Chapter 22 – Too Captivating

The vast expanse of stars stretched across the sky, a bright moon hung high, and night birds flapped their wings, skimming the heavens above. Pei Xuan closed the window, shutting out the gentle evening breeze.

Her figure was exceptional, with ink-black hair cascading down her back. From her waist down, it was all legs—slim and tall. Clad only in her undergarments, her silhouette appeared even more delicate. Under the moonlight, one might think she was about to “ride the wind back home.” In the inner chamber, even the mere sight of her frail back could make one’s breath quicken.

As she turned, Cui Ti quickly averted her gaze, heart pounding and face flushing. She fanned herself with her hand. Pei Xuan, full of concern, approached her, “Niangzi, are you feeling hot?”

“Yes, a little hot.”

“Shall I open the window a bit more?”

Cui Ti pretended to still be the blind woman she once was, pretending not to see her, and nodded slightly.

Half the window was opened, letting in a breeze that dispelled the sudden sense of intimacy.

“Still hot?”

Her tone was sincere, as if she truly feared the inexplicable heat might overwhelm her precious Niangzi. Cui Ti twisted her waist and turned her face away, her pitch-black sideburns failing to hide the redness of her ears. Pei Xuan suddenly understood—it must have been the straightforwardness of saying “let’s go to bed.”

A smile spread across her lips, a strange joy bubbling up. Seeing Cui Ti’s reddened ears, she found them irresistibly cute. Her heart, usually calm, now felt a rare restlessness. As she took a step forward, a warning thud echoed in her chest.

If she were truly a man, it wouldn’t matter. But she was a woman, an unsuitable one at that.

The rise and fall of the entire Pei Family rested on her shoulders. Pei Xuan’s breath deepened, her once straight shoulders momentarily slumped, but in the next instant, she regained her steadfast composure. She walked over and gently took Cui Ti’s slender wrist, “Niangzi, walk slowly.”

The newly embroidered bed canopy with silver maple leaves was lifted. Following Pei Xuan’s guidance, Cui Ti approached the bed and softly called, “Fujun.”

Behind her calm exterior, Pei Xuan was torn between conflicting thoughts. On one hand, there were her parents’ subtle and overt admonitions; on the other, Cui Ti’s words from earlier in the day: “I willingly married into this family.” While Pei Xuan truly liked Cui Ti, how could she reconcile that with Cui Ti’s refusal to accept her as a woman?

“Fujun?”

Pei Xuan released her hand, took a few steps to extinguish the candle, and the inner chamber plunged into darkness. Only the starlight and moonlight filtered in, barely illuminating their figures. She cleared her throat softly and slowly, ever so slowly, walked towards Cui Ti.

Cui Ti nervously clenched the hem of her clothes.

“Are you afraid I won’t want you?”

As soon as she said it, Pei Xuan’s face flushed. Luckily, the darkness concealed her embarrassment, and just as well, her Niangzi was blind. She repeatedly told herself to stay calm, trying hard to recall Song Zizhen and Zheng Wuji’s descriptions of lustful men at the drinking table.

Song Zizhen often said that men were inherently lustful, maintaining a façade of propriety and courtesy, but once they entered the bridal chamber as a groom, they would transform into ravenous wolves.

“He can’t wait to strip the woman’s clothes in the blink of an eye and then share an intimate embrace, becoming inseparable.” These were Song Zizhen’s exact words. Pei Xuan remembered that he had said this because of a scandal that had recently shocked Xi Jing.

Pei Xuan had seen wolves in a cage when she was twelve. The look in their eyes was fierce, their aura exuding an air of inevitability. But she found it impossible to be fierce with Cui Ti.

She was a “man,” and not having made a move on her bride on their wedding night, she certainly couldn’t let this night pass uneventfully either.

She placed a hand on Cui Ti’s shoulder, and Cui Ti slowly looked up, seeing a shadow trying to appear fierce. She should have been so ashamed that she couldn’t speak, but Pei Xuan was too novel to her. Even though she couldn’t make out the subtle expressions on Pei Xuan’s face, she still stared at her in a daze.

To Pei Xuan, this look seemed like tacit consent, or perhaps a prompt.

Consummating the marriage was a sign of mutual respect between newlyweds.

She bent down to carry Cui Ti to the bed, half-kneeling beside her delicate bride. A gentle kiss fell on Cui Ti’s forehead.

The bed canopy was let down.

Moonlight poured into the inner chamber.

Incense burned in the bronze brazier on the table. Cui Ti’s belt was lifted. Buoyed by the darkness, she mustered the courage to look at Pei Xuan. Pei Xuan knelt to her left, her slender fingers trembling as she undid the ties that concealed her springtime beauty.

“Niangzi…”

She called out tenderly, like a fairy from a storybook, one that emerged from the ocean—clear, gentle, and not frightening but utterly captivating.

Cui Ti knew that the beginning of this lifetime was different; hence, the future had to be different as well. After calling out, her limbs lost their strength, becoming soft and limp as she hurriedly closed her eyes.

Sighing at how the immortal had opened her spiritual eye, she found herself unable to look anymore.

To feign urgency, Pei Xuan intentionally leaned close to Cui Ti’s ear, breathing heavily. The hot breath on her ear and cheek was too much for Cui Ti to bear, especially since she was still a virgin in both lifetimes.

“Xingguang…”

She wanted this person to give her some relief.

But Pei Xuan continued to breathe lightly against her ear, almost as if she held Cui Ti’s heart in her hands, leaving no room for rejection or a single “no.”

Cui Ti’s mind was a haze.

She had no idea what day it was until she found herself lying beneath Pei Xuan, dressed only in her undergarments. It was then that she realized things were truly different.

A hand rested on her left shoulder, and then her lips were lightly bitten.

Chaotic breaths echoed within the bed canopy. Cui Ti’s lower abdomen felt weak, her lips slightly parted, her body lifted slightly, meeting Pei Xuan’s clean, fresh kiss.

The incense burning in the bronze brazier began to take effect. Pei Xuan stopped kissing, as if she had just fought a battle, and fine sweat appeared at her temples.

It was over.

She unconsciously held Cui Ti, burying her face in her neck, the darkness hiding her deep affection, her heart racing.

She tightened her embrace.

The soft, delicate body was completely under her control. Pei Xuan reached under the pillow for a small jade bottle, opened the stopper, and sniffed it lightly. After a few breaths, her nearly exhausted senses suddenly cleared.

In this lucid night, she couldn’t sleep. She could only listen to her Niangzi’s breathing beside her, enduring until the morning.

When she could no longer hold on, the moon hid behind the clouds, and the girl in her arms had a pleasant dream. She closed her eyes, her lips tasting sweet.

At the break of dawn, the servants in the courtyard tiptoed, careful not to disturb their masters’ rest.

Cui Ti had gone to bed early last night, and she woke early as well. The last thing she remembered before falling asleep was Pei Xuan kissing her.

But she felt so useless.

While being kissed, she had fallen asleep.

She didn’t know what Pei Xuan did afterward, but given Pei Xuan’s upright and solitary nature, she likely just held her and perhaps kissed her forehead.

In their previous lifetime, they had been married for three years, and most of their intimacy had been tentative and brief…

Yes, tentative and brief.

Cui Ti suddenly understood: No wonder this sleep felt so familiar. She smiled, lightly sniffing the lingering scent in the inner chamber, and finally looked helplessly at the sleeping Editor Pei.

Pei Xuan had added something to the incense burner.

Thus, they avoided the second night of consummation after their wedding.

She carefully searched under the pillow and, sure enough, easily found a small bottle. Pei Xuan held her tightly, making it difficult for her to move much. Blushing, she gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek.

The moist and warm kiss was very different from last night.

Last night, she guessed Pei Xuan had assumed some inexplicable role, and her actions were awkward and unrefined.

Especially when she recalled Pei Xuan’s uncharacteristic heavy breathing by her ear, Young Madam Pei awkwardly nudged Pei Xuan’s foot.

The sleeping Pei Xuan stirred, displeased at having her dream disturbed. The arm around Cui Ti’s waist tightened slightly, pressing her chest against Pei Xuan’s, sending a tingling sensation throughout her body.

She wanted to wake her, but considering that Pei Xuan might not have rested well, she felt pity and tightly closed her eyes, pretending everything was normal.

Outside the window, a bird perched on a branch, fluttering its wings before flying higher.

Early in the morning, at the Xining Count’s residence, the red lanterns had not yet been taken down, instead looking even more festive.

The Count of Xining was directing the servants to tend to the flowers and plants in the courtyard. Sometimes he would nitpick, sometimes leaving the gardeners dizzy with his demands. The Countess, unable to hold back, sourly remarked, “It’s just a homecoming visit, look at how delighted you are! Can you still tell east from west?”

Her words were sharp, but the Count of Xining was unbothered. Today, he wore a new outfit, a gift from the manager of the Embroidery Jade Workshop, who had shamelessly delivered it yesterday, under the guise of celebrating his daughter’s marriage.

Xi Jing was vast, but now everyone knew that his daughter had become the Young Madam of the Pei Family. Pei Xuan’s talents were renowned, not to mention the prestige of being the chancellor’s family—a status unattainable for most.

Thinking of how the manager of the workshop had fawned over him, praising him to the heavens, the Count of Xining couldn’t help but smile, ignoring his wife’s cold demeanor.

“So what if I can’t tell east from west? Madam, do you think this outfit looks grand and dignified?”

“Grand.” The Countess rolled her eyes, closing her eyelids to avoid seeing him: “Very grand. Anyone who doesn’t know better might think you’re a favored minister of the emperor.”

The Count of Xining ignored the sarcasm in her words and continued to smile. After inspecting the courtyard for a while, he resumed his directions, declaring that certain potted plants affected the feng shui or that more flowers should be added here. The servants revolved entirely around him.

It seemed he greatly enjoyed this feeling of being the center of attention. After a while, even he felt tired and, with great seriousness, announced, “Today is different from other days. Everything must be organized properly. Soon, our son-in-law and miss will arrive. Everyone, be on your best behavior and do not disgrace the Count’s residence!”

The servants all lowered their heads in agreement.

The bustling courtyard shouldn’t have disturbed Cui Dai, who resided in Baishao Courtyard, but she couldn’t sleep at all last night. Every time she closed her eyes, she thought of that blind woman. The blind woman had climbed to a higher branch, and one could only imagine how pleased she must be.

The legitimate son of the Pei Family was a person as precious as jade, yet they were now sullied by a blind woman. She secretly felt it was a pity for Pei Xuan and was intensely envious of that blind woman.

With a sudden crash, she sat up abruptly, her voice filled with venom: “Damn you, you wretched girl! What are you causing such a ruckus for?”

These words were learned from the Momo who served her mother. Having heard them often, they came out naturally.

The scolded maid turned pale and hurriedly knelt on the ground: “Miss, the Count has taken a liking to the Sichuan pepper tree in our courtyard, and I was in a rush to…”

Before she could finish, Cui Dai rubbed her eyes. She hadn’t slept well all night, her eyes were dry, and she was irritable: “The Sichuan pepper tree? What does Father want with it so early in the morning?”

After dressing and a quick wash, she went to see Count Xining. Stepping outside, she was startled by the fresh, new look of the household. Compared to her father, who was grinning from ear to ear in his new clothes, she found her mother, who was observing coldly, to be more reliable.

“Mom, what’s with Father…”

The Countess snorted: “Welcoming his esteemed son-in-law.”

“What?” Cui Dai frowned, circling the courtyard left and right: “Then why is Father moving the tree from my courtyard?”

“Your sister likes it.”

When she said “sister,” it took Cui Dai a moment to realize whom she meant. Her eyes widened slowly: “To cater to her preferences?”

The Countess laughed again: “Why else would he be so eager to please?”

The stark contrast in her parents’ attitudes and the dramatic changes at home all reminded Cui Dai that Cui Ti was coming back.

In Dazhao, the tradition is to return to the bride’s home on the third day after the wedding ceremony. Today was indeed the third day. Cui Dai felt an overwhelming sense of distress, her expression filled with indignation: “Has Father been possessed by some evil spirit? How could he—”

How could he be such a sycophant?

He used to ignore Cui Ti, and now he was the one fawning over her.

Cui Dai rubbed her arms vigorously to shake off the goosebumps: “Cui Ti likes the Sichuan pepper tree, but why take it from my courtyard? Father is just too much.”

She lifted her leg, intending to march over to Count Xining, but her mother stopped her.

“Stay put. Today is not about you. Just treat it as a show and let them have their fuss.”

“This show is not enjoyable at all.”

Cui Dai was used to being the center of attention. Seeing that her father hadn’t glanced at her once, she was filled with frustration and whispered to her mother: “Mother, Cui Ti has married high. What about my marriage prospects?”

The Countess chided her for being shameless, saying a young lady shouldn’t be so nosy about her own marriage. But Cui Dai, persistent and coquettish, elicited a gentle, heartfelt response from her mother: “Marrying high has its advantages. Many families in Xi Jing are eager to align with Pei Xuan. Although no family is higher than the Pei Family except the royal family, the options are now much broader than before. I’ll help you find a good match.”

“I don’t care. I must find a husband not much lower than Pei Xuan.”

Only a spoiled daughter would dare to make such demands about her marriage. The Countess, playing the role of a doting mother, patted her head: “Alright, we’ll do as you wish.”

With this promise, Cui Dai felt slightly better.

She couldn’t stand seeing her father bustling around for an unfavored blind woman and stormed off in a huff.

Learning from the Countess that Cui Dai was upset with him, Count Xining sighed twice but didn’t chase after her as he used to.

He had more important things to do now.

A carriage laden with gifts rolled out of Furong Street, the horse’s hooves clopping as it headed towards Peony Street. Following behind was another luxurious carriage, moving at a leisurely pace.

Bai Tang, quick-witted as ever, had sensed the tension between the two and wisely stayed out of the carriage. Instead, she awkwardly but determinedly rode a gentle pony, her legs strong and capable.

To be a maid to the Young Madam Pei was indeed a privileged position. If she wanted to ride a horse, Pei Xuan would assign a skilled equestrian to escort her.

At the Count’s residence, one could spend three lifetimes and never earn such an honor. It was clear that, though Pei Xuan said nothing, she truly desired to be alone with her wife.

The carriage was spacious, almost too spacious for Pei Xuan’s liking, filled with an oppressive silence. She remained quiet, while Cui Ti replayed the morning’s chaos in her mind.

Two young women, now the most mismatched couple in all of Xi Jing, beneath the guise of ‘man’ and ‘wife’. Pei Xuan cleared her throat and spoke, “Niangzi, we will soon be at the Count’s residence.”

“Mm.”

Cui Ti lowered her head, twisting a handkerchief in her hands.

Pei Xuan couldn’t get enough of gazing at her delicate features, the sight of which made it impossible to suppress her smile. She edged closer, and as the carriage hit a bumpy patch, it jolted unexpectedly. Pei Xuan reached out to steady Cui Ti’s swaying figure: “Careful.”

This embrace reminded Cui Ti of the subtle pressure against her chest.

She knew Pei Xuan was a gentleman, yet she had also witnessed her mischievous behavior when drunk. Thus, she couldn’t entirely see Pei Xuan as a ‘harmless’ woman. She might not know everything, but she knew more than anyone that Pei Xuan had… desires.

Recalling the various instances of Pei Xuan’s flirtations over two lifetimes—undoing her sash, touching her shoulder, nibbling her lip, and other chaotic advances—she realized that, though they had only been married for a few days in this life, Pei Xuan had already used hypnotic incense.

As the carriage swayed again, causing her to fall into Pei Xuan’s firm embrace, Cui Ti hugged her back, feeling a pang of sympathy for the constraints Pei Xuan faced in her male disguise.

While Cui Ti’s heart was filled with a mix of sour and bitter emotions, Pei Xuan held her with sweet affection, even feeling grateful for today’s driver and the bumpy road to Peony Street.

They rode in silence, holding each other all the way. As the carriage gradually came to a halt, Pei Xuan greedily held on for two more breaths and then whispered softly into Cui Ti’s ear.

“Niangzi, we have arrived.”

Her words caused Cui Ti’s thoughts to spiral, leaving her breath unsteady.

Who would have thought it? The refined and elegant Editor Pei, so dignified in public, would at night use her soft whispers to lull her wife to sleep.

In this lifetime, Pei Xuan had never endured the blow of falling from Zhuangyuan to Tanhua, and remained the most dazzling young gentleman in Xi Jing. Her nature was simpler, and even more unexpected.

“The son-in-law and Miss have returned!” announced the gatekeeper.

Reluctantly, Cui Dai followed her parents outside to welcome the newly married blind bride.

“Niangzi, hold onto me,” Pei Xuan instructed.

Cui Ti hesitated for a moment, then obediently wrapped her arms around Pei Xuan’s neck. Despite being a frail scholar, Pei Xuan mustered the strength to carry her wife down from the carriage in front of everyone.

Such public displays of intimacy were somewhat out of the ordinary. However, given Cui Ti’s blindness, it seemed appropriate for her new husband to carry her. Still, the closeness was striking. The Countess’s expression subtly shifted, while Cui Dai felt a pang of jealousy. Count Xining, on the other hand, was delighted, almost ready to applaud.

Marrying off a daughter meant that the more esteemed she was in her husband’s family, the more it reflected on him as her father.

Pei Xuan greeted Count Xining and the Countess with a composed demeanor, observing the formalities while holding Cui Ti’s hand as they entered.

Numerous gifts were brought into the residence, with the Cui Family’s servants making three trips to empty the other carriage.

Her arrival subtly shifted the focus of the Count’s residence to her.

Entering the courtyard, they saw the festive decorations and a Sichuan pepper tree planted in a prominent spot. When Pei Xuan inquired about it, she learned that Cui Ti liked it, and she praised it sincerely.

Receiving her genuine praise made all the morning’s hustle worthwhile.

Count Xining enthusiastically entertained his talented son-in-law. Pei Xuan was exceptionally gifted and well-read, making conversing with her a pleasure.

Among the women, out of respect for the Pei Family, the Countess couldn’t neglect her married daughter and engaged in casual conversation with Cui Ti.

Cui Dai, feeling overlooked, seized an opportunity to retreat to Baishao Courtyard and shut herself in.

Having a husband who always had her back made Cui Ti feel a mix of amusement and exasperation. She didn’t enjoy the pretense with the Countess and deeply appreciated Pei Xuan’s constant, caring attention.

Her presence caused Cui Dai to skip lunch, leaving the Countess with a strained smile.

Noticing the empty seat, Pei Xuan set down her chopsticks and asked, “What happened to Third Younger Sister? Is she not welcoming her Brother-in-law?”

“Of course not!” Count Xining couldn’t admit that his youngest daughter was sulking. He turned and gave orders to his attendant.

In no time, Cui Dai arrived, dragging her feet. She apologized to her “Brother-in-law” and presented a box of jewelry, claiming it was a wedding gift for her sister. She explained that her delay was due to preparing the gift, not intentional neglect.

The excuse sounded flawless at first, but it was full of holes.

Pei Xuan smiled meaningfully.

Today, she wanted everyone in the Cui Family to see clearly that Cui Ti was her cherished Niangzi, no longer the despised burden or jinx.

If Cui Ti was happy, the entire Cui Family would be happy. If Cui Ti was displeased, the entire Pei Family would be displeased.

“Alright, let’s eat,” Pei Xuan declared.

Count Xining cheerfully picked up his chopsticks.

In a sense, Count Cui was a shameless man. Though Pei Xuan’s imposing presence during their visit gave the Cui Family a significant warning, he acted as if nothing had happened.

The more imposing his son-in-law was, the more he seemed pleased with this marriage.

During the meal, Pei Xuan attentively removed tiny fish bones for her Niangzi. Cui Ti tilted her head, watching Pei Xuan’s serious profile, feeling a warm current flow through her entire body. She suddenly understood why the immortal had come to open her spiritual eye.

Opening her spiritual eye had allowed her to see firsthand what a wonderful person her fujun was.

Indeed, there was such a person in this world. Someone who treated her well, understood her heart, and with just a slight show of strength, could erase all the grievances she had swallowed in her previous lifetime and this one.

At this moment, Cui Ti couldn’t help but call out, “Xingguang,” thinking: How did I meet you again? Thankfully, I married you.