Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Pei Muheng’s hand fell back to his knee.

A layer of deep gloom slowly rose in his gaze, fixed on her without moving.

The two stared at each other for several long breaths.

Xu Yunqi’s expression remained calm, even carrying a tone of persuasion. “Third Master was forced to marry me by imperial decree. After yesterday’s events, His Majesty is now fully aware—this could serve as an opportunity…”

“Faced with difficulty, your first instinct is to retreat—is that your usual way?” Pei Muheng cut her off without mercy, his demeanor colder than she had ever seen. His eyes were dark and heavy, like a whirlwind holding back a storm, fathomless.

Xu Yunqi was taken aback—not by his words, but by his tone.

In the half-year of their marriage, her husband had always been gentle and had never spoken harshly to her. This cold ruthlessness was a first.

She didn’t understand what he was angry about. Was he angry that a female physician had proposed a divorce?

Though Pei Muheng never discussed court affairs with her, Xu Yunqi could glean some things from the details. He had ambitions in the political arena, perhaps grand ones. His and his mother’s attitudes today made that clear. The more she thought about it, the more evident it became that they were truly ill-suited. Why not cut the knot quickly?

“Third Master, those who follow different paths cannot walk together. You know it, and so do I. Neither of us will change for the other, isn’t that right? I don’t want to hold you back.”

Xu Yunqi’s tone was crisp and decisive, without a trace of hesitation.

Pei Muheng narrowed his eyes at his wife across from him and let out a bitter laugh of disbelief.

Those brows and eyes were still the same—soft, warm, without a hint of sharpness—yet her words cut like cold knives.

Her merciless, unreserved stance made the passion of the previous night seem like a joke.

He turned to face forward, took several deep breaths, and let out a few self-mocking laughs. He truly did not know what kind of woman he had married. She was vastly different from what he had imagined.

Pei Muheng rubbed his brow, forcing himself to calm down. In a marriage, it was best to say nothing in the heat of anger—once spoken, words could not be taken back and would become weapons for future recrimination.

The carriage stopped at that moment. Without a second thought, Pei Muheng lifted the curtain and stepped out, crossing the threshold without looking back.

Xu Yunqi slowly took Yinxing’s hand and descended from the carriage. She watched his retreating figure for a moment, shook her head, and followed inside.

The night was deep, yet the Xi manor was eerily silent. Servants stood with bowed heads, not daring to breathe loudly.

First, the Princess Consort of Xi had returned with a livid face. Then Pei Muheng had stormed through the gate, his expression icy. Though the Third Young Master was not one for idle chatter, he rarely showed anger. For him to be in such a state meant something serious had happened.

Xu Yunqi was exhausted after three hours of intensive treatment. She quickly washed up and leaned against her pillow to rest.

She would give Pei Muheng time to think.

He had always known what he wanted. Between them, divorce was the only way.

Yinxing inspected the medical kit and pouch, tidied them, and came inside. Seeing her mistress resting her forehead on her hand against the pillow, she gently draped a thin quilt over her abdomen. “Miss, lie down and sleep.”

“Mmm…” Xu Yunqi groggily came to, glanced at her, then looked out the window. Pei Muheng likely wouldn’t return tonight. She didn’t wait—she lay down and fell into a deep sleep.

Back in his study, Pei Muheng didn’t allow himself to wallow in negative emotions. He spread out the intelligence reports sent by his secret guards and reviewed them one by one.

Today’s incident was indeed an opportunity. Yan Shaoling was Yan Ping’s late-born son, the apple of his eye, an untouchable scale on the dragon. Last time, he had recommended Yan Shaoling to investigate a case in Jinzhou, giving the young man a chance to shine before the Emperor—in effect, doing Yan Ping a favor.

Why had he done it? Over the years, he had observed that Yan Ping and Prince Qin were not a monolithic bloc. Prince Qin was rash and aggressive, while Yan Ping was a wily old fox who preferred to keep his options open and move steadily. The two had differing political views.

Prince Qin’s eagerness to unseat the Crown Prince had forced Yan Ping to clean up his messes—a situation that must have infuriated the Grand Secretary. Today, the young commandery princess of Prince Qin’s household had inadvertently injured Yan Shaoling. This was the perfect opportunity to sever the bond between the Yan family and Prince Qin’s household.

He shook the small bell by the window. A hidden guard on the roof flipped silently through the window.

“Deliver a message to Liu Yu: reopen the case of Chen Mingshan, the prefect of Tongzhou.”

Starting from that anonymous letter begging for help, he had followed the trail to Chen Mingshan and discovered that this man was very interesting—he played both sides, not only helping the Crown Prince amass wealth but also holding leverage over Prince Qin. Such a man was a sharp sword at his disposal.

The guard took the order and left. But not long after, he returned with news.

“Third Master, half an hour ago, a secretary from the Ministry of Justice looked into Chen Mingshan’s record and discovered that his initial official post was purchased.”

Who oversaw appointments and promotions? The Ministry of Personnel.

And who was the Minister of Personnel? The Grand Secretary himself, Yan Ping.

Pei Muheng was startled, then slowly smiled, stroking his chin. “Someone else smelled the opportunity today and moved before we did. Interesting… Tell Liu Yu to go along with the flow.”

“Understood.”

Pei Muheng leaned back in his armchair, settling comfortably.

Who could that person be?

Someone who knew Chen Mingshan well, striking where it hurt most—trying to uproot not just the turnip but all the mud clinging to it. Such tactics were no ordinary handiwork.

A face flashed through Pei Muheng’s mind.

He gave a soft scoff.

Once this case was brought to light, Yan Ping—being a smart man—would know what to do.

Just then, the chime on the tall table in the corner rang out. The clock hand pointed to the third quarter of the hai hour.

Pei Muheng paused again.

She usually went to sleep at this time.

It was for this very reason that he had set the chime at this hour—to remind himself to wrap up and head to the inner courtyard.

That clear, resonant chime struck his heart gently. The satisfaction of strategizing faded, replaced by a dazed confusion.

How could she so readily call for a divorce?

Had half a year of marriage not given her a moment’s hesitation?

His insides burned like molten lava, choking him. He spent the night in his study.

At the Yan Duke’s mansion.

Several physicians and guards carefully transported Yan Shaoling back.

Pei Mushan rode alongside, staying by his side the entire way.

Prince Xi, worried for his daughter, naturally accompanied her.

Halfway there, Yan Ping invited Prince Xi into his carriage, but he declined—Prince Xi knew well the importance of avoiding suspicion. In the end, Yan Ping had no choice but to ride alongside on horseback—a poor old man, bumping along until they finally reached the mansion.

Physician He administered a bowl of qi-stabilizing, blood-replenishing ginseng decoction, and Yan Shaoling fell asleep.

With Prince Xi present, Yan Ping couldn’t retire. He forced himself to stay alert in the hall.

Pei Mushan sat motionless in the hall. Madam Yan, too exhausted, sent her eldest daughter-in-law to persuade her.

“Commandery Princess, please go rest. Young Master Yan won’t wake for some time.”

Too much had happened today—Pei Mushan was overwhelmed. She looked up dazedly at the First Madam of the Yan household, then at her father in the distance, and buried her face in her palms. “I want to wait until he wakes.”

Following Yan Ping’s instructions, the First Madam prepared a guest courtyard for father and daughter to rest. Pei Mushan refused to leave the hall. Prince Xi shrugged helplessly at Yan Ping. “Grand Secretary Yan, you’re old—go get some rest. I’ll stay with her.”

“That won’t do—”

Before he could finish, a trusted steward whispered in Yan Ping’s ear. Yan Ping frowned—but only for an instant. The seasoned Grand Secretary quickly recovered. He rose and bowed to Prince Xi.

“Forgive me, Your Highness. I truly can’t hold on any longer. I’ll have to rest for a while.”

Prince Xi was easygoing and waved him off.

That night, the First and Second Masters of the Yan household kept Prince Xi company.

Back in his study, Yan Ping received a memorial from the steward, whose expression was cold. “The Tongzhou case has come to light. Chen Mingshan has been held in the大理寺 dungeon. After the Eastern Palace case was closed, he was to be executed in autumn. But someone seems to have secretly targeted him, discovered he bought his official post, and reported it to His Majesty. Master, this is aimed at you and Prince Qin.”

Yan Ping didn’t even glance at the memorial, nor did his eyelids twitch. “Mm. Leave it there.”

The steward, seeing his impassive face, grew anxious. “Aren’t you going to respond?”

“I will, in due course.” Yan Ping waved his hand, signaling the steward to leave. “Let me rest for a bit.”

Prince Xi and Pei Mushan spent the night in the Yan family hall. Yan Ping didn’t interfere. As dawn broke, Physician He sent word that Yan Shaoling showed signs of waking—he was out of danger.

Prince Xi asked his daughter, “Do you want to see him?”

Pei Mushan rubbed her swollen, sore eyes, shook her head, rose, and strode out. “It’s enough that he’s awake.”

Prince Xi watched his daughter’s straight back and suddenly smiled—she had a bit of his own free-spirited nature.

Father and daughter returned to the manor one after another.

At the gate, the guard from the previous day reported,

“Your Highness, Commandery Princess—last night, someone ambushed the young commandery princess of Prince Qin’s household, covering her head. She suffered two broken ribs and internal injuries. Her condition is still unclear.”

Pei Mushan’s eyelids drooped; she showed no reaction.

Prince Xi glanced at his expressionless daughter, raised an eyebrow with an “oh,” then patted the guard’s shoulder—his look said clearly, “Well done.”

Pei Mushan, having barely slept all night, went to her room to rest.

Prince Xi strode into Jinhe Hall. He had barely passed the screen when his wife, wearing a headband, snapped at him coldly,

“What are you doing back? Go to the palace. Plead with His Majesty. After yesterday’s events, he owes us an explanation!”

Prince Xi was taken aback, then frowned as he walked toward her. “What explanation? What do you want?”

The Princess Consort stepped down from the couch, clutching her head and supporting her waist. “His Majesty arranged this marriage—did he not investigate her ancestry, her background, before shoving her into our household?” Her voice trembled. Old Madam Hao and the others hurried to support her, afraid she might fall.

Prince Xi looked at his wife quietly, noting her pale, unsteady appearance—clearly she hadn’t slept all night. He sighed, stepped forward, sat on the soft couch, poured himself a cup of tea, and spoke to her earnestly.

“I told you before—His Majesty arranged this marriage for a reason. He didn’t want the Xi household to form an alliance with the Xun family—it was a warning. Besides, the Emperor’s word is final. Even if he later learned of her humble origins, he couldn’t go back on his word—that’s royal integrity. What’s the use in bringing this up now?”

The Princess Consort sat across from him, her temples twitching with pain, her breath ragged. “I don’t care. You must go to the palace.”

Suddenly, a tall matron hurriedly crossed the threshold and stood behind the screen to report.

“Your Highness, Prince—something terrible has happened.”

“What now?” The Princess Consort’s heart sank. She was already at her wits’ end—she couldn’t handle any more blows.

This was a matron in charge of external affairs and one of the Princess Consort’s informants. She spoke with a tearful voice.

“This morning, I sent servants to the market and overheard gossip. They say our Third Young Madam is not Master Xu’s biological daughter at all—that her mother had a child with another man before marrying him!”

The words hit the Princess Consort like a thunderbolt. She was frozen, speechless. When she recovered, she whirled on Prince Xi.

“Do you hear that? Look at what this has come to! My son—as noble as jade and orchid—how could he be matched with such a woman? You—right now, this instant—go to the palace and plead with His Majesty!”

Prince Xi hadn’t expected things to take such a turn. He rubbed his face.

“That’s unlikely. It’s probably malicious slander.”

The Princess Consort wouldn’t listen. She threw off her headband, sat upright, and declared, “Go! We’ll go to the palace and appeal to His Majesty—beg him to annul the marriage.” Seeing Prince Xi still unmoved, she grew furious, gathered her skirts, and started for the door. “If you won’t go, I will!”

Seeing this, Prince Xi frowned and shouted, “Come back here!”

Though usually indulgent with his wife, Prince Xi never wavered on matters of principle.

The Princess Consort stood below, glaring at him with tear-filled eyes, her face full of grievance.

Prince Xi rarely scolded his wife. He rose and walked over to her, speaking earnestly.

“What fault does that child have? Can she choose her birth? She didn’t choose this marriage either. She just rendered great service yesterday—our Shan’er is grateful to her. And today you’re demanding they divorce? What would people think of our Xi household? I, Pei Zheng, have always been an upright man—I will not do something so faithless.”

Hearing this, the Princess Consort broke down in tears. She shook her head and wept. “Of course I know. I don’t blame her—she’s truly a good girl. These past six months, she’s been dutiful to her husband, gentle and quiet. I don’t dislike her as a person. What I resent is her status.”

“Yes, she’s not at fault. But is Heng’er at fault? Is he not innocent? Neither is wrong—they simply shouldn’t be together.”

She turned and grasped her husband’s arm, looking at him through tears. “Don’t think I don’t know what you two have been scheming. Heng’er has great ambitions—I know it as his mother. Xu Shi is not the right match for him. Since that’s the case, let me be the villain. If I can persuade His Majesty to issue the decree, I will go to Qingshan Temple and offer a long-life tablet for her. I will compensate her tenfold, a hundredfold—I won’t wrong her.”

Prince Xi closed his eyes.

Just then, a young maid’s crisp voice announced from outside,

“Your Highness, Prince—Third Young Madam requests an audience!”

Prince Xi and his wife both froze.

·

Two quarters of an hour earlier, Xu Yunqi was in the pharmacy preparing a medicinal ointment for Yan Shaoling. Yinxing, who had been tasked with monitoring the Xun mother and daughter, came rushing in.

“Miss, people are spreading word that you’re not Master Xu’s biological daughter—that the Xu family has committed the crime of deceiving the emperor. I’m certain it’s those Xun women behind this.”

Xu Yunqi kept grinding her pestle and smiled faintly. “Good. I wasn’t afraid of them making a move—I was afraid they wouldn’t. The fish has taken the bait.”

Yinxing sat on the opposite stool and analyzed shrewdly. “By pinning the charge of deceiving the emperor on the Xu family, they’re trying to destroy both you and Madam in one blow.”

Xu Yunqi’s expression didn’t change. She stopped and handed the mortar to Yinxing. “Keep grinding. When it’s done, put it in this small bottle—I’ve already mixed some liquid in it. Once it’s blended, it can be sent to the Yan household.”

“Got it!” Yinxing took it, switched places with her mistress.

Xu Yunqi washed her hands, left the side room, changed into fresh clothes, and stepped outside. There she found Old Madam Chen waiting under the eaves, tears streaming down her face.

Old Madam Chen sobbed, “Madam, with this big trouble—what’s to be done?”

She looked at Xu Yunqi’s carefree demeanor, then peeked through the window crack at the intently focused Yinxing, and felt deeply worried. These mistress and maid—either they were too naive to fear, or they simply didn’t care—both were more composed than the other.

Xu Yunqi smoothed her sleeves and reassured her.

“Don’t overthink it. Go about your business. I’m heading to Jinhe Hall.”

“Ah? I’ll come with you.” Old Madam Chen hurriedly wiped her tears.

“No need.” Xu Yunqi waved her hand, her figure gracefully disappearing beyond the moon gate.

Along the way, many servants hid in the shadows, watching her. Some looked on with admiration, others with pity. Xu Yunqi walked straight ahead without a sideways glance, entering the passageway of Jinhe Hall.

Having caught wind of the news, Pei Mushan, without even bothering to dress, her hair loose and shiny, wearing only embroidered slippers, rushed to Jinhe Hall. She darted into the passage and spread her arms to block Xu Yunqi’s way.

“Sister-in-law, what are you doing!”

Pei Mushan was panting, her chest heaving, her eyes bloodshot, her face sallow with exhaustion.

Xu Yunqi, seeing her poor condition, said worriedly, “Didn’t you sleep last night? Go rest.”

Pei Mushan glared at her in frustration.

“Now of all times, you’re worried about whether I slept!” She stepped forward, gripping Xu Yunqi’s shoulders, tears welling in her eyes.

“Sister-in-law, I understand—you only went to save him for my sake. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have exposed yourself…”

Xu Yunqi smiled freely and shook her head. “You’re wrong. I would save anyone who collapsed before me—even if he were an enemy general.” Her tone grew serious at the end. She patted Pei Mushan’s hand, signaling her to let go.

“Shanshan, I’m glad I met you. My affairs—I’ll handle them myself.”

Pei Mushan’s face went blank. A hollow ache spread through her chest, as if a piece of her heart had been carved out.

“Are you planning to leave?”

Seeing the young girl’s heartbroken face, Xu Yunqi didn’t know how to console her.

Throughout life, people constantly meet and constantly part.

She didn’t say much—only, “Let me pass.”

Pei Mushan’s tears fell. By then Xu Yunqi had already walked past her, heading along the corridor to the main hall. Pei Mushan watched her retreating, blurry back and swore to herself—if the Xi manor abandoned her sister-in-law, she would sever ties with the household.

Xu Yunqi sent a maid to announce her presence. The maid quickly returned and gestured inside.

“Madam, please enter.”

Xu Yunqi stepped into the main hall.

Prince Xi and the Princess Consort sat on the soft couch facing north. Prince Xi looked concerned; the Princess Consort remained cold and distant as usual.

Xu Yunqi first gave a slight curtsy, then cut straight to the point.

“I have two matters to make clear to Your Highness and the Princess Consort. First—I am indeed not Master Xu’s biological daughter. My father died on his way to the capital for the imperial examinations when I was four. Later, my mother remarried into the Xu family. Master Xu is a man of noble character, magnanimous, who took me in, registered me as his daughter, and raised me as his own. I have always been deeply grateful.”

“By household registration, I am indeed a daughter of the Xu family—there’s no disputing that. There is no crime of deceiving the emperor. Even if His Majesty investigates, the Xu family has nothing to hide.”

Prince Xi had no doubt of Xu Yunqi’s words and nodded immediately. “I understand. On this point, I will personally go to the palace and clarify matters with His Majesty. I will not let him punish the Xu family—I won’t let them be implicated at all. On the contrary, I admire the Xu family’s broad-mindedness.”

Xu Yunqi smiled and curtsied. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

“The second matter is to ask a favor of Your Highness.”

“What is it?” Both husband and wife fixed their eyes on her.

Xu Yunqi bowed solemnly. “Please go to the palace and petition His Majesty on my behalf—request his permission for me and Third Master to divorce.”

At these words, Prince Xi was stunned. Even the Princess Consort’s expression shifted; the handkerchief she had been gripping slipped from her fingers as she stared at Xu Yunqi in disbelief.

But Xu Yunqi was not looking at her. She addressed Prince Xi seriously, a smile already blooming on her lips, her eyes clear and bright as the moon.

“I have no intention of abandoning my skills. My master poured everything into teaching me—he would never want to see me waste away in the inner quarters. Since I was young, I have dreamed of carrying my medical kit and caring for the living—outdoors, under the open sky, protecting the common people. I find joy in this path, and I find purpose in it. But I did not realize that it runs counter to the expectations of a royal household, causing you such distress.”

“It is better to endure a short pain than a long one. There’s no need for us to force this. Third Master is an honorable man who won’t break his word. So I humbly ask Your Highness to petition His Majesty on my behalf, explain the situation, and request his decree of divorce.”

Her words were clear, resolute, without a trace of hypocrisy or lingering attachment.

Prince Xi stared at her fixedly, his throat tight, unable to speak for a long moment.

The Princess Consort was even more shaken—she hadn’t expected Xu Yunqi to voluntarily renounce the marriage. In her heart, she had to admire Xu Yunqi’s spirit. Even she, in the same position, might not easily let go of such wealth and status.

Prince Xi still couldn’t quite believe it. He cleared his throat and said gravely, “Child, this is not a trivial matter. Don’t speak in anger. Pay no mind to my wife’s words—I, the Xi household—”

“Your Highness, it is I who do not wish to remain in the manor,” Xu Yunqi interrupted calmly.

“If you must have a reason, I will speak more plainly. Before our marriage, I was already betrothed to another. I was forced by His Majesty’s decree to marry into the household. Yesterday’s incident may well serve as an opportunity—Third Master can be freed from this unsatisfactory marriage, and I can regain my freedom. Parting ways amicably, each going their own way—what’s wrong with that?”

At these words, Prince Xi had no room left to object.

He glanced sidelong at his wife—a look that said, “See? You were worried she’d cling to your son, but she can’t get away fast enough.”

The Princess Consort flushed red. After all her fussing, it turned out the girl didn’t even like her son and didn’t care to marry him. Somehow, the resentment in her heart began to dissipate. She lowered her gaze and remained silent.

Prince Xi let out a deep breath, turned his gaze back to Xu Yunqi, and said firmly,

“Very well, I’ll go to the palace.”