Chapter 69 Thoughts

After the birthday banquet, Pei Tingyou learned that his nephew was in love with his cousin Lu, and he was looking forward to his nephew taking the initiative to date her. However, after waiting for nearly two months, there was still no movement from his nephew, so he had to tell Guan about it.

Guan was already anxious about Pei Zhao's marriage, fearing he would follow the example of the great Confucian scholars and delay marriage. Upon learning that Pei Zhao had a crush on a girl, she immediately inquired about the whereabouts of Lu's cousin.

However, this cousin was very strange. She had not left the house since the birthday banquet at the Pei family. After finally getting the chance, she took the excuse of worshiping Buddha and took Xiang to the mountain to see her.

Coincidentally, Pei Zhao had come to Jueshui County with Sima Daru to give lectures these past two days, and Guan wanted to create an opportunity for the two to get along.

Pei Zhao frowned: "Mother is making trouble, and you are following suit."

"I'm not kidding. My aunt has already discussed this with Old Madam Lu. If Old Madam Lu doesn't agree, Sister Song won't be able to leave the mountain." Pei Ling said seriously.

Upon hearing this, Pei Zhao turned to look at Song Lingyi.

But after a short while, the girl had lost her previous restraint and was chatting with Sima Daru. Sima Daru, who was over fifty years old and had seen all kinds of people, was really delighted by being coaxed by a little girl. Chu Ruiheng and Lian He just watched in amazement, unable to get a word in.

The atmosphere in the pavilion is strange yet harmonious.

Pei Ling coughed lightly, and when her cousin Lian He looked over, she gave him a look, signaling him not to just sit there.

Lian He understood what he meant and immediately picked up Sima Daru's fishing rod and fish basket.

"Master, didn't you say you wanted to catch a big fish? This fish basket is still empty. Let me accompany you to fish for a while."

Sima Daru's laughter stopped abruptly. He was about to say, "Let's stop fishing here today," but suddenly something occurred to him. He stood up, restored his usual elegant and relaxed demeanor, and stroked his graying beard: "Let's go."

Chu Ruiheng was also very aware of the situation. He found an excuse and left the pavilion with Pei Ling.

Song Lingyi, who was left in a daze, muttered, "Why are they all gone..."

Pei Zhao's expression remained unchanged as he spoke gently, "I heard that Miss Song is staying with Old Madam Lu at Jingjue Temple to worship Buddha for a while. It's quiet up there in the mountains. Are you feeling bored, Miss Song?"

"It's okay. My grandmother takes good care of me. And the next day, I met Sister Pei who went up the mountain to worship Buddha. We traveled together and it didn't feel boring at all." Song Lingyi smiled.

The girl's eyes were as bright as when they first met.

Pei Zhao lowered his eyes to gaze upon the young girl's smile, a moment of daze. That day, when he had met her outside Qingshi Town, she had looked disheveled, but her radiant black eyes, clear as water, had left a deep impression on him. Later, when they met again at the Duke's Mansion, he recognized her almost instantly.

Pei Zhao smiled gently, his expression gentle, "Have you finished reading the poetry collection I recommended to Miss Song last time?"

Speaking of this, Song Lingyi's whole body was as stiff as a stone statue that had just been taken out of the mold. She had already lost her life once when she was painting at Pei's house last time, and she couldn't lie anymore.

She lowered her head and said truthfully, "Thank you, Master Pei, for your kindness. Actually, I haven't read those poetry collections... and I don't really understand them. I don't know much about poetry or songs." She paused, "I have to thank Master Pei for helping me out on the day of the Pei family's birthday banquet."

Perhaps this was already predicted, so Pei Zhao wasn't overly surprised. He spoke softly, "As Miss Song said, the world has many facets. Not being able to compose poetry or paint isn't a big deal. Why be embarrassed about it?"

“…” Song Lingyi suddenly raised her head.

Did he hear everything that was said that day?

It is said that Pei Erlang is the top star in Kyoto. His bearing and style are far better than other young masters from aristocratic families.

"The Lu family and the Pei family are close friends. If Miss Song doesn't mind, you can call me 'brother'." Pei Zhao said.

"Okay, then don't call me Miss Song anymore. Just call me 'Lingyi'."

Pei Zhao smiled faintly.

A gust of river wind blew past, causing the young man's wide, snow-blue robe sleeves to flutter in the wind, creating a scene of graceful elegance and grace. With a slight nod, he looked as noble as a crane, his posture gentle yet possessing an indescribable sense of ethereal elegance.

Song Lingyi stared blankly, and suddenly remembered the day when she heard her grandmother and aunt discussing the birthday banquet held by the Pei family. In addition to celebrating Old Lady Pei's birthday, they also wanted to find a suitable noble lady for Pei Zhaoxiang.

I wonder what kind of woman such a handsome man would marry.

Having doubts in her mind, she asked directly.

"Actually, I already have a candidate in mind, but I don't know what that girl thinks." Pei Zhao raised his eyes and looked straight at the girl sitting opposite him.

“…”

Song Lingyi fell silent, and her smile froze for a moment.

It is true that deep down she felt that this embarrassment was unreasonable and even suspected of narcissism, but similar situations have happened many times in movies and TV dramas.

The atmosphere was inexplicably quiet.

Even though she had an unknown past with Xiao Mingyi, Song Lingyi was ultimately a modern person and did not think that having had a relationship with her ex was immoral.

What's more, Xiao Mingyi is the crown prince and will be the emperor in the future. How could he be responsible for her?

Think about Xia Yuhe, who was forgotten by Emperor Qianlong by the Daming Lake for more than ten years. She was well-educated, well-mannered, and gentle. Even such a person would be let down. What kind of person is she? Why should she be sad for someone who will never marry her?

"How long will you stay in Jueshui County, brother?"

The girl didn't ask any further questions. A hint of disappointment flashed across Pei Zhao's eyes. "It will probably take a few more days."

"If I find life in the mountains boring in the future, can I come to find you again?" Song Lingyi looked up at him and smiled, her black eyes shining like stars.

Although the Dayuan Dynasty was not as taboo about sex as the previous dynasties, people still did not put their shoes on in a melon field or straighten their hats under a plum tree. Unmarried men and women were not encouraged to have close relationships, for fear that they would be misunderstood as having private dealings.

Pei Zhao didn't say clearly who his crush was, so she responded in a cryptic way. If Pei Zhao refused, it would prove that the person he liked was not her, and she wouldn't be too embarrassed.

"Of course." Pei Zhao's lips curved up, and he smiled elegantly. "Jueshui County has beautiful scenery. I'll take you to visit other places next time."

Song Lingyi nodded.

The two chatted for a while, and the sky, which was clear just now, was now covered with dark clouds, with signs of heavy rain.

Having promised the old lady to return to Jingjue Temple before the hour of You, Song Lingyi, unwilling to break her promise, set out along the riverbank to look for Pei Ling. Before the rain fell, the two women solemnly bid farewell to Sima Daru and boarded the carriage for their return journey.

But things did not go as planned. When the two were halfway through their journey, the gloomy sky seemed to have been cut open by a knife. The rain hit the car windows, making crackling sounds, and the road was muddy and difficult to travel on.

Even though the weather was bad and the wheels got stuck in the mud twice, Song Lingyi's good mood was not affected at all and she remained cheerful.