Chapter 23 I won’t bother you anymore
"ah--"
Pei Jingxu cried out in panic!
The next second, a strong force supported her shoulders and held her body steadily.
It was a hot summer day, and Pei Jingxu was wearing a dress made of gauze. The thin fabric made her feel as if she was not wearing anything, and she could easily feel the man's cool palm.
A shrewd light flashed in his eyes, and Pei Jingxu curled his lips slightly.
After stabilizing his body, Pei Jingxu turned around suddenly and looked at the person who came in panic.
Rong Jianxue had clear and elegant features, and her eyes were calm.
"Thank you very much, sir."
After seeing who was coming, Pei Jingxu timidly took a few steps back and bowed his head to express his gratitude.
After withdrawing his hand, Rong Jianxue continued to look at her, his cold black pupils warmed by the candlelight: "Mother is apologizing to you."
He spoke and explained Rong's unusual behavior today.
Pei Jingxu was stunned for a moment before reacting.
She lowered her head, still speaking softly: "Thank you, sir."
She naturally knew that with Rong's temper, how could she possibly apologize to her if Rong Jianxue hadn't forced her?
But that’s all he said.
It seems that there is nothing else to say except thanking him.
There was a few steps between the two of them, and the candlelight around them was swaying, shining on them.
"Why didn't you let me explain to my mother at the family dinner just now?" the man asked in a deep voice.
Pei Jingxu smiled apologetically, "I don't want to create any rift between my mother-in-law and the Prime Minister's Mansion. After all, these are just insignificant matters. You don't have to explain anything for me."
Rong Jianxue said in a cold and serious voice, "It's not insignificant. It concerns your reputation and integrity."
Pei Jingxu said softly, "Your Excellency is too kind. After my husband passed away, these things are of no importance to me."
“Tick-tick—”
In the distance, there was the sound of accumulated raindrops falling on the eaves of the corridor.
Pei Jingxu twirled her hands hidden in her sleeves, lowered her head, and spoke softly, "Also... I already know about Mr. Zhang Zheng's affairs. It has nothing to do with you, my Lord. I was too impulsive."
When speaking of these words, Pei Jingxu spoke in a calm tone, as if he was just explaining a very ordinary matter.
"I hope you won't be angry with Ah Xu."
She apologized to him softly and weakly, accompanied by the sound of rain.
Rong Jianxue did not answer.
Those dark eyes looked like raindrops, cold and deep.
——She actually doesn't need to apologize to him.
She did nothing wrong, she just trusted him.
Apologizing like this now is like apologizing for trusting him in the past.
What is this?
Rong Jianxue pursed her lips and said in a cold voice, "It's my fault that I didn't find a good candidate. You don't have to apologize to me."
"I still want it," the woman said in a soft and gentle voice. "I am indeed very stupid and have caused you a lot of trouble."
As she spoke, she took a deep breath, raised her head as if mustering up the courage, and gave the man a gentle smile.
"After I become your concubine, I will not cause any more trouble to you, my lord."
“Tick-tick—”
The candle in the lantern in the distance flickered twice, but was extinguished by the sound of the wind around it.
Pei Jingxu shrank her neck in fear, but still bowed respectfully to the man: "If there is nothing else, I will take my leave first."
After saying that, Pei Jingxu turned around and left without looking at him again.
She couldn't push him anymore.
This step is the best she can do given their current relationship.
Taking one more step forward would seem deliberate.
She needed to let Rong Jianxue think it through on his own. She wanted him to take the initiative to approach her, so that her seduction would be meaningful.
It was impossible for her to break Rong Jianxue, the upright bamboo. She wanted the bamboo to bend willingly and come to her.
So next, all she could do was add fuel to the fire.
…
Not long after returning to the West Courtyard, Jiang Hui came to ask for a meeting.
Since they had all gone to the front hall for dinner today, there was no point in pretending to have caught a cold. Pei Jingxu pushed open the door and saw Jiang Hui waiting in the yard.
"Second Lady."
Seeing Pei Jingxu, Jiang Hui clasped his fists and handed over the lunch box in his hand: "This is what my young master asked me to give to you."
Pei Jingxu was stunned for a moment and took a look at the not-so-big food box.
After opening the lid, Pei Jingxu saw that there was only one dish in the food box.
"Is this... steamed shrimp?"
Jiang Hui smiled and took the plate of steamed shrimp from the food box. "This is what the Master just ordered from Simei Zhai. Simei Zhai's seafood is superb. Madam, please try it."
Pei Jingxu smiled apologetically: "Excuse me, sir, but I don't..."
She glanced at the plate of steamed shrimp again, not knowing what she noticed, and the words she wanted to say got stuck in her throat.
"This shrimp shell... has been peeled off?" Pei Jingxu was a little bit incredulous when he asked this question.
"Yes, it is said that because some customers don't want to get their hands dirty peeling shrimp, Simeizhai has someone specially trained to peel the shrimp shells and shrimp threads."
Jiang Hui pushed the plate of shrimp toward Pei Jingxu and said, "Second Madam, you can try it. If you like it, I'll bring it to you another day."
Pei Jingxu looked at the cleanly processed shrimp meat and smiled: "Okay, then I'll accept it. Thank you, my Lord, for me."
"Okay, then I'll take my leave."
Even after Jiang Hui left, Pei Jingxu's eyes did not leave the plate of steamed shrimp.
She later realized that Rong Jianxue was actually a person with almost terrifying insight.
She had only glanced at the greasy shrimp shells at the dining table, and Rong Jianxue could guess that she didn't like peeling shrimp shells.
But this also just shows that Rong Jianxue cares about her.
This is really good news for Pei Jingxu.
--
For several days, there was no movement in the west courtyard.
Jiang Hui came several more times, each time bringing some dim sum dishes, all bought from the hard-to-find Simeizhai.
It’s just that Jiang Hui came frequently, but he didn’t hear anything about Rong Jianxue’s actions.
He seemed to be doing the same thing as usual, attending court, handling official business, and copying scriptures. Nothing was different.
All of this was within Pei Jingxu's expectations, but what puzzled her was: how come so many days had passed and there was still no gossip about her in the capital?
When she went to the Prime Minister's Mansion for a banquet, many people saw her. According to Shen Congyue's character, she would never let go of such a good opportunity to slander her reputation.
Seven or eight days have passed, and Pei Jingxu hasn't heard any news at all.
When Pei Jingxu went to the Prime Minister's Mansion, he knew that Shen Congyue would definitely use it to make a fuss, but those ridicules and fame were nothing to Pei Jingxu.
As long as she can achieve her goal, she can give up less important things.
But this time...why haven't I heard any rumors for so long?
"Girl, don't you know yet?"
Hearing Pei Jingxu's doubts, Hongyao blinked, a little surprised.
"Know what?"
Hongyao scratched her head: "Didn't Guard Jiang tell you that your plan to attend the banquet at the Prime Minister's Residence that day was suppressed by the eldest son?"
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