Ning, embarrassed and annoyed, stomped on his foot. Pei Yuan quickly changed tactics, grabbing her wrist and pulling her toward a quieter, more secluded place: an abandoned stone bridge.

There were stone posts on both sides of the bridge, and not far off, a boat was moored with its tall sail raised—clearly ready to set off.

Pei Yuan had Bao Ning sit on one of the stone posts. Hands behind his back, he paced in front of her, looking awkward and troubled. His face darkened in concentration before finally squeezing out the first sentence:

“My name is Pei Yuan.”

Bao Ning burst out laughing.

“I sincerely apologize to Ji Bao Ning for my impulsive behavior that day.” Pei Yuan circled a few more times, unable to think of what to say next.

Bao Ning had already finished the candied hawthorn, holding the empty stick while smiling at him. “And then?”

“I swear it’ll never happen again. If it does…” She waited for him to finish. Pei Yuan clenched his jaw, bracing himself, and declared,

“I’ll bark like a dog three times in public!”

“You said five hundred words. That’s only fifty—you still owe me four hundred and fifty,” Bao Ning said.

Pei Yuan froze.

A breeze swept by, dropping a leaf onto his shoulder. Bao Ning stood up, plucked the leaf off him, then cupped it in her hand and blew it gently, watching it flutter into the water.

After that little moment, she looked back at him. He was still standing there, dazed. She crossed her arms and said, “We agreed on five hundred words. Not one less.”

“Don’t push me.” Pei Yuan narrowed his eyes at her.

“You heard me,” she replied. “Better start counting.”

Pei Yuan placed both hands on her shoulders, took a deep breath, and practically yelled, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry—”

Bao Ning was completely stunned.

“Your Highness, what do you suppose the Fourth Prince and his wife are talking about?”

The attendant eunuch, Chang An, stood beside Pei Xiao, looking across the river toward the old bridge, where two figures were huddled close, seemingly in a quarrel.

Pei Xiao pressed his fist to his lips, giving a light cough. “I don’t know.”

“They seem very close.” Chang An sighed, then added with a touch of regret, “If we had known things would turn out like this, we should’ve finished him off back at the suburban villa. Who would’ve thought he’d survive such poison? Now he looks no different from a healthy man.”

“Don’t worry. He won’t live much longer,” Pei Xiao’s tone grew cold. “You guessed wrong. Back then, I didn’t spare him out of mercy—it was because Wei Meng of the Wolf Cavalry was in the capital. Pei Yuan still had one last flare in hand. If I acted rashly and he lit it, Wei Meng would know, and there could’ve been retaliation.”

Chang An frowned. “What’s this flare you speak of?”

“It’s how the Wolf Cavalry communicates—signal smoke,” Pei Xiao replied. “It lingers long after it’s lit, designed to summon all nearby forces during emergencies. Their smoke is yellow—different from all others.”

Chang An suddenly understood. He shook his head. “I heard Wei Meng used to be a bandit leader on Mount Qilian. How did he end up in the army, and why is he so close with the Fourth Prince?”

“Birds of a feather flock together,” Pei Xiao sipped his tea, eyes lowered. “Madmen enjoy befriending other madmen.”

He said nothing more, silently drinking his tea. After a long while, he looked up—the two figures across the bridge were gone.

Pei Xiao’s eyes locked onto the stone post where Bao Ning had been sitting.

He suddenly recalled how she had looked while blowing that leaf into the river—lively, delicate, and full of joy. It was a kind of lightness he had never experienced.

Support Sansukini on Ko-fi

Thanks for visiting. If you like this story, then I’m shamelessly asking you to visit NovelUpdates and give a 5⭐ review. (人❛ᴗ❛)♪тнайк　чоц♪(❛ᴗ❛*人)

You can also check out my other translations Here