Chapter 83: Slap in the Face

Wei Meng dipped his brush in ink and traced the bamboo leaf pattern, making a paper rubbing of it to keep. Afterward, Pei Yuan took the small drum back with him.

Bao Ning was currently in the side room coaxing Yuanzi to sleep. Su Mingyou had already departed. Seeing Pei Yuan enter, Bao Ning made a “shushing” gesture, tucked the covers around Yuanzi, and quietly blew out the lamp before walking out.

“I’m going to have Nanny Liu go to town tomorrow to buy a maid for Eldest Sister-in-law,” Bao Ning said as she sat with Pei Yuan at the table, eating the sweet apricots left over from earlier. “I didn’t consider things thoroughly enough. Eldest Sister-in-law is living in that room all by herself; she’s close to giving birth, so she must be feeling anxious and lonely. There are no young maids among the servants in the manor. Adding one to accompany her every day might prevent things like what happened today from occurring again.”

Pei Yuan asked, “Is that what she told you?”

Bao Ning shook her head. “She didn’t say anything; she just kept apologizing. I persuaded her to go back and rest.”

Pei Yuan nodded thoughtfully.

Bao Ning continued, “Also, we need to have a doctor ready. Eldest Sister-in-law is over seven months pregnant; we need to prepare a midwife for her early so we aren’t rushing when the time comes.”

“You handle it as you see fit.” Pei Yuan snatched the apricot from her hand and tossed it into his own mouth. “Stop eating. You’ve had seven or eight tonight. Don’t end up spitting up stomach acid in the middle of the night.”

“Don’t curse me,” Bao Ning gave him a push. She leaned on the table for a while, then sat up straight as she remembered Yuanzi. “Why did you suddenly go out earlier? Do you think there’s something wrong with that rattle-drum?”

“Black bear skin is a tribute from the Racha State. Using it for a drumhead is far too extravagant; that child’s identity is not simple,” Pei Yuan said. “I’ve already handed it over to Wei Meng to investigate. We should have results in about half a month.”

Bao Ning asked, “Do you think, after reporting it to the officials for so long, someone will really come to pick up Yuanzi?”

“What family wouldn’t be anxious after losing a child? If they were going to look, they would have looked long ago.” Pei Yuan patted her shoulder. “Just wait. In another half-month, when your little sister has her one-month celebration, still no one will come to claim Yuanzi.”

Bao Ning was skeptical of Pei Yuan’s words at first, but right up until she received the invitation for the Duke’s Mansion’s full-month banquet, there was still no response from the government.

Yuanzi had already become well-acquainted with everyone at the manor. He was now like a normal child, running and jumping every day, though his speech was still not very fluent. Bao Ning felt that perhaps he had only appeared dull and slow at the beginning because he wasn’t familiar with them; she wondered what exactly he had experienced in his original home.

A-Mian grew bigger and bigger. With her height and long legs, she was a very beautiful ewe. Nanny Liu was considering finding a ram to mate her with; September or October would be the best time for breeding so they could have sheep’s milk the following spring.

Jixiang had also grown quite a lot. His size seemed to have been blown up; he was extremely sturdy and a great hand at guarding the house. He especially kept a tight watch on Su Mingyou, refusing to let her get within half a step.

Though Bao Ning never quite figured out why Jixiang harbored such great hostility toward Su Mingyou—second only to his hostility toward Pei Yuan.

Only A-Huang seemed to have reached his full growth. He looked no different from the little local dogs scurrying everywhere by the roadside. The only thing worthy of praise was his fine coat of fur; it was as smooth and shiny as if it had been oiled, making it very nice to pet.

…

The full-month banquet was set for the 27th of June. Because of the long distance, Bao Ning and her party set out a day early, rested for a night at an inn, and arrived at the door the following morning.

The last time she had returned home was when she had first married out. Half a year had passed in a flash. Seeing the familiar plaque over the mansion gates again, Bao Ning felt a mix of complex emotions.

“Bao Ning is here?” The Duke of Rong was greeting guests at the mansion entrance. When he saw Pei Yuan supporting Bao Ning as she stepped down from the carriage, his eyes lit up, and he hurried over.

He had gained much more weight over the past half-year. His belt strained against his rolling, thick belly, which jiggled as he ran. Only when he reached Bao Ning did he remember to salute Pei Yuan, bowing as he said, “Fourth Prince…”

Pei Yuan helped him up and said politely, “Father-in-law, there is no need for such ceremony.”

The Duke’s face blossomed into a smile. He nodded repeatedly and personally led them toward the gates. “I heard you’re living quite far away. Why move to such a distant place? Isn’t it inconvenient? If there’s anything you need, just tell me…”

The Duke then closed his mouth sheepishly. “Look at me being muddle-headed, I forgot my son-in-law’s status. How could the Fourth Prince lack anything? Haha.”

Bao Ning felt embarrassed for him. She could clearly perceive that her father was intentionally trying to please them. It wasn’t the fawning flattery one shows a superior; rather, he felt he had wronged her and wanted to make amends.

Actually, from the time she was small, the Duke had always been like this. He had no status in the mansion and was suppressed firmly by Madame Tao. When Madame Tao bullied her, the Duke didn’t dare stop it; after the bullying was over, he would run over to coax her and give her sugar to eat.

Bao Ning had originally blamed him, feeling that this father wasn’t as good as others—that he was incompetent and lacked even the courage to back her up. Now, perhaps because her life was better, that sense of blame had faded. Bao Ning thought that the Duke had his own difficulties as well; though he was a bit cowardly, he truly loved her. He was her father, after all.

Pei Yuan exchanged pleasantries with him all the way. He didn’t say many words, but he made the Duke very happy.

After entering the gates, they went their separate ways. The Duke turned to gaze at their retreating backs until they rounded the screen wall at the entrance and could no longer be seen. Only then did he turn back reluctantly to continue greeting the other guests.

“Did I perform alright just now?” Walking along the veranda leading to the rear courtyard, Pei Yuan lowered his head and tugged at Bao Ning’s sleeve. “Actually, I was a bit nervous just now.”

“There are many people today and many eyes watching. Mind your behavior; what if people laugh at us?” Bao Ning straightened his hand before asking, “What were you nervous about?”

“In your family’s eyes, is my impression not very good?” Pei Yuan’s hand became restless again. Using the cover of his wide sleeves, he squeezed Bao Ning’s fingertips. “I’m in a hurry to suck up to them. I need to make your father think highly of me. Although he isn’t that important, he’s still the first hurdle. I felt nervous just seeing him; I wonder if I’ll make a fool of myself when I see your auntie [Concubine Xu] later?”

“How are you talking?” Bao Ning didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “What do you mean my father ‘isn’t that important’?”

“He hasn’t been that good to you, so isn’t he just an optional person?” Pei Yuan pinched her fingertip. “Ningning, give me some ideas. When I see your auntie, how should I perform?”

“I told you, many people are watching! Don’t be so handsy!” Bao Ning shook his hand off and whispered, “Just praise her beauty. Complain—no, praise—how her clothes look good, her hairpins look good, and her complexion is especially fine.”

“That’s not enough.” Pei Yuan frowned. “After two praises, it’s over. If Auntie is very happy and wants to hear more, and I can’t say anything, how awkward would that be?”

“What do you mean by that?” Bao Ning stopped walking and turned to look into his eyes. “Are you saying my auntie has nothing worth praising, so you have to prepare words in advance, otherwise you can’t come up with anything?”

“Of course not—” Pei Yuan stood in place with his hands on his hips for a moment. He felt this was similar to the feeling of going to the battlefield for the first time, but he was a bit more nervous now.

Because he knew he wouldn’t lose a battle, but when it came to seeing Madame Xu, he had no advantage at all. Pei Yuan deeply regretted that he hadn’t had any foresight back then, having offended nearly every member of Bao Ning’s family.

His appearance was naturally cold and stern. Now, with not a trace of a smile on his face, he looked even more frightening, as if he were arguing with her.

Bao Ning saw that several ladies and young misses who were originally planning to take this path all turned around to go the long way.

“A-Yuan, don’t talk here. I’ll teach you in a quiet place.” Bao Ning felt that pulling and pushing here wasn’t good, so she took hold of Pei Yuan’s sleeve, wanting to lead him to a place with fewer people.

“What if we run into Auntie on the way? Wouldn’t that mean I’m even less prepared?” Pei Yuan wouldn’t move. “Teach me right here.”

Bao Ning said, “With you here, people don’t even dare to take this path…”

Before she could finish her sentence, she suddenly heard a snort of laughter from behind her: “Bao Ning, your elder sister advises you: even if you and your husband are on bad terms, don’t argue here. It invites so much ridicule. I heard Brother-in-law has a bad temper; if he can’t restrain himself and slaps you here, I wouldn’t even know if I should speak up for you.”

Bao Ning turned around in surprise and met Ji Jiaying’s smiling eyes. Standing beside her was Pei Xiao. Perhaps because of Pei Xiao’s presence, the arrogant look on her face was even more pronounced.

Several passersby stopped in their tracks, whispering and looking toward them.

Ji Jiaying said, “Etiquette and social standing—did you not learn them as a child? When returning to your parental home, you must not lose face. Otherwise, you’ll disgrace the entire Duke’s Mansion, and I don’t have the face to lose for you.”

Bao Ning looked up at Pei Yuan and saw that his expression was already very ugly. Fearing he would curse Ji Jiaying out on the spot—which would truly disgrace the Duke’s Mansion if word got out—she quickly pulled at his sleeve.

This action gave Ji Jiaying even more to say.

“Bao Ning, you really have no sense of propriety.” Ji Jiaying said displeasedly, “In public, is a husband’s sleeve something you can just pull at will? If you don’t find it embarrassing, you should at least care for your husband’s dignity. As your elder sister, I must teach you. After you’ve seen Mother later, come to my place, and I will tell you what the duty of a wife is.”

The whispering around them grew even louder.

One didn’t even need to listen to guess what they were saying—saying Ji Jiaying was lucky, that although she missed the chance to marry the Fourth Prince due to illness, she turned around and married the Crown Prince. Furthermore, they’d say what was so good about the Fourth Prince? He was a cripple before; he’s not a cripple now, but he has lost all power, with nothing left but a name on the imperial genealogy. How could he compare to Ji Jiaying? A secondary consort to the Crown Prince—who knows, she might be a Noble Consort in the future, and if she has a son, becoming Empress or Empress Dowager isn’t impossible.

Pei Xiao had been staring at Bao Ning’s face. He was displeased with Ji Jiaying’s actions and her petty character. He had married her firstly because of the destiny predicted by the Imperial Astronomer, and secondly because her maternal uncle was Great General Tao Maobing. However, he did not speak up to stop Ji Jiaying’s behavior because he wanted to see Bao Ning’s reaction.

His appreciation for Bao Ning began with her beauty, and later he liked her temperament, but he did not know her mettle. He wanted to see if Bao Ning was truly worth that appreciation.

Hearing the low praises from the people around her, Ji Jiaying became even more delighted. She took a step forward and poked Bao Ning’s shoulder. “The husband is the guide of the wife. Bao Ning, haven’t you heard that?”

Bao Ning could endure it no longer. She brushed Ji Jiaying’s hand away. “I have naturally heard it.”

Ji Jiaying’s smile vanished when Bao Ning spoke her next sentence.

“I just don’t know if you have heard it.”

Ji Jiaying asked with a darkened face, “What do you mean?”

“You aren’t even a wife.” Bao Ning stepped to the side and took hold of Pei Yuan’s arm, speaking slowly: “Look, you don’t even dare to use bright red coral earrings; you have to choose pale pink ones, all because you don’t dare. You are subservient and lowly in front of the Crown Princess, yet you come to me to show off your power and tell me what the duty of a wife is.”

Ji Jiaying gritted her teeth as she looked at her. Bao Ning continued, “But what can you teach me? How to be a well-behaved, inconspicuous concubine? I have no need to learn that.”

Pei Yuan lowered his head close to Bao Ning’s ear and whispered, “Can I curse at her now?”

Bao Ning said, “Speak a bit softer. Don’t let too many people hear; it’s a bad influence.”

Having received permission, Pei Yuan looked at Ji Jiaying and said coldly, “You are simply out of your mind.”

Ji Jiaying was about to faint from anger. Her teeth chattered as she looked at Bao Ning, wanting to say something else mocking, but Pei Xiao barked, “Enough.”

She shut her mouth.

Pei Xiao looked at Pei Yuan and said calmly, “Jiaying is young and spoke without thinking. Fourth Brother, please do not take offense.”

“Instead of spending time apologizing here, you’d better go back and teach your consort how to be a human being.” Pei Yuan smiled without actually smiling. “Besides, she isn’t young anymore; she isn’t like our Bao Ning.”

Pei Yuan put his hand on Bao Ning’s shoulder. “Let’s go, wife. We don’t have time to listen to a mad dog barking here.”

He raised an eyebrow at Pei Xiao. “See you again if fate allows.”

Pei Xiao looked at him coldly and did not reply.

A war without smoke came to a hasty end. Pei Xiao led Ji Jiaying to the west, while Pei Yuan and Bao Ning went to the east.

As they passed each other, Bao Ning heard Ji Jiaying hiss at her, “Don’t think I’ll let it go just like this. It was your fault Lingjun ended up like that, wasn’t it? Just you wait and see!”

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