Chapter 26 – Burned by Fire

Back in the room, Cui Ti was holding a snow-white rabbit. Led by Bai Tang, followed by Haozhong and Raoliang, they surrounded her, eager to describe the little bunny as a celestial rabbit immortal.

Pei Xuan overheard phrases like “white body,” “red eyes,” and “short tail.” She paused, seriously considering whether she should have Niangzi’s maidservants read more books.

She coughed lightly into her fist, and the maidservants fell silent, collectively addressing her as “gentleman.” Pei Xuan, who had a gentle appearance and a voice as mellow as pear blossom wine, said, “You may leave now.”

“Yes, gentleman,” they replied in unison.

Haozhong and Raoliang were always obedient to her.

Bai Tang glanced at Cui Ti, whose face was flushed, thinking: My lady is like a shy plant. No, she’s even more sensitive than a shy plant. At least a shy plant needs to be touched before it curls up, while the gentleman is still a few steps away, and just a word makes my lady blush and her heart race.

She shivered internally, walked out of the room, and rubbed her arms to get rid of the goosebumps, muttering to herself: You two are really too much.

Haozhong noticed her little action and asked curiously, “Tangtang, what’s wrong?”

Bai Tang, eager for conversation, beckoned them to the courtyard under a tree.

The window of the inner chamber was half-open, half-closed, and with everyone gone, only Pei Xuan, who made her heart flutter, and Cui Ti remained. Cui Ti, nervously stroking the rabbit’s ears, was very afraid that Pei Xuan would come closer and touch her again.

Her chest felt tight, her neck was warm with embarrassment, and her face was a mix of red and white. She looked hesitant yet beautiful with her shy expression.

“Niangzi?” Pei Xuan called out.

Without lifting her head, Cui Ti could tell where the voice came from and turned away, showing Editor Pei a shy and awkward profile.

Her side profile was stunning, with skin as delicate as porcelain. Her red ears were hidden in her fine black hair, resembling a red cluster emerging from black jade. Her neck was graceful, her back straight. Despite living in the dilapidated south courtyard of the Xining Count’s residence for years, she had not a trace of a small-town demeanor.

Pei Xuan was utterly smitten by her shy appearance and elegant bearing. Her heart was filled with joy, and with raised eyebrows, she called out again, “Niangzi?”

Cui Ti couldn’t help but think that Pei Xuan’s way of calling her sounded rather improper.

She knew well Pei Xuan’s integrity and had also witnessed her occasional flirtatiousness. Just thinking about it made her heart leap into her throat. She twisted her body, determined not to let Pei Xuan get another look at her.

“Good Niangzi.”

Master Editor smartly anticipated her movement and caught her just right. She squatted down, and even crouching, her height was still notable. Like orchids and lilies, her presence was elegant and refined. “Why are you ignoring your husband?”

If Pei Xuan hadn’t brought it up directly, Cui Ti could have thrown a little tantrum and acted petulantly. But now that she asked why she was being ignored, Cui Ti, stroking the rabbit nestled in her lap, replied, “I’m not.”

Pei Xuan didn’t press further. Smiling, she joined Cui Ti in petting the little rabbit, her fingers brushing against Niangzi’s delicate ones. She deliberately watched Cui Ti’s expression. Embarrassed, Cui Ti bit her lip and moved her fingers slightly away from the rabbit.

Pei Xuan quickly followed, her fingers always wanting to touch hers.

It was a childish game of chase.

Cui Ti, unable to do anything about it, sighed in defeat. Pei Xuan’s eyes sparkled like stars, her smile warmer than the spring breeze.

Childish Pei Xingguang, persistent Pei Xingguang, Pei Xingguang, still brimming with youthful spirit and unscathed by setbacks— in Cui Ti’s heart and eyes, she was a treasure more radiant than gold.

Cui Ti looked down and smiled, capturing Pei Xuan’s heart.

Pei Xuan’s warm, dry palm rested on Cui Ti’s smooth hand back. Pei Xuan’s heart swelled with boundless talent, wanting only to praise the person before her.

Her poetic words flowed effortlessly; the youngest Zhuangyuan in Dazhao’s history could speak far better than describing “white body, red eyes, short tail.”

She compared Cui Ti to a fairy from the heavenly pool who had accidentally wandered into the mortal world, while she herself was a mere mortal fortunate enough to be graced by the fairy’s presence.

This mortal, hopelessly in love with the exalted fairy, thought of her day and night. In the quiet of the night, her soul would drift into the pear garden where they had met, longing to see her…

The words were beautiful, imbued with a dreamy romanticism.

Pei Xuan thought Cui Ti wouldn’t understand, or at best, only partially grasp her meaning. Little did she know, Cui Ti was no longer the naïve girl she once was. Not only did she understand, but she was also moved by Pei Xuan’s exceptional literary talent and the deep affection hidden within her words.

Feigning ignorance, Cui Ti asked what the poem meant.

Given that during those years of barely having enough to eat, Cui Ti had likely missed out on her studies, Pei Xuan used this opportunity to subtly express her affection. Cui Ti listened, but couldn’t help wanting to cover her face as she finished.

So, when a scholar flirts seriously, it’s the most lethal.

The couple enjoyed their sweet moment for a while before Haozhong called from outside the door, “Gentleman, Young Madam, the Count has sent someone to invite you to the front hall for dinner.”

As they stepped outside, the starry sky unfolded above them. Pei Xuan suggested, “Shall we stay in the south courtyard tonight?”

The south courtyard, with its dilapidated roof tiles, was where she had first met Cui Ti. It held a special significance.

Cui Ti couldn’t see the stars in the sky, but she could see the starlight in Pei Xuan’s eyes as she looked up. She was very moved by the suggestion, but…

“That place is so simple and crude, I’m afraid it will be too much of a hardship for you.”

“What’s wrong with enduring some hardship if it’s with you?”

Her sincerity left Cui Ti unable to refuse, warming her heart. She hooked her pinky finger with Pei Xuan’s and let herself be led to the front hall for dinner.

Count Xining had ordered a lavish spread of dishes that he thought his daughter and son-in-law might enjoy. Not knowing his eldest daughter’s tastes, he had asked the young maid Bai Ge for advice and settled on a few decent dishes.

Pei Xuan’s identity was different from others. Born with secrets to bear, she was cautious in public, and only those close to her knew her personal preferences.

The table full of dishes wasn’t exactly to Pei Xuan’s liking, as Count Xining had hoped, but she wasn’t picky. Outsiders couldn’t tell her preferences and simply assumed everything was fine.

Cui Ti, having spent years with her, knew her tastes and slowly recalled an old memory.

Pei Xuan, who seemed refined and elegant like the spring breeze, had a particular fondness for sour and spicy flavors.

In their previous lifetime, Pei Xuan, with her strict self-discipline, indulged in her favorite spicy rabbit head at most once a month, eating just enough to be seven or eight-tenths full.

Cui Ti had once asked why. Most people knew to seize the day and enjoy life, so why, as the legitimate daughter of the Chancellor, did she restrain herself to such an extent?

Pei Xuan had smiled softly and said that she was born into wealth and ease beyond the ordinary. If she didn’t exercise restraint, she feared she might become someone even she couldn’t stand.

This self-discipline in small matters naturally translated to greater caution in significant ones.

This was one of the things Cui Ti admired about her.

The family sat together for the meal. Pei Xuan meticulously attended to the blind woman beside her, which delighted Count Xining. Even the Countess couldn’t help but marvel at how well Cui Ti had married such a good Fujun.

Compared to her attentive and considerate son-in-law, her own husband couldn’t even measure up to the tip of Pei Xuan’s little finger in terms of kindness.

People say that comparisons can be deadly, and goods are discarded after comparison. As these thoughts swirled in the Countess’s mind, she found herself increasingly displeased with Count Xining. Reflecting on the years she spent bearing his children and managing the household, a sour feeling welled up in her heart.

In this light, Cui Ti’s fate seemed indeed better than hers.

A blind woman, neglected by her parents, married off to a peerless Fujun who treasured her like a precious gem.

Pei Xuan, being the legitimate son of the Pei Family, ensured that even the Chancellor and his wife would not dare mistreat their daughter-in-law due to his status.

The treatment she received after marriage was far better than what the Countess experienced.

Lowering her head, the Countess silently continued eating.

Cui Dai, her most beloved daughter, couldn’t perceive the bitterness and unusual silence in her mother’s heart. She resented Cui Ti for securing such a good marriage and yearned for a man as good as her Brother-in-law, which made her worry about her own prospects.

Could Xi Jing possibly have another Pei Xuan?

Throughout the day and into the night, during two meals, Pei Xuan remained unaware of the deep impact she had on the Cui family. Even if she knew, she wouldn’t have cared.

That night, she and Cui Ti moved to the rundown house in the south courtyard to rekindle their affection. When Count Xining heard about it, he was momentarily dumbfounded, his eyes wide open: “They went to the south courtyard?”

The servant who reported it also found it unbelievable: “Yes, Count, the son-in-law and Miss indeed went to stay in the south courtyard.”

“How is the south courtyard now?” Count Xining asked.

The servant replied honestly: “The south courtyard is quite dilapidated. Since the eldest Miss moved out, no one has taken care of it…”

Count Xining’s heart tightened, and he immediately headed towards the south courtyard.

Bai Tang, Haozhong, and Raoliang followed a few steps behind, carrying the pillows and blankets their master would need.

This place had been the ‘old residence’ of Cui Ti and Bai Tang for over a decade. The two of them barely had time to feel nostalgic before Haozhong and the others were stunned at the sight of the shabby courtyard.

Is this really a place fit for people to live in?

Bai Tang sniffed, silently thinking to herself, “As expected.”

In the past, when she and her miss lived here, the courtyard was indeed run-down, but it wasn’t in such a state of disrepair. Once they left, the place became an abandoned house, neglected by everyone.

It couldn’t even maintain basic cleanliness.

Pei Xuan quietly observed the small courtyard, recalling how, after the Metropolitan Examination, she had chased after a kite with a broken string, climbed a tree and then the wall, and tumbled down to catch a glimpse of the girl who stole her heart at first sight.

Spring was beautiful, but the girl sitting on the stone steps was even more beautiful. Her embroidered shoes, pearwood hairpin, and water-red dress, all complemented by a serene smile on her lips, left Pei Xuan spellbound and her heart trembling with joy.

The courtyard was small, and with a single glance, Pei Xuan could see everything. She easily spotted the patch of ground surrounded by a dozen bricks near the wall. Bai Tang, feeling a bit embarrassed, said, “That’s where the gentleman planted something that day.”

The place where the dream began!

Hearing this, Pei Xuan, holding Cui Ti’s hand, walked forward. When she finally saw it, a smile spread across her face, and she praised, “You were thoughtful.”

Receiving her praise, Bai Tang couldn’t help but feel a bit proud, yet she held Pei Xuan in even higher regard.

In Bai Tang’s view, anyone who could look beyond worldly appearances and truly cherish her miss was the most outstanding and perceptive person in the world.

Such a person deserved her utmost respect.

Though she hadn’t read many books, Bai Tang understood the principle of reciprocating kindness.

Pei Xuan scrutinized every blade of grass and every tree in the courtyard, and the more serious she was, the more uneasy Cui Ti felt.

Though she was blind, her mind was sharp. She could easily imagine how dilapidated the courtyard had become after they left. To prevent Pei Xuan from feeling heartbroken, she thought of retreating back to Chenxiang Courtyard.

She could endure living here, but Pei Xuan might not be able to.

Cui Ti remembered that the roof needed repairs before they left, but they had to leave in a hurry, and it had been neglected for many days since. It was likely to be drafty at night, and if it rained, the roof would surely leak.

Her past was filled with hardships, and she didn’t intend for Pei Xuan to experience them one by one. She was already content with the happiness she had now.

“Why leave?” Pei Xuan asked, having surveyed the courtyard and now leading her inside.

Initially, the door wouldn’t budge. When they finally managed to push it open, it creaked loudly. Cui Ti’s face flushed with embarrassment, but ultimately, she couldn’t go against Pei Xuan’s wishes and followed her over the threshold.

Inside, the space was meant for habitation and was much better than outside. From the simple arrangement of furnishings, it was clear that those who lived here strived for cleanliness.

Cui Ti, being blind, couldn’t do the chores, so it was Bai Tang who took care of everything. When she noticed others looking at her, Bai Tang puffed out her small chest with a confidence that seemed to say, “Poverty does not diminish one’s resolve.”

However, the room had been uninhabited for a long time, and a layer of dust covered the table. Seeing this, Bai Tang wanted to clean it up, but Haozhong stopped her by holding her wrist.

Pei Xuan walked straight into the inner room.

Lifting the cloth curtain, she saw an old bed, table, and wardrobe, all in plain view, revealing a scene of poverty.

As she looked around, a cold smile spread across her face. Cui Ti sensed Pei Xuan’s anger and was about to speak when Count Xining arrived in a hurry: “Son-in-law—”

Pei Xuan turned to face him, her gaze icy: “Father-in-law.”

Count Xining’s words got stuck in his throat, as if an invisible hand was squeezing his neck, making it hard for him to breathe.

The sight of the old and shabby room shocked him, and after a moment of daze, he remembered his purpose for coming and thickened his skin to say, “Son-in-law, why stay in this humble place? Chenxiang Courtyard is your proper residence.”

“Is that so?”

Pei Xuan’s chest burned with rage, making her both hurt and furious.

She recalled how, upon first meeting Cui Ti, she had been overwhelmed with joy, feeling that the small courtyard shone bright just because Cui Ti was there. Without the old servant’s reminders, she might never have realized how her beloved had been neglected day after day.

Cui Ti had cried twice since their marriage. Once was in the back garden when Pei Xuan had asked about her feelings, and Cui Ti, not saying a word, had caused Pei Xuan to panic. The other time was in broad daylight when Cui Ti accused her of “abandoning her after having her way.”

Perhaps her niangzi wasn’t naturally weak or prone to tears. Perhaps she had long harbored deep grievances.

Grievances unseen by others, and even by the Fujun who should have seen them the most.

The past, which Pei Xuan had never fully considered, now lay clearly before her, telling her plainly—look, your niangzi endured so much suffering you never knew about or saw. You thought you cherished her like a precious jewel and revered her like the bright moon.

Your precious jewel and bright moon were treated by others as mere rubble, as worthless as weeds. Pei Xingguang, are you still going to tolerate this?

“A splendidly hidden disgrace in the Xining Count’s residence, a fatherly love that’s anything but selfless!”

With a flick of her sleeve, Pei Xuan sat upright on the old wooden bed: “Count, please leave. Since no one cares for my niangzi, tonight, I’ll share in her hardships.”