Chapter 110 Returning Home: Her husband was more comfortable than that lilac-colored soft pillow…
"Why do you look so handsome today, Shaoqing?" Meng Lingyao raised her hand and touched Pei Xu's face, sighing.
Men who spend lavishly are always exceptionally handsome.
Pei Xu took her hand and accepted it readily, saying, "It is my honor to be favored by Madam."
The vast fortune bestowed by Pei Shaoqing was indeed dazzling. It took Meng Lingyao a while to recover her senses, but she was still thinking about her own little plot of land.
"Let's go check out Juxianglou. It must be quite lively today."
The Juxiang Restaurant was indeed filled with a festive atmosphere. The staff, seeing the two arrive hand in hand, rushed forward to offer their congratulations. Manager Qian was especially overjoyed, exclaiming, "Master, look at our earnings these past few days! It's equivalent to a whole month's worth!"
Meng Lingyao carefully examined the accounts, a smile unconsciously spreading across her lips.
Looking at her, Manager Qian was filled with mixed emotions. He had been in business for half his life and had to admit that his employer was truly a natural businessman. When he saw Meng Lingyao take out the bright yellow scroll, Manager Qian's eyes lit up even more, and his voice trembled slightly.
"This...this is His Majesty's calligraphy?"
"His Majesty has granted permission to make this plaque. Choose a day to find a skilled craftsman," Meng Lingyao instructed. "It should be impressive."
Shopkeeper Qian hurriedly summoned his apprentice to find the craftsman. Seeing that the young man's hands were trembling so badly as he held the imperial edict that he could barely walk, he quickly stopped him, saying, "Never mind, I'll go myself tomorrow. Such an imperial edict cannot be treated carelessly."
This is more than just a prestigious brand; it's a talisman for the store.
His gaze towards Meng Lingyao held a newfound respect. Though young, his master's actions were always unpredictable. If he were to meet the Emperor, he'd likely be speechless; his master, however, not only met him but also sought out a piece of calligraphy!
After Meng Lingyao closed the ledger, he lowered his voice and reported, "Master, a few days ago someone from the Third Prince's residence came to purchase some rouge and face powder."
"Although the man was disguised, our men are all sharp-eyed and quick-witted, and some of them recognized him."
Meng Lingyao paused slightly in her cup, then slowly took a sip of tea. "It's alright, perhaps it's for the women in the household. The Third Prince's Consort has always liked our things."
"Yes, as Madam instructed, all items purchased by the royal family have been marked and listed separately."
Meng Lingyao gave a soft "hmm". The business she was in involved applying products to the face or body, which was always fraught with trouble, so it was always good to be careful.
The following day, according to custom, was the day for the bride to return to her parents' home with her husband. In the early morning, Meng Lingyao sat on the couch wrapped in a brocade quilt, her hand supporting her cheek. A few steps away, Pei Xu was changing his clothes. His black hair flowed like water down to his waist and abdomen, and he had broad shoulders and a tall, straight figure.
Pei Shaoqing's attire often gave the impression of an overly handsome scholar, but once he undressed, it became clear he was a martial artist with years of training, his physique flowing gracefully without being overly exaggerated. Meng Lingyao quietly admired him for a moment, then saw him don a wide-sleeved robe, looking elegant and refined—clearly the kind of look her mother would like. It was just a pity—
Meng Lingyao cleared her throat. Pei Xu stopped what he was doing, brought her a glass of warm water, and held it to her lips. Meng Lingyao drank a few sips from his hand before saying, "Let's change into some clothes that will make it easier to move around in."
Pei Xu's brow twitched slightly, revealing a hint of confusion.
Meng Lingyao considerately explained to him, "Your maternal grandparents and their family should also be in the mansion today."
Pei Xu remained silent for a moment, then turned and changed into a dark blue, narrow-sleeved outfit. Meng Lingyao smiled slightly, then got up to do her hair and makeup.
The jewelry she brought back from the Linglang Pavilion yesterday shone brightly in her dressing case. Songlan styled her hair into a stunning bun, and she chose a gold phoenix hairpin with filigree and a pair of jade earrings from the jewelry box. When she looked at herself in the mirror, even she felt that she was exceptionally radiant today.
The jewelry played a significant role in this, and for the sake of it, Meng Lingyao turned to Pei Xu and said, "Don't worry, I will protect you."
Pei Xu took the moon-white thin cloak from the maid and gently tied it on for her. Hearing this, he said, "Then I will rely on you, Madam."
The chill of spring had not yet completely faded. Although Meng Lingyao somewhat disliked the plain cloak, which made it less elegant when tied up, she thought it would be even more unseemly if she caught a cold, so she let him have his way.
When the carriage arrived at the Meng residence, everyone in the house sat up straight upon hearing the servants announce the return of the young lady and her husband. Zhong Jingshu, being impatient, couldn't wait to leave the hall and go to the door to greet them.
Seeing her cousin being helped down from the carriage, her eyes lit up instantly. "Cousin looks even more beautiful today!"
Meng Lingyao pinched her cheek, "You have the sweetest tongue."
Zhong Jingshu turned to Pei Xu, bowed respectfully, and called out, "Brother-in-law."
Pei Xu was slightly taken aback, then smiled gently and nodded in return.
Zhong Jingshu took her cousin's arm and whispered in her ear, "I don't think Pei Shaoqing is as cold as the rumors say."
Meng Lingyao glanced at the person beside her, but smiled and remained silent.
Inside the hall, Mr. and Mrs. Meng Yan had been eagerly anticipating the scene. Hearing the commotion, Madam Zhong rushed forward and grasped her daughter's hand. Even though she loved her daughter dearly, upon seeing her, she couldn't bring herself to say anything about the injustice she had suffered. Everything her daughter wore and wore was priceless.
She blinked, a glimmer in her eyes, and took her daughter's hand, saying, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."
As Pei Xu stepped into the hall, everyone in the room stood up in unison. Commander Zhong, who was over sixty but still stood tall, along with his several spirited descendants, all turned their gazes to Pei Xu. Fortunately, the Meng family hall was spacious; otherwise, there really wouldn't have been enough room for all the military officers in the room.
Pei Xu paused almost imperceptibly.
Meng Lingyao suppressed a laugh and pulled him aside to greet them one by one. They were all in the same court, and many of them had met before. However, while they usually addressed him as this general or that junior minister, today they obediently called him uncle and cousin. The elders maintained their airs, but the cousins of the same generation couldn't contain themselves any longer.
Zhong Dingming was leading the way. On his wedding day, he hadn't seriously challenged his cousin when she blocked his way at the door, but today he finally had his chance.
Commander Zhong said "Don't mess around," but he didn't move his feet and his eyes were full of indulgence.
Pei Xu accepted the challenge without hesitation. The two stood facing each other in the courtyard. Zhong Dingming struck first, throwing a straight punch aimed at his face with fierce force. Pei Xu neither dodged nor evaded. Only when the punch was about to land did he slightly turn his body, deftly deflecting the attack with his left hand, while his right hand moved like a dragon towards his opponent's wrist.
Zhong Dingming changed his move with lightning speed, transforming his fist into a palm and seizing Pei Xu's wrist. Unexpectedly, Pei Xu flipped his wrist and lightly pressed his fingertips against Zhong Dingming's elbow joint. Zhong Dingming felt a numbness in his arm, and his attack immediately slowed down by three points.
"Great technique!" The cousins watching cheered in unison.
Zhong Dingming's expression hardened; he dared not underestimate his opponent again. His footwork shifted, his legs kicking out in alternating waves of attacks. Pei Xu remained composed, his robes fluttering as he perfectly dodged each attack. When he did manage to parry, it was with effortless ease, clearly not using his full strength.
After thirty moves, Zhong Dingming's offensive gradually slowed down. Pei Xu seized the opportunity, took a step closer, feinted with his right hand to draw the opponent's block, and then grabbed his left collarbone like a nimble snake with his left hand.
"Thank you for your kind offer." Pei Xu stopped in time and took a step back.
Zhong Dingming paused for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter, "Brother-in-law, you're quite skilled!"
Seeing this, his two other cousins were also eager to try their skills and stepped forward to learn from him. Pei Xu accepted all challengers and fought two more rounds. He stopped short of winning each time, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
Seeing another cousin about to step forward, Meng Lingyao spoke up at the right moment, "That's enough." She covered her face with her sleeve and said with disdain, "How can you eat if you're all sweaty later? There are no clean clothes for you to change into here."
The cousin laughed and said, "Cousin, are you feeling sorry for me?"
“Of course I cherish my husband.” Meng Lingyao glanced at him, speaking with righteous indignation, “If you’re envious, you can marry a sister-in-law soon.”
My cousin, having been hit where it hurt, sheepishly backed away.
Commander Zhong then clapped his hands and laughed, "It's getting late, it's time for dinner."
A person's character is revealed in their martial arts skills. With his keen eye, he could tell that Pei Xu was not only exceptionally skilled, but also knew how to maintain proper boundaries.
The banquet was held in the flower hall, where two large round tables were laden with delicacies. Martial arts practitioners have large appetites, and servants brought out dishes in a continuous stream; as soon as one empty plate was cleared away, a new hot dish was brought in. Braised lion's head meatballs, steamed sea bass, eight-treasure duck, jade shrimp... the aroma was irresistible, making one's mouth water.
There were many members of the Pei clan, but few could dine at the same table as Pei Xu. He rarely had the opportunity to eat with so many close relatives. His cousins all had enormous appetites, and he ate an extra bowl of food, which was more than usual.
Since everyone was family, the rule of not speaking while eating was disregarded. Laughter and cheerful conversation filled the room, and several cousins enthusiastically recounted amusing anecdotes from Meng Lingyao's childhood.
"I remember when my cousin was eight years old, she heard a storyteller recount my grandfather's victory somewhere, and she insisted on seeing his sword, forcing me to steal it for her. Not only did she look at it, but she also tried to touch it! She accidentally cut her hand and cried her heart out..."
"Another time, she secretly wore her mother's wedding dress and tripped over the long train, getting covered in dust..."
"We're not even allowed to laugh!"
Pei Xu listened quietly, a faint smile always playing on his lips. Though the smile was faint, it never disappeared from his eyes.
Meng Lingyao finally lost her temper, slammed her hand on the table, and shouted, "Stop talking!"
Seeing this, the eldest cousin smiled and smoothed things over, naturally changing the subject, "Speaking of which, His Majesty's birthday is approaching. The guards in the capital need to step up their preparations, and even the personal guards of each mansion need to be redeployed."
"Yes, my dad and the others are so busy they haven't had a full night's sleep in days."
"His Majesty lacks nothing, but I wonder what kind of birthday gifts each household will send this year?"
Pei Xu didn't say much; he mostly listened to the discussions and occasionally chimed in with a few words. He didn't seem aloof and naturally blended in with the crowd.
The banquet lasted until dusk. As she was leaving, Madam Zhong took Meng Lingyao's hand and quietly slipped her a small brocade pouch. "Take this. This is a talisman your grandmother got for you." She paused, then gently stroked her daughter's long hair. "...If you suffer any injustice, come home anytime."
On the return journey in the carriage, Meng Lingyao leaned on Pei Xu's shoulder, fiddling with the brocade pouch. The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the carriage curtain, dancing on her fingertips.
"How are you doing today?" she asked softly.
Pei Xu looked down at her, his gaze gentle. "Your family is doing well."
Outside the carriage, the sound of evening drums gradually rose, and the lights of countless homes in the capital city lit up one after another. Meng Lingyao clutched the brocade pouch tightly in her hand, closing her eyes to rest.
Her husband was more comfortable to lean on than that lilac-colored soft pillow.
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