Chapter 115 Holding a grudge "It's not all bad, at least... you're temporarily..."

Inside the study of the Third Prince's residence.

The candlelight flickered, illuminating several faces with varying expressions. The Third Prince sat upright in the main seat, his knuckles tapping the sandalwood tabletop with a dull thud. His face still held its usual gentle and refined appearance, but deep within his eyes, a dark cloud churned, almost uncontrollable.

“Your Highness, it’s truly a matter of bad luck.” The advisor, Mr. Han, stroked his beard, his brow furrowed. “The bird’s nest soup was supposed to be foolproof, but who would have thought that Madam Pei would mistakenly eat it…”

“That being said, we have escaped a disaster,” Mr. Zhu interjected, trying to comfort the Third Prince. “This matter did not directly implicate Your Highness, and Consort Wen’s maternal family is still under our control. I’m sure… she will know what to do.”

"What a pity! If Consort Jing and the child in her womb were gone, Your Highness wouldn't be in such a passive position now! Such a great opportunity has been ruined!"

The Third Prince's fingers, which had been tapping the table, suddenly stopped. He smiled faintly, "Enough, why rush things? There's still plenty of time. Even if that child is born, how many infants have died in the palace?" His tone was calm, as if he were discussing the weather, but the content was chilling. "There are countless ways to make an infant disappear without a trace."

Just as Mr. Han was about to agree, the sound of rapid hoofbeats suddenly rang out outside the mansion, followed by the eunuch's sharp announcement that pierced the night: "Imperial edict has arrived!"

The air in the study seemed to freeze instantly. The Third Prince's fingers, which were resting on the desk, stiffened, his knuckles turning bluish-white from the force.

"His Majesty has decreed: The Third Prince, Qi Jing, has reached adulthood and should share the burdens of the court. He is hereby granted the title of Prince of the Second Rank, bestowed with a mansion, and appointed to his fiefdom at Yanmen. He shall depart immediately. This is the imperial decree!"

Prince! Northwest Yanmen!

Mr. Han and Mr. Zhu stared at each other in shock, their eyes filled with fear. The title of Prince was the lowest rank, almost a nominal one. Yanmen was located in the northwestern frontier, a harsh, desolate place ravaged by sandstorms. The Emperor's action was tantamount to exile!

The third prince, his hands trembling, gritted his teeth and bowed his head, replying, "Thank you, Father. Your subject accepts the decree."

As soon as the eunuch left, he stood up abruptly and threw down the imperial edict. His eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging on his forehead, and he stared intently at the bright yellow edict. "The Prince of Yanmen? My father... he actually treated me like this!"

The gentle mask on his face shattered instantly. With a flick of his sleeve, he swept all the tea sets off the table, the sound of shattering porcelain being exceptionally jarring.

"I am a prince! And yet I have been banished to such a barbaric land!"

"This matter should clearly only be traced back to Consort Wen... It must be that vile woman who used some tricks!" His voice was hoarse, like the roar of a trapped beast, completely devoid of his former gentlemanly demeanor.

"Your Highness, please calm down!" Mr. Han hurriedly stood up. "Things have come to this point; further anger will not change anything. Perhaps..."

"Not as good as what?" The Third Prince's eyes were sinister.

Mr. Han stepped forward, lowered his voice, and almost whispered in his ear, “His Majesty’s actions have made his intentions clear. Since he has no regard for the bond between father and son, then don’t blame us for being ruthless! With the Emperor’s birthday approaching, the capital is busy with celebrations, and there will inevitably be oversights in the defenses. This is… a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Mr. Zhu also became excited, "Your Highness, rather than waiting to die in that desolate land, why not fight to the death! Victory or defeat depends on this one battle!"

The Third Prince's chest heaved violently, his eyes flashing with a mixture of ruthlessness and madness, which finally coalesced into a chilling killing intent. He slowly nodded, squeezing out a few words through clenched teeth, "Fine... since he's trying to force me to my death, then... nobody will get away with this."

"What did you say?" Zhao Ruxuan took a half step back and slumped heavily into a chair, muttering, "Rebellion... They actually want to rebel! They've gone mad, completely mad!"

Her personal maid knelt on the ground, her legs weak and unable to stand up. She had only wanted to find out more information for her mistress, but she never expected to learn such a shocking secret.

Zhao Ruxuan felt a chill run from her feet to the top of her head, her limbs instantly turning icy cold. Rebellion… Qi Jing actually dared to do it!

Having married into the Third Prince's household, she had long seen through Qi Jing's outward appearance of refinement and inner corruption. His gentle and refined demeanor was nothing but a mask to conceal his ruthless and vicious nature. Her staying in this quagmire was less an acceptance of fate and more a deliberate act of mutual torment. Neither of them would find peace; she intended to be entangled with him until death.

But it wasn't until this moment that she realized she didn't want to die; she wanted to live!

Qi Jing's actions were tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock. The emperor's power was firmly established; how could a disgraced prince like him shake the court? If the plot failed, she, as the third prince's consort, would be guilty of treason and have no chance of survival.

She forced herself to calm down, her nails digging deep into her palms, the pain clearing her muddled mind somewhat. She couldn't panic, absolutely couldn't panic! If Qi Jing noticed even the slightest hint of something, none of them would survive the night.

Footsteps sounded outside the door, and the Third Prince returned to the main courtyard, still furious. Zhao Ruxuan took a deep breath, quickly concealing all the panic on her face, and put on a slightly weary and distant expression. She casually picked up an account book from the table and pretended to flip through it.

The Third Prince pushed open the door and entered, his face grim. He glanced at Zhao Ruxuan sitting under the lamp, and seeing that she looked normal and nothing was amiss, he assumed she was as indifferent as usual and asked no further questions before heading straight to the inner room.

Only after his figure disappeared behind the screen did Zhao Ruxuan's tense back slowly relax, her back already drenched in cold sweat. She put down the account book, her palms sticky with cold sweat.

She couldn't just sit and wait to die.

Father and brothers? Since what happened before, father and brothers have been devastated, indulging in alcohol and women all day long. After my uncle passed away, my mother also fell ill and never recovered; that family could no longer provide her with any support.

Royal relatives? They were even more distant and indifferent.

In my mind, a figure clearly emerged—Meng Lingyao.

She and Meng Lingyao were never close friends; in fact, due to past squabbles, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they were enemies. But strangely, at this critical moment, deep down, Zhao Ruxuan felt that only Meng Lingyao was someone she could trust and entrust with this earth-shattering secret.

The next day, she sent a letter, ostensibly to visit the Pei residence while he was ill.

Meng Lingyao leaned against the warm couch, covered with a soft brocade quilt. Her face was still somewhat pale, but her spirits were still good. Upon hearing that Zhao Ruxuan had come to visit, she hesitated for a moment and then instructed, "Please invite her in."

As Zhao Ruxuan stepped into the inner room, her gaze met Meng Lingyao's. She paused, and her usually proud eyes now clearly reflected panic and urgency. She quickly stepped forward and knelt down.

"Madam Meng... Madam Pei!" Her voice trembled with barely suppressed panic. "I have something of life-or-death importance to tell you!"

Meng Lingyao's eyes narrowed, and she tried to sit up straight by supporting herself on her arms. Song Lan, who was beside her, quickly stepped forward to support her. Meng Lingyao nodded slightly to Song Lan, who understood and immediately stepped forward to help Zhao Ruxuan.

"What is the matter, Third Prince's Consort? Please rise and speak slowly."

Zhao Ruxuan used the momentum to stand up, clutching the handkerchief in her hand tightly until her knuckles turned white. She glanced around, her eyes wary. Meng Lingyao turned to Songlan and said, "Go to the outer room and keep watch. No one is allowed to approach."

Songlan acknowledged and withdrew, gently closing the door behind her.

Only the two of them remained in the room. Zhao Ruxuan could no longer contain herself. She lowered her voice and said urgently, "The Third Prince... he conspired with his advisors last night to launch a rebellion during the Emperor's birthday celebration!" Every word she spoke trembled, yet her voice was exceptionally clear. "He has an inside man in the palace... and your poisoning is inextricably linked to him!"

Meng Lingyao's expression suddenly turned serious. She leaned forward slightly, and due to her weakened state, she couldn't help but cough lightly. After a moment, she asked, "Who is it?"

Zhao Ruxuan remained silent for a moment, a complex look flashing in her eyes, before finally speaking: "It is Consort Wen."

Meng Lingyao understood immediately. So that's where the poisoned soup came from.

"Zhao Ruxuan, you need to calm down." Meng Lingyao looked at her pale but determined face and softened her voice. "You are the rightful Third Prince's consort, and he shouldn't touch you right now. Don't panic and let him see through your act."

“No, no…” Zhao Ruxuan shook her head forcefully, her eyes filled with undisguised fear. “He’s gone mad. If he thinks I’m in his way, he won’t hold back!” She still felt lingering fear when she recalled Qi Jing’s sinister and violent gaze last night.

Meng Lingyao stared at her for a moment, realizing that she was truly terrified to the core. She said nothing more, turned her head and softly called out, "Songlan."

Indigo ran in response.

"Go and fetch the white jade pendant from the bottom of my makeup box."

Songlan quickly took out a jade pendant with a warm texture and intricate patterns. This was a token given to her by Pei Xu; seeing the pendant was like seeing the man himself.

"Take this to the butler and have him immediately arrange for several skilled and discreet female guards to secretly protect Miss Zhao. Be extremely careful and do not alert anyone."

Songlan accepted the order and hurriedly left with the jade pendant.

After hearing Songlan's message, the housekeeper didn't ask any further questions and quickly arranged everything.

Songlan's search for the steward with the jade pendant was witnessed by a member of the Pei clan who worked in the mansion.

The man's name was Pei Cheng, a member of a collateral branch of the Pei family. He had secured a leisurely job in the household thanks to his blood ties. From the very beginning, he had harbored reservations about Meng Lingyao, the new mistress of the house. How could the daughter of a mere fourth-rank civil official be allowed to marry into the Pei family and become the head mistress? Upon hearing that she might have difficulty conceiving after being poisoned, his contempt only intensified.

Seeing her maid holding the Pei family patriarch's jade pendant and using it to assign tasks to servants, Pei Cheng was extremely displeased.

He found an excuse to call over several servants who were usually close to him and whispered a few words of advice to them.

The next morning, after washing up, Meng Lingyao, having nothing to do, sat by the window, gazing longingly at the spring scenery outside. She couldn't stand even the slightest breeze; Songlan kept a close watch on her, not allowing her to step out of the room. She felt like a snowman, melting at the slightest light.

Seeing her like this, Songlan felt extremely distressed and was about to go forward to talk to her when she heard rustling sounds coming from the courtyard.

"...Have you heard? The poison that the lady was given is extremely potent. The imperial physicians all say... she may have difficulty conceiving in the future."

"Tsk tsk, isn't this just a bird that can't lay eggs... you know? If it were sensible, it would have asked for help long ago. What's it doing just sitting there taking up space?"

"That's right, a family of Pei's standing can't just die out, can it? It's really...sigh..."

The words were broken and intermittent, yet each one was clear and utterly vicious.

Song Lan turned pale with anger and trembled all over. She was about to rush out to argue when Meng Lingyao raised her hand and gently pressed down on her wrist.

Her face remained expressionless, her gaze unwavering as she listened calmly, as if the foul language wasn't directed at her. Only when the sounds outside subsided and the footsteps faded into the distance did she speak softly, "Songlan, go and fetch the steward."

The steward arrived quickly, and upon hearing the reason, his face darkened. He bowed and said, "Madam, rest assured, this old servant will investigate thoroughly."

“The Pei family has actually kept such gossipy and disparaging servants,” Meng Lingyao said calmly, yet with an undeniable air of authority. “They cannot be kept in the Pei family. Once the matter is investigated, they must be sent away immediately and never be used again.”

The steward understood immediately, bowed, and replied, "Yes, this old servant understands." He turned and went to carry out the task without hesitation.

Pei Cheng had been observing from the shadows. When he saw that Meng Lingyao was not ashamed and indignant at being exposed, but instead dealt with the matter so decisively, he cursed under his breath, feeling extremely remorseful. He was uneasy all day, praying that the investigation would not find him.

As evening fell, Pei Xu returned to his residence in the twilight. He first went to his study to handle some urgent official business, and then went straight to Meng Lingyao's room. The room was filled with the fragrance of medicine. Meng Lingyao was leaning against soft pillows, casually flipping through a miscellaneous notebook. Her profile appeared somewhat fragile in the soft light.

Pei Xu walked over quietly and sat down beside her bed, taking her hand that was exposed outside the brocade quilt in his hand. It was icy cold to the touch, and he couldn't help but frown. He gathered her hand in his warm, dry palm, gently rubbing it and breathing on it, trying to dispel the chill.

"How are you feeling today? Is there anything else that's bothering you?" he asked in a low voice, his gaze carefully sweeping over her face.

Meng Lingyao put down her book, letting him warm her hands, and shook her head. "I'm much better, but I don't feel very strong." She told him everything about Zhao Ruxuan's visit, and finally said, "I've already asked Steward Zhao to send someone to protect her secretly."

Upon hearing this, Pei Xu's expression remained calm and composed, though a fleeting, chilling glint flashed in the depths of his eyes, too quick to be detected. He softly hummed in agreement, his fingertips gently stroking Meng Lingyao's slightly cool hand. "I understand. I will handle this matter. Rest assured and don't worry."

After saying so much, Meng Lingyao was slightly out of breath and looked tired. Seeing this, Pei Xu said nothing more, got up, poured a glass of warm water, and carefully brought it to her lips. Meng Lingyao slowly drank a few sips from his hand, the warm water flowing down her throat, bringing some relief.

“I will handle these matters. Your most important thing now is to take care of your health.” Pei Xu put down his teacup, gently tucked the blanket around her, and moved gently.

Meng Lingyao leaned back against the soft pillows, then sighed softly, with a hint of melancholy, "The spring scenery is so beautiful, but I feel sorry for my newly made spring clothes. The colors are just right, and I don't know when I'll be able to wear them."

Pei Xu felt a surge of tenderness. He gently stroked her hair, which was scattered on the pillow, and said softly, "No rush, you can wear it when summer comes."

Meng Lingyao pinched his palm angrily, "Then where's my summer dress?"

Pei Xu pretended to ponder for a moment, then said, "The dog days of summer are fine."

Meng Lingyao slapped him hard and pulled her hand away.

Pei Xu was not annoyed at all. He took her hand back and gently rubbed it.

Meng Lingyao tilted her head and thought for a moment, then suddenly beckoned to him with her finger.

Pei Xu obediently leaned closer.

Meng Lingyao leaned close to his ear, her breath warm and carrying the scent of medicine. Her voice was very soft, like a whisper, "It's not all bad. At least... you don't have to drink that contraceptive soup for now."

Pei Xu's eyes suddenly darkened, his lips tightened, and he unconsciously tightened his grip on her hand for a moment, then immediately relaxed it, afraid of hurting her. He straightened up and gently tapped her forehead with his fingertips, "Nonsense."

After Meng Lingyao took her medicine and fell soundly asleep, Pei Xu got up and left. The moment the door closed behind him, all the warmth on his face vanished, leaving only a cold, icy expression.

"Qingzhou." He summoned his personal attendant, his voice icy. "Investigate who spoke recklessly in front of Madam today. Whoever is involved, deal with them all without exception."

Qingzhou was extremely efficient. In less than half an hour, he had found out the whole story clearly, including how Pei Cheng instructed the servants and what the servants said. He then reported it to Pei Xu.

Pei Xu's face was expressionless, his eyes cold.

Soon, Pei Cheng was invited to a side hall in the outer courtyard of the Pei residence. He still held onto a sliver of hope, thinking that at most he would be reprimanded and fined some of his monthly wages.

However, when he saw Pei Xu sitting upright at the head of the table with a cold expression, and the steward and Qingzhou standing to the side with expressionless faces, his legs began to go weak.

"Clan...Clan Chief." Pei Cheng knelt down with a thud, his voice trembling.

Pei Xu didn't tell him to get up, but looked at him coldly. Qingzhou threw the statements of several servants in front of him.

Pei Cheng picked up the paper with trembling hands, glanced at it, and immediately turned ashen-faced, kowtowing repeatedly. "Clan leader, spare me! Clan leader, spare me! I know I was wrong! I was just confused for a moment, blinded by greed! Please, clan leader, forgive me this time for the sake of our clan!"

"Same clan?" Pei Xu said slowly, "When you slandered the matriarch and disgraced the family, did you ever think about the word 'same clan'?"

Pei Cheng trembled, tears streaming down his face. "I dare not do it again! I beg the clan chief for mercy!"

Pei Xu looked down at him, his gaze devoid of any warmth. "According to the Pei family rules, what should be done with those who betray their master, disobey orders, or defy superiors?"

The steward standing to the side replied in a deep voice, "Your Excellency, he should be flogged fifty times, dismissed from his post, expelled from the family, and removed from the family register."

Upon hearing this, Pei Cheng was struck dumb, collapsing to the ground and screaming hoarsely, "No! You can't be expelled! Clan Chief! I know I was wrong! I really know I was wrong! Please give me another chance! Fifty strokes of the cane... fifty strokes can kill a man!"

“If you were afraid of death, why did you commit such evil in the first place?” Pei Xu stood up, no longer looking at his ugly appearance, and instructed Steward Zhao, “Dispose of him according to the family rules. If he survives the caning, expel him from the manor. From this day forward, Pei Cheng will have no further connection with the Pei family. His name will be erased from the family genealogy.”

"No—!" Pei Cheng let out a desperate howl, trying to rush forward and grab Pei Xu's leg to beg for mercy, but was held down firmly by two strong servants.

Pei Xu walked straight out of the side hall, ignoring the wails and pleas for mercy behind him.

The outcome of the incident quickly spread throughout the Pei residence, and all the servants held their breath in awe, no one daring to utter a single word of criticism against their mistress in private. When Songlan quietly reported the matter to Meng Lingyao, she was leaning against the window basking in the sun, her expression calm and undisturbed, as she gently touched the leaves of the orchid on the windowsill.

A gentleman doesn't hold grudges, but thankfully, she was a woman who held grudges.

Upon learning of the Third Prince's plot to rebel, Pei Xu did not go to the palace to meet the Emperor. Instead, he rode a fine horse alone and, under the cover of night, headed straight for Commander Zhong's residence.