Chapter 48 Pei Lang's Anger Pei Lang's actions made Lin Zhi understand...

Upon hearing the emperor's words, everyone gasped in astonishment. They all knew that Lin Zhi was Pei Lang's concubine, and now that the emperor had condescended to speak, they wondered what charm this woman possessed!

Although Pei Lang's gaze darkened slightly, he did not make any rash moves, his eyes fixed on Lin Zhi's equally surprised face.

After her initial surprise, Lin Ya quickly realized what was happening and nudged Qin Lu'er from behind.

To everyone's surprise, the little girl next to him seemed to be stunned and didn't react.

Xiao Ting asked again, "What's the name of the woman with plum blossoms painted on her face?"

She then knelt down on the snow with a thud: "This humble woman... is named Qin Lu'er! I fear she may offend His Majesty's ears!"

Only after Xiao Ting pointed it out did everyone realize that Qin Lu'er, whose face was covered in blood just now, now had a faint red plum blossom on her eye makeup, making her originally only five points of beauty become seven points.

Especially when the east wind blew, a few plum blossom petals fell one after another, and in an instant, the girl seemed to be a plum spirit transformed from this plum garden, captivating the heart and soul.

"Did you draw this yourself?"

Lin Zhi's heart pounded wildly. Upon hearing this, she immediately bowed and apologized, saying, "It was drawn by your humble servant."

Xiao Ting glanced at Lin Zhi, who was now a newlywed but appeared even more charming and innocent, and raised an eyebrow as if surprised.

"She really is a vixen!"

Amidst the whispers, someone's voice grew louder, and Xiao Ting overheard it. Amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, he slowly stepped forward and picked up Qin Lu'er, who was kneeling on the ground, in his arms!

"It's freezing cold; what if they get frostbite?"

The eunuch following behind the emperor apologized to Pei Lang and then hurriedly jogged after him.

Lin Zhi was stunned for a long time until a warm hand touched her cool cheek, and then she realized: "...Does His Majesty mean to take Qin Lu'er into the palace as a concubine?"

"Just because of that plum blossom makeup?"

Pei Lang chuckled softly after gently stroking her cheek with the back of his hand: "The Emperor's heart is unfathomable; how could we possibly concern ourselves with such matters?"

"I still have some official business to attend to, so I'll try to get back as soon as possible."

Pei Lang squeezed Lin Zhi's soft hand, then glanced at the many women staring at them, his eyes full of deep meaning.

As soon as the two left, Lin Zhi was surrounded by a crowd: "Madam Pei! How is this plum blossom makeup done? Could you teach me?"

"My family has just acquired some fine tea from the Western Regions. Why don't you come to my residence for a visit, Madam Pei?"

"My youngest daughter also adores plum blossoms! I wonder if Madam Pei could offer her some guidance!"

Seeing the crowd that had just been avoiding her pounce on her like wolves smelling meat, He Luochen was so angry that she almost tore her handkerchief to shreds and left through gritted teeth.

She thought someone would try to keep her, but no one even noticed her.

"Sister! Tell me, is Pei Lang blinded by greed? How could he fall for such a vulgar woman! She's just a woman who uses her looks to please men, all she knows is how to put on makeup, I don't know what's so good about her!"

He Luoyun glanced lightly at her younger sister, who was sulking to herself. Despite her jewel-encrusted attire, her face was indifferent and looked rather cold.

"You said it yourself, using your looks to please people. Since Pei Lang likes it, it proves that he is not as otherworldly as you think. He is just an ordinary person."

But He Luochen was dissatisfied: "Sister, you didn't see it yesterday, even His Majesty was completely infatuated with a young woman! If Pei Lang were an ordinary person, wouldn't His Majesty be even more..."

He Luochen's words were choked back by her elder sister's gaze, and she dared not say them aloud. She sat back down sullenly and bit her lip in anger.

He Luoyun had long heard that the Emperor had brought back a nameless, unmarried woman with no family background when he returned to the palace. She originally thought that the Emperor was just infatuated for a while, but she did not expect that there would be another beauty in the harem this morning.

Originally, He Luoyun thought that a mere beauty was nothing to fear, but after hearing her sister's words, she realized something was amiss: "You mean that plum blossom makeup was done by Pei Lang's concubine?"

He Luochen curled her lips: "Yes, otherwise how could an ordinary-looking girl attract His Majesty's attention?"

He Luoyun wasn't particularly beautiful, but her slightly upturned fox-like eyes added a touch of allure: "It seems Pei Lang really did marry someone extraordinary..."

Pei Lang had just left the imperial court when he saw the imperial physician running towards him, respectfully handing him the prescription: "Lord Pei, this is the prescription you requested."

Pei Lang readily accepted the prescription and examined it carefully: "Will this prescription be harmful to the body?"

The imperial physician hesitated for a moment: "This... even the best contraceptive soup will inevitably harm the body. If you are worried, just have someone drink it once every few days."

"However, its effects are not as good as drinking it every day."

Pei Lang frowned slightly, seemingly lost in thought.

He then stared at the imperial physician and chuckled, "The lady at home is in poor health. If she becomes pregnant too early, it may harm her health."

The imperial physician quickly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and flattered him, "Lord Pei truly loves his wife dearly."

After Pei Lang left, he finally breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Thinking of the grand marriage that had shaken the capital a few days ago, he couldn't help but shake his head: "What a disaster..."

Upon returning to the manor, Pei Lang took off his cloak and carefully washed his hands: "Where is Madam?"

At this time every day, Lin Zhi would wait for him to have dinner together, and she was a little unaccustomed to the sudden absence of him.

"The lady is currently in the embroidery workshop."

Pei Lang frowned slightly as he took the cloth from the maid beside him. He remembered that Lin Zhi had gone to the embroidery workshop when he went to court during the day. Why hadn't she come out yet?

Lin Zhi stared at the last petal of the intricate pattern on the garment, blinked hard at her sore eyes, but still steadily began to sew.

Only after finishing the last stitch did she finally breathe a long sigh of relief.

"Finally finished embroidering."

The sudden sound startled her, almost pricking her hand. Lin Zhi glared at him, annoyed, "Why didn't you make a sound when you came back?"

Pei Lang snorted lightly: "You were so focused on embroidery that you forgot my instructions."

Lin Zhi then realized that it was getting dark outside. Feeling a little guilty, she put down what she was holding and stood up, but her legs went numb and she couldn't stand up.

Once she was held in Pei Lang's arms, Lin Zhi leaned against him and whispered, "Don't be angry. I promise I won't do that tomorrow."

Pei Lang put his arm around her and pinched her cheek: "I don't believe you."

"Have you sent the wedding dress back to your aunt? You've been so busy these past few days, how about I go and deliver it?"

Pei Lang's eyes darkened, and he squeezed her hand and rubbed it: "No need to worry, it has already been sent back. It's just that the mansion still needs you as the mistress to manage things, so I didn't take you back with me."

Although Lin Zhi had a fleeting thought of doubt, she didn't dwell on it: "Then remember to take me with you next time. Now it's just the two of us, your aunt and uncle. You may be busy, but I'll be going back often."

"Okay, whatever you say."

"By the way, I got you a prescription from the palace. It's to nourish your body. You should drink it every day from now on. You're as cold as ice in the winter."

Although Lin Zhi pouted in dissatisfaction, she reluctantly agreed.

As winter approached, Lin Zhi had to oversee all the important and minor matters in the household herself, keeping her very busy. Although she said this, she hadn't had time to return to the Pei family for almost a month.

It wasn't until Chun Tao reminded her that Lin Zhi realized, "It's been a whole month?"

"I've been so busy these days that I'm completely overwhelmed."

Chun Tao brought over a dark bowl of medicine, waiting to see Lin Zhi drink it.

Lin Zhi had only stirred the medicine with a porcelain spoon when she asked Chun Tao to fetch some candied fruit. As soon as Chun Tao left, she quickly emptied the medicine bowl.

She wouldn't drink it; it's terribly bitter and has no effect whatsoever.

She was just drifting off to sleep when someone suddenly grabbed her ankle and touched it. Lin Zhi squinted at Pei Lang in front of her and shifted uncomfortably: "What are you doing?"

Pei Lang was backlit by the dim candlelight, so Lin Zhi couldn't see his expression clearly, but she could tell from his voice that he was somewhat unhappy.

"Why are your feet still so cold? Have you been taking your medicine as prescribed?"

Lin Zhi felt guilty, but took advantage of the dim light to vaguely evade the question: "Of course I drank it, but the medicine was too slow to take effect."

"You're lying. You only took your medicine properly for the first few days. Did you throw it away the rest of the time?"

Lin Zhi woke up a little, not daring to open her eyes to see his expression. She felt Pei Lang holding her feet in his arms, stepping on his strong, muscular body, and felt a little scared.

Normally, Pei Lang would get angry if he did this.

Lin Zhi waited for a long time, but all she got was a soft sigh from Pei Lang: "Fine, if you don't want to drink, then don't. You can just drink every now and then for a few days."

Feeling Pei Lang lying down beside her, Lin Zhi's heart couldn't help but pound wildly. She opened her eyes wide in disbelief: Pei Lang was actually ignoring her!

Turning her back to Pei Lang, Lin Zhi silently considered that nothing seemed amiss in their recent interactions, except that Pei Lang seemed very busy and was coming home later and later...

A strong sense of unease in Lin Zhi's heart sounded an alarm bell. Something was wrong. In the past, Pei Lang would get angry if she wore even one less piece of clothing. Now that she had stopped drinking tonics, why was he so indifferent?

The two have only been married for two months. Could it be that Pei Lang is already tired of them?

Lin Zhi couldn't help but frown, biting her nails as she couldn't figure it out, but a plan was vaguely forming in her mind.

The next day, Pei Lang returned home early, which was unusual for him. As soon as he entered the door, he saw Lin Zhi come out to greet him: "Husband is back!"

Before Pei Lang could even react, someone had already reached out their hand to pull him into a hug: "Why are you waiting for me here today? Aren't you cold?"

Lin Zhi's little face flushed red, but she still shook her head: "I missed you!"

Rarely so frank, Pei Lang entered the room and personally helped her change her clothes and took off her cloak. In just one glance, he set his sights on the jade pendant hanging at Lin Zhi's waist.

He stretched out his long, slender hand and picked it up: "What is this?"

Seeing that he was paying attention, Lin Zhi pretended to be innocent and said, "I found it in my dressing case. I don't remember when I got it. I just put it on because the jade pendant was of good quality and pretty!"

Seeing Lin Zhi flutter away like a butterfly towards the side of the room, Pei Lang couldn't help but frown: those were clearly the things Pei Mingli had given him before.

It's obviously not from the capital; it's clearly brought back from the border. Although it looks decent, upon closer inspection it's rough and has nothing to do with being pretty.

Did Lin Zhi genuinely forget or was it intentional?

When she saw this jade pendant, was she thinking of Pei Mingli?

With a "crack," the thin porcelain cup in his palm was easily crushed. Pei Lang shook his tea-stained hand expressionlessly and took the things he had prepared beforehand to the bedroom.

The dinner was peaceful and uneventful, but Lin Zhi felt a strange unease in her heart, as if she were being scratched by a cat. Pei Lang must have recognized that this was a gift from her second cousin, but why didn't he feel jealous at all?

He wasn't like this before! Could it be that he changed after they got married?

Lin Zhi didn't even eat properly, but Pei Lang went into his study to work right after the meal, so she didn't want to disturb him. She could only go take a bath in a huff.

Despite the steaming heat on her face, Lin Zhi's heart remained cold. She had expected Pei Lang to get tired of her, but she hadn't imagined it would happen so quickly.

She kept recalling in her mind whether she had done something too willful, but under Pei Lang's pampering, she never felt that there was anything wrong with it.

The more she thought about it, the more bitter she felt, and two tears even fell onto the water. Lin Zhi sniffed, but still felt that Pei Lang was to blame.

She was never this spoiled before.

The small door to the bathroom was gently pushed open. Lin Zhi didn't want Chun Tao to see her crying, so she turned her head away in a muffled voice and said that she didn't need to be served.

It wasn't until the steady footsteps drew closer that Lin Zhi realized something was wrong.

Pei Lang's calloused fingertips gently pinched her delicate shoulder, kneading it softly and gently: "Why are you crying?"

Pei Lang's strength was just right, and he even found the acupoints on Lin Zhi's shoulders very accurately. After only a few massages, Lin Zhi felt much of her fatigue disappear.

She was somewhat embarrassed and refused to look at him, nor did she say why she was crying. But when Pei Lang saw her like this, his large hand slowly moved downwards and into the water.

In the warm water, the soft, smooth skin was even more slippery than the finest mutton fat jade. Pei Lang didn't even need to look to recall the perfect harmony between the two of them.

"You're getting all upset because I deliberately provoked you?"

"I didn't even cry, why are you crying?"

Pei Lang's voice, warm and moist, brushed against Lin Zhi's ear, making her cheeks flush red. "I..."

Lin Zhi hesitated, unsure how to begin; he always seemed to see right through her little schemes.

Pei Lang felt the silky smooth skin in his hands, which was even smoother than satin. He sighed and pulled the person out of the bathtub by the waist. He carefully and meticulously dried the person bit by bit with a dry cloth, as if he had done it a thousand times before.

Lin Zhi vaguely felt that the Grand Secretary's service seemed to be more meticulous than Chun Tao's.

The warm water droplets had just been wiped away when Lin Zhi, with her eyes closed, suddenly felt a chill from the extra thing on her body!

A cool, translucent jade bead necklace encircled her neck, fell across her chest and back, and wrapped around her waist, causing Lin Zhi to shudder involuntarily. Her milky white skin was made even more dazzling by the deep green.

Pei Lang's fingertips glided over the pearls and jade from top to bottom, his eyes dark and unfathomable. "Indeed, it suits you perfectly."

"That jade pendant, how can it compare to this?"

Pei Lang wrapped Lin Zhi in his own outer robe and carried her out, but placed her on the bed without paying her any attention. The irritating chain was making her uncomfortable, yet it was so beautiful that she couldn't bear to take it off.

Finally, taking advantage of the moment when Pei Lang turned around, Lin Zhi hurriedly tried to pick it off, but she didn't know where to start.

Lin Zhi froze and stopped moving when a burning hot body covered her back.

Pei Lang lightly bit her earlobe. "So naughty?"

With a flick of his large hand, a faint red mark appeared on her snow-white skin.

Slight pain, but intense itching.

Lin Zhi's waist gave way and she collapsed, but someone caught her firmly.

"You are not allowed to take out anything that others give you, otherwise, if you take out one, you will have one more item on you."

"I've been so busy with official duties lately that I've neglected you..."

Pei Lang demonstrated to Lin Zhi through his actions what it means to reap what you sow.

When she was so tired that she couldn't even move a finger, Lin Zhi's uneasy heart finally calmed down.

Half a month later, I heard Qin Lu'er's name again. I heard that she had become the Emperor's Noble Consort and was now the sole recipient of his favor.

Watching the eunuch who had summoned her to the palace walk ahead, Lin Zhi couldn't help but sigh. Truly, life is unpredictable. Who could have known that a young girl would transform into the emperor's favorite concubine in just a few days?

But Qin Lu'er personally helped her up: "Sister Lin, there's no need for such formalities. Lu'er's current status is all thanks to your help."

Although Qin Lu'er's makeup is now elegant and sophisticated, Lin Zhi feels that she is not much different from before.

"Your Highness is too kind. It is you who are fortunate to have the Emperor's favor. I am merely adding to your good fortune."

Qin Lu'er smiled and talked with Lin Zhi for a while, but then frowned slightly: "I invited you here today, sister, not only to catch up, but also to ask you for a favor."

"My love with His Majesty began with that plum blossom makeup, but nowadays many people imitate it, but none of them have your talent and skill. They are just imitators."

"But please, sister, do not share this makeup with anyone else. Lu'er thanks you in advance..."

Seeing that the Noble Consort was about to bow to her, Lin Zhi quickly stood up to help her up: "Your Highness is too kind. This is just to thank you for helping me out of that predicament, and it's also to make amends. How could I possibly paint it for someone else?"

Qin Lu'er's expression gradually relaxed, as if she was relieved.

"In that case, I can rest assured."

But Qin Lu'er changed the subject again, "However, my sister's family has just encountered a major event, and it was my oversight to invite her to the palace now."

event?

Lin Zhi frowned in confusion: "Your Highness, are you mistaken? What major event has happened to the Pei family?"

"Wasn't Prime Minister Pei's father critically ill? Even His Majesty sent imperial physicians to treat him. Didn't you know, sister?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhi felt a ringing in her ears. Although Pei Lang had been returning to the manor late these days, he had been in a relaxed state and had never mentioned this matter!

Seeing that Lin Zhi's complexion was not good, Qin Lu'er asked with some concern, "Sister? Are you alright?"

Disregarding social hierarchy, Lin Zhi hurriedly stood up: "Please forgive me, Your Majesty, I will leave the palace immediately and return to my residence to check on things!"

On the way back to the Pei residence, Lin Zhi's expression did not soften. She couldn't understand why Pei Lang hadn't told her.

Since even the Emperor has sent a royal physician, my uncle's illness must be serious!

Lin Zhi was anxious and angry. She was now a member of the Pei family, so why was Pei Lang keeping this from her?

The servants of the Pei household were stunned to see Lin Zhi return, but quickly reacted and stopped her: "Young Madam! Why are you back?"

"The master and mistress have been feeling unwell these past few days, so please return in a few days..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was intimidated by Lin Zhi's cold glare: "Do I need to find a day to come back after I go home?"

"Get out of the way!"

When Lin Zhi rushed to her uncle's residence, she saw Pei Lang frowning and instructing the imperial physician on something, his expression extremely serious.

"Young Madam?"

Xingyun thought he was just seeing things because he was still half asleep, but after rubbing his eyes, he realized that it really was Lin Zhi at the Pei residence, which startled even a strong man.

Hearing the commotion, Pei Lang looked up. His usually calm face furrowed slightly when he saw Lin Zhi. After dismissing the imperial physician, he came over to her and took her wrist: "Why are you here?"

Lin Zhi stared coldly at his indifferent face, feeling a burning anger in her heart: "Why can't I come?"

"If I hadn't heard it from an outsider today, I wouldn't have known that my uncle-in-law and father-in-law were seriously ill and in critical condition!"

"Pei Lang, what do you take me for?"

Seeing that she was angry, Pei Lang simply tightened his grip on her wrist, which she was trying to pull away from, and led her aside: "Father's illness cannot be explained in just a few words."

"With the imperial physician stationed here, everyone is already overwhelmed with worry. Even if you come, it will only add another person to the burden. Why bother?"

Lin Zhi stared wide-eyed in disbelief: "I am now a member of the Pei family. If something happens to my family, I should be by my aunt's side first! You just dismiss me with a casual 'Why bother?'"

"Wouldn't that put me in a position of being unfilial?"

"Uncle, you must be very worried. Let me go! I need to see my aunt!"

Normally, when the two of them were playing around, Pei Lang would tease her and play some playful chasing games. But now, Pei Lang's large hand was like an iron claw, and she couldn't break free at all.

Lin Zhi's breathing quickened as she glared at his still calm eyes.

"Ah Zhi, listen to me. There are some things I don't want to say twice."

Although his facial expression remained gentle, the fleeting anger in Pei Lang's eyes still frightened Lin Zhi. She even slowed down her struggling movements, her heart pounding wildly.

"Xingyun, take Azhi back to the mansion and wait for me to return."

Lin Zhi bit her lower lip and looked back at Pei Lang's resolute departure, but suddenly pushed Xingyun away and ran towards her aunt's residence.

Xingyun panicked for a moment, intending to chase after the person, but then stopped and hurriedly went back to find Pei Lang.

"Aunt! Aunt!"

When Lin Zhi ran over, panting heavily, she saw that her aunt's residence was heavily guarded, no different from that of a prisoner under house arrest.

Looking at the unfamiliar guards, Lin Zhi clenched her trembling hands. "Who are you people?"

"Let me in!"

But they all drew their longswords in unison, staring at Lin Zhi without changing their expressions. Although they didn't say anything, they were extremely intimidating.

Lin Zhi, her face pale, dared not make a move, but her sharp eyes caught sight of the waist tags hanging from their waists. They looked familiar, as if she had seen them somewhere before...

It was at the Su residence! I saw it when the Su family's property was raided!

"Are you palace guards?"

Lin Zhixin took a few steps back in fright, slowly shaking her head with disbelief on her face.

Those people were under the command of the Emperor and led by Pei Lang back then, but now, who are they acting on their behalf?

But Lin Zhi stopped abruptly as she bumped into a solid, bouncy chest.

Turning her head, she saw Pei Lang's aloof and handsome face appear before her.

"Ah Zhi, there are some things you don't know for your own good. Don't force me."

The eyes that Pei Lang once looked at her with tenderness are now filled with frost.

"Guards, take the young mistress back to the mansion. She is not allowed to leave the mansion without my permission."

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Author's Note: Finally, the part I've been most eagerly anticipating is here! Pei Lang is about to become a Pei-dog! [Starry-eyed]