Chapter 28 – Pei Incompetent

The sedative took effect, and Cui Ti couldn’t resist closing her eyes. Pei Xuan, holding back the urge to kiss those lips, took out a small jade bottle and took a deep breath.

The drowsiness was dispelled by the cool scent of the medicine. Outside the window, a sudden gust of wind brought the night air through the leaky roof.

In the month of May, the wind was neither cold nor dry. A few stars circled the shabby, impoverished room, and despite the bare walls, the moonlight bathed everything in a gentle glow.

Pei Xuan embraced her delicate wife and looked up at the incomplete starry sky. Cui Ti slept soundly, the silk band covering her eyes slipping off to the side of the pillow, her collar slightly open, revealing her straight collarbones.

The moonlight was enchanting, and so was the sleeping beauty.

A gentle kiss landed on Cui Ti’s eyelid, and Pei Xuan couldn’t help but hold her tighter, wanting her soft body closer.

There was a dangerous hint of obsession.

Sighs mingled with the moonlight and the night’s breeze. After a long while, long enough for Cui Ti to fall into a deep, sweet slumber, Pei Xuan whispered cautiously in her ear, “Niangzi?”

Silence.

A heart full of loneliness.

Pei Xuan looked at Cui Ti with a mixture of relief and apprehension, torn between righteousness and selfish desire.

She blinked wearily, gently holding Cui Ti’s fragrant shoulder and caressing her smooth chin, “Niangzi?”

No response.

Even the wind seemed to soften, doubling its gentleness.

That bit of anxiety faded, replaced by a youthful nervousness. Pei Xuan held Cui Ti’s slender waist; drugged, she was no match for Pei Xuan.

She nestled obediently and unknowingly against her fujun’s neck, her breathing shallow and steady, inexplicably making Pei Xuan’s heart itch.

Supporting the back of Cui Ti’s head, Pei Xuan moved slightly, pressing Cui Ti’s face against her neck, her lips touching the sensitive spot on her throat, a mix of shame and novelty.

Pei Xingguang, who had been taught by sages from a young age, closed her eyes in enjoyment, her heart filled with joy, guilt, and secret desire.

When she reopened her eyes, they were filled with a warm, heated light.

Silently admonishing herself with a “shouldn’t,” Pei Xuan restrained her indulgent spirit, lying on her side for a night of vivid dreams.

The rooster in the northwest courtyard crowed loudly, heralding the dawn and the rising sun.

Baishao Courtyard.

In Baishao Courtyard, Cui Dai sat up, rubbing her eyes under the blanket. “This is so annoying! How can anyone sleep with all this noise? Go and slaughter that chicken!”

A series of complaints followed, and the servant hurriedly responded, “We can’t, Miss, we can’t! That chicken is for the Count’s son-in-law.”

“Brother-in-law?”

Cui Dai was stunned for a moment, half of her drowsiness gone.

In the south courtyard, the old tile house was bustling early in the morning. Haozhong, Raoliang, and the others were busy preparing for the return of the gentleman and the Young Madam. Count Xining had sent many strange and exotic gifts.

Jade, paintings, and calligraphy were normal enough, but the return gifts even included live white doves and a rooster, all tied with red ribbons!

Perhaps the Count also found the rooster noisy, as he had it muzzled with a red string.

Despite everything, arriving home with a chicken in one hand and a dove in the other had a touch of rustic charm.

The gentleman, being the legitimate son of the chancellor, had seen all kinds of fine things, but this unique approach to gift-giving could only come from Count Xining.

With two carts full of both inanimate and live goods, the courtyard was bustling with activity. Meanwhile, inside the room, Pei Xuan had just woken up from bed.

Cui Ti had been awake for a while. Needless to say, she had fallen asleep last night after being drugged with the sedative, right in the middle of their intimate moment.

She was annoyed with Pei Xuan for having the desire but not the courage.

Hearing some movement beside her, she raised her eyebrows and looked over—Pei Xuan had just woken up, her hair disheveled, her face slightly flushed, and her eyes still sleepy.

The sight made Cui Ti want to laugh.

If she hadn’t lived another life, who would have thought that Master Pei, who would later command such respect and fear, could have such a pure and innocent look?

“Niangzi,” Pei Xuan greeted, yawning and raising her hand. She seemed a bit drained but quickly pulled herself together and began helping Cui Ti dress.

Cui Ti cooperated by raising her arms and asked, “Did Fujun not sleep well?”

“It was fine,” Pei Xuan replied, quickly fastening Cui Ti’s undergarments without daring to look too closely. “Maybe I just went to bed too late.”

“Oh,” Cui Ti responded, saying no more.

Pei Xuan wished her niangzi would ask more questions, but since Cui Ti didn’t, she felt too embarrassed to press the issue.

After they were both dressed, Pei Xuan, truly fond of Cui Ti, couldn’t resist leaning in to place a light kiss on her brow.

Being close to the girl she liked was a blissful thing. Kissing Cui Ti, she then realized her own clothes were disheveled, and her eyes lowered as she adjusted her thin undergarments.

Seizing the moment, Cui Ti reached out and gently ‘explored’ Pei Xuan’s pretty face, her soft lips brushing against Pei Xuan’s fair chin.

The touch was fleeting.

Pei Xuan quickly lifted her head, smiling brightly and warmly.

Cui Ti shyly curved her eyes in response.

With permission granted, Bai Tang carried a copper basin into the room to assist the Young Madam with her morning routine.

“Gentleman, everything is ready.”

The personal attendant handed over the list of return gifts from the Xining Count’s residence.

Scanning through the list quickly, Pei Xuan asked, “What are these live animals for?”

“The Count heard that the Young Madam likes to keep small animals, so he specially arranged for them to be sent over.”

“……”

Noticing her expression, the attendant added, “The Count also mentioned that if you grow tired of them, you can slaughter and eat them. They are all home-raised and more nutritious than those bought outside.”

This Count Xining!

Pei Xuan’s smile was faint. “Since it is the Count’s kind gesture, I should go thank him in person.”

“Well… the Count just sent someone to say that he has caught a cold. If the gentleman and Young Madam insist on bidding farewell, you can stand at the courtyard gate to pay your respects and take your leave.”

“A cold? What happened?”

The attendant stepped closer and whispered a few words, making Pei Xuan’s expression turn peculiar. “I see.”

It turned out that last night, Count Xining had gone to Baishao Courtyard to question the Countess, and the two ended up in a fierce argument, both leaving with visible injuries. It was said that the Count’s injuries were even more severe, making him unfit to be seen.

Shortly after, the Countess also sent someone with a message identical to the Count’s.

Pei Xuan and Cui Ti paid their respects and took their leave at the courtyard gate. As they were about to leave, Cui Dai, the unmarried Third Miss, eagerly came to see them off.

Her intentions were clear to anyone with eyes.

The carriage wheels began to turn, and the carriage slowly left Peony Street. Only then did Bai Tang’s wary heart settle back into her chest.

Since childhood, Cui Dai could never stand to see her sister happy, and Bai Tang feared she might have designs on stealing the gentleman.

Fortunately, the gentleman was discerning and virtuous, not swayed by little temptresses. Riding on her small horse against the wind, Bai Tang felt genuine relief that her lady had such a considerate gentleman.

Inside the carriage, a fluffy little white rabbit was stumbling clumsily around Cui Ti’s legs. Pei Xuan sat next to her, occasionally reaching over to tease the small furball with her fingers.

Seeing her fair fingertips, Cui Ti smiled silently, her thoughts drifting to the things her cousin miss had once mentioned in her previous lifetime.

She looked as beautiful as a gentle ink painting when she remained silent. Pei Xuan, not wanting to disturb her, found herself amusingly bullying the little rabbit climbing up and down Cui Ti’s legs.

The little rabbit would be pressed down by Pei Xuan’s finger, get back up, and then be pressed down again, only to get up once more.

“Fujun…”

Cui Ti’s face flushed. “Stop playing.”

Pei Xuan placed the rabbit on her own lap. “Alright, I won’t play anymore.”

She tilted her head to gaze at Cui Ti, who, pretending to be blind, brushed her thigh as if the ticklish sensation from before still lingered.

Not only her face but also her ears turned a bright red. Pei Xuan suddenly rested her chin on Cui Ti’s shoulder, her face full of curiosity. “Niangzi, I didn’t know you were so ticklish.”

The rabbit was placed to the side.

With her little secret exposed, Cui Ti blushed and nodded. “I am more sensitive than most.”

“How about this then?”

A short gasp escaped, followed by intermittent laughter.

The Pei Family servants traveling with them pretended to be deaf and dumb, only sighing inwardly: since the gentleman got married, her personality had indeed become more lively.

The coachman did his best to keep the carriage steady, while inside it was lively and full of laughter.

Cui Ti tried to dodge but had nowhere to hide, her face flushed as she ended up in the instigator’s embrace, tears of laughter at the corners of her eyes, pleading, “Please, stop, spare me?”

She was already beautiful, and now, in this pleading state, Pei Xuan’s throat moved slightly. “Why should I spare you?”

“…”

Clearly intending to tease her, Cui Ti couldn’t think of how to dissuade her, her eyelashes still wet with tears, her fingers lightly tugging at Pei Xuan’s clothes.

Pei Xuan’s eyes darkened slightly, and she held Cui Ti’s hand. “Give me a reason, and I’ll let you go, okay?”

Cui Ti, frustrated by Pei Xuan’s persistence, pouted, “Why are you like this?”

“Just like this.”

“…”

The more Pei Xuan looked at her, the more she liked her. “Give me a good reason, and I won’t bother you for the rest of the trip.”

“Because…” Cui Ti’s arms encircled Pei Xuan’s neck. “Because I’m your Niangzi. If you don’t spare me, who else are you going to torment?”

The carriage jolted at the perfect moment, and Pei Xuan quickly tightened her hold on Cui Ti, her heart brimming with joy. “Then I’ll only torment you.”

Cui Ti’s heart pounded uncontrollably. Gathering her courage, she lifted her head, closed her eyes, and, in her shyness, asked for a kiss from Pei Xuan.

…

“Gentleman, Young Madam, we’re home.”

Pei Xuan paused.

Cui Ti turned her face away, panting softly. The rabbit nestled obediently by her leg as the curtain was lifted, letting in the daylight.

Bai Tang assisted the Young Madam out of the carriage, and couldn’t help but notice Cui Ti’s lips, reddened and glistening. She hid a smile in her eyes.

She had thought: how could the gentleman resist the delicious opportunity right in front of her? Her lady was one of a kind, and marrying this talented Master Editor was surely a match made in heaven.

Pei Xuan lightly jumped out of the carriage, her eyes full of affection, with a gentle smile that could melt anyone’s heart. Her presence was like a refreshing spring breeze, leaving people feeling joyful and moved.

Madam Pei came out to greet her returning ‘son’ and ‘daughter-in-law’. Pei Xuan greeted her mother, then supported Cui Ti as they walked through the Pei Family’s gate.

Cui Ti’s delicate body and slightly swollen lips, kissed and teased until tender, added a rare charm to her usual demeanor.

Madam Pei, experienced and perceptive, treated Cui Ti exceptionally well upon this meeting.

“Are you tired?”

“Not at all.” Cui Ti’s respectful yet close tone toward her mother-in-law made Pei Xuan fond, and Madam Pei couldn’t help but shower her with warmth and care.

In the end, Pei Xuan’s duties were taken over, leaving her helplessly watching as her mom supported her niangzi.

Behind them, cages of rabbits, chickens, and pigeons—various ‘small animals’—were carried into the Chancellor’s Residence. Knowing these were sent by the in-laws, Madam Pei praised, “Father-in-law is certainly thoughtful.”

However, she had little fondness for Count Xining and his wife, who had mistreated her daughter-in-law. After the obligatory pleasantries, she held Cui Ti’s hand and engaged her in intimate conversation.

Gentleman Pei, having returned home, found herself completely sidelined, quietly holding the rabbit and waiting for her mother and niangzi to show her some affection.

She lingered there, prompting Madam Pei to glance at her a few times before losing her patience. “Xuan’er, I’m thirsty. Go brew a pot of tea.”

The fine tea was right by her hand, so Pei Xuan knew her mom was trying to get rid of her. Looking at Cui Ti and then at her determined mother, she reluctantly took the rabbit and went to the courtyard to catch some fresh air.

“Now that she’s gone, we can have a proper chat.”

Cui Ti was amused by this teasing tone.

Her laughter was like a cascade of pear blossoms falling from a thousand trees, dazzling and enchanting. Madam Pei, who had seen many beauties, including the most favored concubine in the palace who was her close friend, marveled at her daughter’s high standards. She had instantly fallen for such an exquisite, naturally graceful girl.

Unfortunately, heaven seemed to envy beauty, unwilling to grant complete happiness.

She sighed, contemplating that having a blind girl as a daughter-in-law was still better than bringing someone who could spell disaster for the whole family.

After a moment of contemplation, she softly asked, “You and Xuan’er haven’t consummated your marriage yet, have you?”

Cui Ti’s smile faltered slightly.

“Do you know why she hasn’t consummated the marriage with you?”

“Why, why?” Cui Ti asked, startled.

Madam Pei closely observed her expression. Seeing no resentment or hidden anger on her face, she noted Cui Ti’s slightly swollen lips. It seemed Xuan’er had been quite affectionate with her on the way home.

Their relationship was stable and growing.

However, as long as they didn’t consummate their marriage, neither Pei Xuan nor her fujun could feel at ease.

Only when both body and heart were committed to the Pei Family and given to Pei Xuan could Cui Ti truly be considered a daughter-in-law who shared their honor and disgrace, their successes and failures.

In her heart, she whispered an apology to Cui Ti and then, without hesitation, said, “Because Xuan’er was injured in her early years and her body was left with a hidden ailment.”

Worried that Cui Ti, without a mother’s guidance, might not understand the implication, she decided to be blunt: “In short, she’s… incapable in that area.”