Chapter 69 The Wedding

"What!"

Madam Pei's expression changed drastically, and she slammed her teacup down heavily. "This is utterly absurd!"

"You call yourself the Marquis of Yan? If word gets out that you've done this, what will the world say? The historians of the future will be like knives; how will you face them then?"

This really angered Madam Pei. In her eyes, her eldest son was mature and prudent from a young age and outstanding in every way.

Not only was he outstanding in both literary and military arts, but he was also extremely indifferent to women.

What kind of woman could look down on Dalang and make him lose his composure like this!

Apart from the Gu family woman he married a few years ago, and the concubines sent from various places, he has been very indifferent to women in recent years.

She repeatedly urged him to take several concubines, but he always refused and showed no interest.

This made her wonder if he had been heartbroken by the Gu family and had stopped having any romantic relationships with women. But now he had brought a woman back, and she hadn't expected this situation.

It really made her think hard; she had initially thought the woman was just putting on airs.

Pei Yanzhi merely raised an eyebrow, not replying, and picked up the tea on the table, taking a leisurely sip: "Hmm, good tea. Mother's tea is always the best."

"Don't interrupt me." Madam Pei frowned. "What are you going to do next?"

He casually put down his teacup, seemingly unaware of how terrifying his next words were: "Of course, I'll marry her!"

Madam Pei immediately frowned, her expression displeased: "Marry? As the principal wife?"

"You should know that being the mistress of Yanzhou is not easy. I have always wanted you to choose a suitable one from among the noble families. Now, judging from what you're saying, that woman is unwilling? How can you guarantee that she can hold onto this position?"

Seeing his noncommittal expression, Madam Pei, unwilling to damage the bond between mother and son, softened her tone: "If you really like her, it's fine to take her as a concubine. After she gives birth to a son or daughter, if you still have this idea, it's not too late to promote her."

Seeing Dalang's enthusiastic demeanor, she made a direct statement, fearing it might displease him.

Pei Yanzhi looked at his mother, then chuckled softly twice before speaking, "Mother, do you think I'm blinded by lust?"

Madam Pei looked at him: Isn't that right?

"Mother, don't underestimate her. Not only is she exceptionally beautiful, but she's also a shrewd businesswoman. Do you know where the incense in your room comes from?"

Madam Pei was taken aback: "Could it be...?"

Pei Yanzhi nodded slightly. He had smelled the familiar fragrance as soon as he entered. The carriage had carried this familiar scent all the way from Chongzhou to Yanzhou.

"It is indeed a wonderful fragrance." Madam Pei pondered. "Not only us, but all the ladies and young women in the various households love autumn-themed fragrances. Now that you mention it, I am even more curious. When will you bring her over to meet us?"

"But what you're talking about are two different things and shouldn't be confused."

Pei Yanzhi smiled and said, "I understand. However, she is weak from traveling for days. Let her rest for a couple of days."

Madam Pei nodded upon hearing this, and then inquired about the imperial court, as the night deepened outside the window.

With the bright moon hanging high in the sky, Pei Yanzhi took his leave.

Upon returning to Wenxin Pavilion, he immediately summoned Lu Changming: "How is Shanshui Residence doing after I left?"

Knowing that his lord was concerned about Lady Ji, Lu Changming was already used to these reports and recounted everything that had happened after he left.

For example, what they ate, what they drank, and what time they went to bed.

Pei Yanzhi didn't say much after hearing this, but simply instructed, "Tell the servants to take good care of him. Let me know that if anyone is negligent, they will no longer be allowed to work in the manor."

Lu Changming felt a chill run down his spine. It seemed that there would soon be a mistress in the manor.

As Lu Changming reached the door, he heard a voice behind him say, "Summon the young master to the study to see me."

Lu Changming responded and left.

Pei Xingjian, still slightly tipsy after the banquet, with a faint blush on his fair and handsome face, entered the study.

He stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Father."

Pei Yanzhi sat upright in a round-backed chair, looking his son up and down. There were still wine stains on his robes.

Disappointment flashed in his eyes: "Look at you now, where is there even a trace of the demeanor of the heir of Yanzhou?"

"Hasn't my father been dissatisfied with me for a long time?"

Pei Yanzhi picked up his teacup and took a sip: "You are obsessed with these romantic entanglements all day long, and you don't even care about the reputation of Yanzhou for a woman of lowly birth."

Pei Xingjian lowered his eyes, not wanting to hear any more words that slandered his beloved, and said, "Father, did you call me to the study just to reprimand me?"

"presumptuous!"

Pei Yanzhi raised his hand, picked up the teacup on the desk, and threw it at his feet. The elegant teacup fell to the ground, and tea mixed with tea leaves splashed everywhere.

"Who are you talking to? Is this your manners?"

He stared intently at Pei Xingjian, his eyes growing colder: "Or do you think the position of Crown Prince of Yanzhou is indispensable to you?"

Pei Xingjian stared down at the spot on his robe that had been splashed with tea, his clenched fist turning white.

He knew that his father was now in his prime, and he had just learned from Lu Changfeng that his father had brought back a woman and settled her in Shanshui Residence. It seemed that there would soon be a new lady in the mansion.

If a child is born, the position of heir apparent may change hands.

But he doesn't care about any of that now. Let whoever wants to sit in this position sit there. If he weren't in this position, there wouldn't be this marriage contract, and he could marry Shu'er with dignity.

It's better than wasting time here and growing tired of Wei Heng.

He stood there blankly for a long time, then gave a mocking smile.

Looking at his father's still angry face, he said, "Father, I will go to the army camp tomorrow."

Pei Yanzhi chuckled, clearly indifferent to whether he went to the military camp or not. His cold, deep voice rang out: "I summoned you here to inform you that you will be married to Wei Heng in two months!"

"Impossible!" Pei Xingjian suddenly looked up. "There is absolutely no possibility between me and Wei Heng!"

"Why?" Pei Yanzhi simply looked at him leisurely, to see what kind of excuse he could come up with now.

Pei Xingjian's voice was hoarse: "We're not a good match."

Pei Yanzhi's tone was full of sarcasm: "What's inappropriate about it? Is it that she thinks it's inappropriate, or that you think it's inappropriate!"

"Do you know that your grandmother has lost her appetite because of you? You know your grandmother is old, yet you are always depressed. Who are you trying to impress? Or are you expressing your dissatisfaction with me?"

His tone suddenly turned cold, tinged with disdain: "I told you before, if you have the ability, you can cancel the engagement without affecting the relationship between our two families. If you don't have that ability, then we'll get married in two months."

Having said that, not wanting to see him again, he waved his hand and said, "If there's nothing else, you may leave."