Chapter 84: Into the Lake

“Lingjun? Why is she bringing up Qiu Lingjun?” Bao Ning leaned toward Pei Yuan and asked in a low voice. “What happened to her?”

Pei Yuan paused for a moment. “Apparently, she’s dying.” Because I ordered it, he added silently. He was slightly worried that Bao Ning might soften her heart; if she pressed for details, the things he had done would be difficult to explain. He remained silent, tensely watching her reaction.

Bao Ning simply gave an “Oh.”

Pei Yuan waited a beat, then asked, “That’s it?”

“What do you mean, ‘that’s it’?” Bao Ning asked back, puzzled.

Now it was Pei Yuan’s turn to be curious. “Qiu Lingjun—I said she’s dying. Don’t you have anything you want to ask?”

“Did you do it?” Bao Ning pursed her lips. “I don’t have anything to ask. Whether you did it or she just fell ill, I don’t care. She was so wicked; people with black hearts are bound to die early.”

Pei Yuan burst into laughter. His lingering worries vanished instantly. He looked down at Bao Ning’s face, his gaze landing on her lips painted in bold red rouge. He felt a sudden, fierce urge to take a bite. He adored her far too much—her personality included—loving her to his very bones. Unfortunately, they weren’t at home and he couldn’t just kiss her whenever he pleased, so he regretfully reined in his impulses.

“That fourth sister of yours… is she mentally unstable?” Pei Yuan recalled the earlier encounter. “The more I think about it, the less satisfied I am. She stood there prattling on for so long, and we only traded a few remarks. It’s boring. Shouldn’t I have just thrashed her on the spot?”

“Don’t you dare! Are you crazy?” Bao Ning looked at him in shock. “I still value my reputation. If we really started a public brawl, the shame would fall on my entire family.”

Pei Yuan suggested, “Should we get revenge in secret?”

“That grudge was settled on the spot; let’s not mention it again,” Bao Ning said. “But if there is a next time, push her into the lake. It must be done discreetly, though—no one can see.”

Pei Yuan called out, “Chen Jia!”

A voice responded immediately from behind: “Chen Jia is here!”

Bao Ning looked back. Chen Jia was following them exactly three paces behind. She hadn’t seen him when they got out of the carriage and thought he hadn’t entered the mansion, but it turned out he had been following them all along, walking without making a sound.

Pei Yuan asked, “Did you hear what was just said?”

“I heard!” Chen Jia replied. “If there is a next time, push the Crown Prince’s Side Consort into the lake!”

Pei Yuan nodded in satisfaction.

They walked through the covered corridor and turned a corner to reach Yimei Pavilion, where Madame Tao lived. It was currently crowded with guests coming to offer their congratulations. Many recognized Pei Yuan; his reputation was widespread, and while it wasn’t a good reputation, it was terrifying enough. Seeing him about to enter, several people who were heading in stopped in their tracks and waited far off outside.

Bao Ning whispered to Pei Yuan, “They’re looking at you like you’re a predator.”

“They’re just ignorant people,” Pei Yuan said, looking straight ahead. “I see them as nothing more than insects.”

Bao Ning whispered back, “Then I suppose you’re the more arrogant one.”

Pei Yuan glanced at her and reached out to support her waist. “The threshold is high; take a bigger step. Your legs are so short. When we get home, I’ll get you some milk with bone powder to supplement you, though I don’t know if it will help at this age.”

“Poking at my sore spots again. How annoying.” Bao Ning slapped his hand away. They entered the room, and a maid immediately led the way. Bao Ning adopted a dignified expression as she went to see the baby and Madame Tao.

The infant was adorable—pink, soft, and chubby. Madame Tao had named her A-Zhao. What she was “summoning” (Zhao) was obvious: a son. Seeing Madame Tao’s slightly haggard face, Bao Ning felt a pang of pity. She presented the longevity lock she had prepared, exchanged a few brief words, and left shortly after.

Having stayed for only fifteen minutes, Bao Ning looked much more dejected coming out than she had going in. Sensing her thoughts, Pei Yuan leaned into her ear and whispered, “I don’t absolutely require a son. Don’t worry about that.”

Bao Ning smiled. She led Pei Yuan toward Madame Xu’s courtyard. “I’ll take you to see my Auntie.”

This time, Pei Yuan’s performance was quite good—at least he appeared humble and polite. Madame Xu was overjoyed, bringing out her best fruits and snacks and constantly urging them to eat. Observing Madame Xu’s complexion, Bao Ning saw that she was living quite comfortably; she hadn’t aged much, and her tone was cheerful. Bao Ning felt at ease.

Remembering the matter of Yuanzi’s drum, Bao Ning accepted the piece of bear skin Madame Xu had cut for her. Bao Ning deftly mended the small drum; it wasn’t large, so she slipped it directly into the inner pocket of her sleeve.

After a short stay, a servant from the front yard came to announce that the banquet was being served. The banquet was divided into male and female sections, so Pei Yuan had to part ways with them. Madame Xu walked by Bao Ning’s side; Pei Yuan couldn’t see her expression and didn’t know what she thought of him. Recalling the meeting, he realized he hadn’t said much and felt a bit annoyed with himself.

“Help me ask later,” Pei Yuan said, tugging gently on Bao Ning’s sleeve just before they reached the junction, his eyes darting toward Madame Xu. “If all else fails, I’ll have Wei Meng send gifts tomorrow.”

Bao Ning understood perfectly, finding his petty anxiety childish yet sweet—hardly like his usual self. She whispered with a smile, “Don’t worry, I’ll put in a good word for you.”

Pei Yuan bid farewell to Madame Xu, left Chen Jia behind, and turned toward the men’s seating. As he left, Madame Xu watched his back and said happily to Bao Ning, “The Fourth Prince seems like a changed man. He looks much more genial. Though he’s still a bit cold and fierce, those are minor flaws. He is very good.”

Bao Ning thought to herself: It’s a pity Pei Yuan didn’t hear that, or his tail would be wagging in the clouds.

“Bao Ning, how did you do it?” Madame Xu whispered. “Has the Fourth Prince been reading Buddhist scriptures? Those are good for removing a murderous aura.”

Bao Ning choked on her breath, thinking it was probably lucky Pei Yuan didn’t hear that; he wouldn’t appreciate the suggestion.

In the banquet hall, the sisters and concubines of the Ji family sat together at one table. The second sister, Ji Tongchu, had brought her two children, and the third sister, Ji Anlu, was four months pregnant but not yet showing much. Along with Bao Ning, Madame Xu, and Auntie Ming, they filled the table.

Ji Jiaying disdained their company and sat at another table surrounded by high-society friends, talking loudly and soaking up their flattery. The food was served quickly—a roast goose, with the two legs given to the little nephews. Bao Ning wore a smile, but her mouth was watering; she made a mental note to cook one for herself when she got home.

Ji Jiaying had deliberately sat at the adjacent table, so Bao Ning could faintly hear the brown-nosing of the noble ladies. Toward the end, a young girl of about twelve or thirteen came over to toast Ji Jiaying. She spoke timidly, appearing not to fully understand the relationships within the Duke’s Mansion, having been pushed forward by her mother to make an appearance.

She began by praising Ji Jiaying’s beauty and poise. Ji Jiaying was pleased at first, until the girl added, “The Heir is also a dragon among men, showing such heroic spirit even as a youth. Your Highness has a wonderful brother.”

Ji Jiaying’s face instantly darkened. “What ‘Heir’? There is no Heir in this Duke’s Mansion. Even if there were, it could never be a concubine’s son!”

Her tone was so harsh that the girl was startled and began to tear up. Her wet nurse hurried over to comfort her.

Madame Xu waved her hand. “Let’s go. Let’s leave. Who knows what other drama will unfold if we stay.”

Bao Ning stood up, took a nephew’s hand, and walked out. Their table emptied quickly. As they reached the door, she heard the sound of Ji Jiaying smashing a cup behind them.

The third sister left immediately to rest due to her pregnancy. Bao Ning and the second sister’s family went to the lotus pond to look at the fish. The two nephews, aged two and three, were at the age where they could just run—mischievous as could be. If not held by the hand, they would have jumped into the lake.

As Bao Ning held the younger one, her mind was on her eldest sister, Ji Xiangzhen, and Jia Ling. She hadn’t seen her eldest sister all day; she had assumed she was just late, but her continued absence was suspicious, especially given how Xiangzhen was usually meticulous about etiquette.

Bao Ning hesitated, then asked Ji Tongchu, “Second Sister, do you know what Eldest Sister is doing today?”

“Probably arguing with the Heir again.” Ji Tongchu smoothed her eldest son’s windblown hair and said to Bao Ning, “You don’t know—Eldest Sister and her husband fight every single day. They had another massive row a few days ago.”

Bao Ning feigned surprise. “I didn’t know. Why are they fighting?”

Ji Tongchu asked in astonishment, “Do you and the Fourth Prince not fight?”

Bao Ning recalled. They fought quite a bit. But aside from the time she ran off to Lihu over a hairpin, the rest were trivial matters. Thinking back on the reasons for their spats felt embarrassing.

“It’s always about two things: children or taking concubines,” Ji Tongchu said. “The Heir is a profligate man with over a dozen concubines. His own courtyard couldn’t even hold them all. He actually negotiated with your second brother-in-law to tear down our courtyard wall and rebuild it five yards into our space just to build more rooms for them. Eldest Sister has cried until her eyes are nearly blind.”

Bao Ning truly hadn’t heard of this bizarre move. Shocked, she asked, “What kind of person is the Heir, exactly?”

Ji Tongchu thought for a moment. “Charming, a smooth talker who knows how to keep the Old Man happy. He is talented, courageous, and ambitious. He is a good official, but not a good husband.”

He might not even be a good official anymore, Bao Ning thought.

“Speaking of which, Jiaying is the lucky one. Marriage really comes down to fate,” Ji Tongchu shook her head. “Look how much face the Crown Prince gives her—accompanying her to such a small full-month banquet. It’s very prestigious.”

Auntie Ming couldn’t help but interject, “It’s all because of the fate the National Master calculated back then. The Imperial Family is very superstitious.”

Madame Xu nodded. “The National Master said the Fourth Daughter has a rare, auspicious fate—one that not only aids the national fortune but is perfectly matched with the Crown Prince, like two lotus flowers on a single stalk.”

Ji Tongchu didn’t buy it. “Madame Tao must have stuffed the National Master’s pockets with silver.”

Auntie Ming hurried to cover her mouth. “What nonsense! You dare say anything!”

“Alright, alright, I’ll stop,” Ji Tongchu laughed. “But as for the Imperial Family believing in fate, I don’t buy that theory. Our current Emperor doesn’t believe in it; he is a very loyal and devoted man. I heard from Jia Xian that when the late Consort Xian, Qin Xiang, entered the palace, the National Master said she had a bad fate—a fate that would bring ruin to the country. The Emperor didn’t believe it and remained devoted to her. It’s just a pity she died so young.”

Bao Ning had been smiling while chatting, but hearing this, her eyes widened in shock. “Wasn’t Consort Xian the Fourth Prince’s birth mother?”

“Yes. But that’s a secret of the Imperial House; very few people know now.” Ji Tongchu took Bao Ning’s hand. “Whatever you do, don’t repeat it!”

Bao Ning nodded absently.

“Is the eldest sleepy?” Ji Tongchu rubbed her son’s cheek. “Let’s go, Mommy’s taking you to bed.” She stood up with a smile. “Bao Ning, I’m leaving first. Come visit my mansion when you have time, and I’ll host you properly.”

Auntie Ming also rose. Bao Ning bid them farewell and sat a while longer. Madame Xu was also tired and was led away by a maid to rest. Bao Ning was left alone in the small pavilion in the center of the lake, waiting for Pei Yuan to return.

She leaned against the railing, tossing a pinch of fish food into the water. Watching the fish compete for the food, she pondered what Ji Tongchu had just said. Did Pei Yuan’s mother really have such a fate? Bao Ning recalled the date of Consort Xian’s death—about ten years ago, when she was five. When she was five… Bao Ning’s heart skipped a beat. She suddenly remembered a great earthquake that year in the capital region; many had died.

Was there a connection? Pei Yuan had never spoken to her about his mother. Bao Ning wanted to know, but she didn’t want to pick at his scars. So, the question remained unanswered.

“Madam.” Bao Ning was lost in thought when Chen Jia’s voice came from behind. “She’s here again!”

Bao Ning turned around to find Ji Jiaying looking awkward. The latter snorted and shook her sleeve. “You’ve certainly raised a good dog; it barks the moment a stranger arrives.”

Bao Ning was annoyed; she had no desire to deal with Ji Jiaying at all. Pei Xiao was still by Ji Jiaying’s side. Bao Ning thought: How can this Crown Prince be so socially oblivious? He can’t even tell people dislike them, yet he keeps pressing forward.

“You two chat.” Bao Ning placed the small jar of fish food on the table and turned to leave, but Ji Jiaying blocked her path.

“Why leave? Sisters meeting—don’t you want to catch up with me?” Ji Jiaying wasn’t at all afraid that Pei Xiao would be annoyed by her actions; she was certain he adored her. She had lost his only son, yet after his initial coldness, hadn’t he accompanied her back to her family home today? Besides, she had been willful and disruptive for more than a day or two, and Pei Xiao always indulged her. Didn’t that mean he liked her willful side?

Ji Jiaying believed men all fell for that. Her hostility toward Bao Ning was partly to soothe her own displeasure and partly to show off for Pei Xiao, making him think she was “feistily adorable.”

Pei Xiao’s gaze landed on Bao Ning. Seeing her face flushed with anger, he found her rare display of temper quite vivid and refreshing. He let out a small smile.

Ji Jiaying took this as encouragement. She raised an eyebrow at Bao Ning and shoved her back toward a seat. “Stay a while. I won’t eat you.”

Pei Xiao frowned, clearly dissatisfied with her physical aggression.

Bao Ning stood up abruptly and shouted, “Chen Jia!” She brushed past Ji Jiaying to leave.

“You pushed me?” Ji Jiaying grumbled, grabbing Bao Ning’s sleeve.

Pei Xiao said coldly, “Let go.”

Ji Jiaying argued, “Your Highness, she pushed me!” She refused to let go. In the struggle, the small drum in Bao Ning’s sleeve fell out and hit the ground with a thud .

Everyone’s attention was instantly drawn to it. Bao Ning hurried to pick it up, but Ji Jiaying reached out her foot to stomp on it.

Pei Xiao’s expression froze instantly. He recognized that it was Yuanzi’s drum. His pupils dilated as he looked at Bao Ning in disbelief, failing to notice Ji Jiaying’s movement.

Just as Ji Jiaying’s foot was about to stomp on Bao Ning’s hand, a roar came from behind: “Chen Jia! What the hell am I paying you for?! Kill her for me!”

In the next instant, Bao Ning’s vision blurred. Chen Jia lunged forward, crouched, grabbed Ji Jiaying by both feet, and threw her headfirst into the lake like a planted onion. A massive splash followed, accompanied by Ji Jiaying’s scream.

Bao Ning snatched the small drum from the ground and ran to Pei Yuan’s side.

Pei Xiao’s eyes remained fixed on the small drum in Bao Ning’s hand. His fists were clenched tight, and he seemed deaf to Ji Jiaying’s cries for help behind him. He lowered his voice: “Bao Ning, where did that drum come from?”

“It belongs to my grandson. None of your damn business.” Pei Yuan looked at him with disgust and narrowed his eyes. “Is ‘Bao Ning’ a name you’re allowed to call her? Have you no shame?”

“Let’s go. It won’t be good if people come and see this,” Bao Ning tugged at his sleeve. “Let’s go home.”

There was no point in a standoff here; they could settle scores later. Pei Yuan gave Pei Xiao a contemptuous look and grabbed Bao Ning’s wrist. “Let’s go.”

“Chang Xi!” Pei Xiao watched their retreating backs. “Watch them closely.”

With that, he followed after them.

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