Chapter 41 Xie Zheng Takes Over Lin Shaowan looked at the matchmaker who had come to the door, and took care of herself...
Lin Zhi lowered her head and covered her chest, then without thinking, raised her hand to cover his eyes: "What nonsense are you talking about! You haven't even seen what the pattern is!"
Pei Lang leaned back on the chaise longue, lazily reciting as if listing treasures: "So you like lotus patterns the most? Have you embroidered some new intertwined branches and peonies lately?"
Before he could finish speaking, Lin Zhi tightly covered his mouth, her ears turning bright red, forbidding him to say another word.
After their playful banter, Lin Zhi's mood soared again. She leaned on Pei Lang's shoulder, seeking comfort: "I haven't been sleeping well these past few nights. I keep dreaming about things from the past."
“I’m afraid my aunt will be angry with me; she’s my only family.”
"My second cousin is gone, and I am now my aunt's only support."
Listening quietly to Lin Zhi's worries, Pei Lang gently patted her back twice with his hand around her back, his tone tender: "Don't worry, what we said in the ancestral hall that day was just said in anger."
"Not to mention that my father's health has improved a lot these days, I will also take good care of my mother for your sake."
"She has a husband and a son, and she'll have a daughter-in-law in the future. Why should you worry about her?"
Lin Zhi nestled in his arms for a moment before realizing that the daughter-in-law he was referring to was herself. She patted his chest shyly, which made her feel a little more at ease.
Pei Lang continued his soothing gestures intermittently, but his gaze gradually turned cold.
"Madam, it's an invitation from the Xie family. They say that Madam Xie would like to invite Miss Xie over."
Since Pei Lang was promoted to Grand Secretary, these invitations have sprung up like mushrooms after rain, but the Xie family cannot simply refuse them.
Lin Shaowan took it and examined it carefully. Then, as if struck by a sudden inspiration, she called out to Yu Shu, "Do you still remember that the young master of the Xie family is named Xie Zheng?"
"How old is he now? Does he have wives or concubines?"
Yu Shu, who accompanied Lin Shaowan to and from the prominent families in the capital, naturally had to take note: "Madam, Young Master Xie is now the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, and is about the same age as our eldest son. He certainly does not have a wife."
"However, I don't know if there are any concubines or maids in this room."
Lin Shaowan tapped the invitation: "Look at me, I'm really getting senile now. There's such a good candidate waiting here, why bother to go through all that trouble to find those portraits?"
Lin Zhi was still a little confused when she was put into the carriage: "Aunt, didn't you say you were going with me?"
Lin Shaowan smiled as she stood under the car: "Originally, your aunt was supposed to go with you, but today the doctor said that your uncle insisted on keeping me by his side, otherwise he wouldn't take his medicine properly."
"Besides, the Pei and Xie families have been friends for generations, and Madam Xie is easygoing, so Aunt has nothing to worry about."
"Go in peace, and return home soon."
Since her aunt had said so, Lin Zhi naturally had no doubts. "Okay, Zhi understands."
As the carriage drove away, Lin Shaowan's smile deepened.
She spoke softly to the person beside her, "Did the eldest young master have an appointment with someone after court today?"
Yu Shu nodded: "I heard that it was Prime Minister He who invited me, so perhaps there is some official business to discuss."
Her trip to the He residence yesterday wasn't in vain; it all depends on whether Miss He is clever enough.
Lin Shaowan smiled without saying a word, and took Yu Shu's arm as they returned to the mansion to wait quietly.
Lin Zhi originally thought that Madam Xie had invited her to admire the flowers, but she did not expect that Madam Xie would also come out of the mansion when the Pei family's carriage arrived at the Xie mansion.
Lin Zhi was stunned as soon as she stepped off the carriage, and quickly said, "A-Zhi didn't know Madam Xie was out on business, so I won't bother you any longer..."
Madam Xie smiled and stepped forward to stop her, saying, "Azhi, there's no need for that. Today, I just wanted you to come with me to buy some things so you could help me make an informed decision."
Madam Xie glanced around and lowered her voice to approach Lin Zhi: "Xie Jin wrote that Jiangnan is very nice, but she also misses things from the capital and asked me to buy some for her and send them over."
"But I don't know what Xiao Jin likes, so I can only think of you, child."
When Xie Jin was mentioned again, Lin Zhi felt a sense of déjà vu. Things that were once so unforgettable were now somewhat blurry in her memory.
Lin Zhi was called twice before she came to her senses and nodded in response: "Although I have only known Miss Xie for a short time, I can still guess some of her preferences."
"If Madam doesn't mind, Azhi will accompany you to take a look."
Madam Xie quickly laughed: "You have such a sweet voice, child."
With that, he led Lin Zhi onto his carriage.
"Why did my mother urgently summon me back? My official duties at the Dali Temple are piling up. I can buy things anytime."
"It was bought for Xie Jin, but I don't know what she wants."
The servant boy from the Xie household was also sweating profusely with nervousness, and lowered his head meekly, not daring to refute: "...Yes, but Madam said that Young Master must accompany you today, and that if you don't come, Young Master will definitely regret it..."
Xie Zheng frowned slightly, unable to understand why his mother was acting this way.
When Xie Zheng arrived at a cosmetics shop, he dismounted with a stern face and hesitated for a while before reluctantly stepping inside.
"Oh my, Ah Zhi, your face is so fair and tender! This rouge color makes your complexion look so good! Shopkeeper, wrap this up too."
Xie Zheng froze as soon as he entered the shop, staring straight at Lin Zhi. He had only ever seen her with light makeup and a plain face before; though she was as beautiful as a lotus in clear water, she was far more stunning than she was today.
Many husbands and sons accompanied their wives, but Xie Zheng's exceptional appearance attracted shy glances from the women.
Even though it was scorching hot, none of them dared to take a step forward, only holding their breath and stealing glances.
Only Lin Zhi was oblivious to the commotion and was still struggling and pushing with Madam Xie.
"I promised to accompany you on this shopping trip, but I can't accept this gift without having done anything for you..."
"Please accept this as a token of my gratitude."
Suddenly, a large hand snatched away the rouge box that the two were pushing and shoving, and went straight to the shopkeeper to settle the bill.
Seeing her son arrive late, Madam Xie finally felt relieved and smiled as she took Lin Zhi's hand: "Ah Zhi, good child, you can't refuse this time."
"It's just a small token of my appreciation, let Xie Zheng buy it for you. This time, it doesn't count as a gift from me, right?"
Lin Zhiwei frowned slightly and forced a troubled smile.
The rouge shop was only the first one; afterwards, Madam Xie seemed tireless, dragging Lin Zhi into every shop they saw to make a selection.
She wasn't tired yet, but Lin Zhi was already exhausted.
Seeing that Madam Xie had picked up another gold and gemstone phoenix hairpin and was gesturing in Lin Zhi's hair, Lin Zhi finally couldn't resist and winked at Xie Zheng for help.
Xie Zheng, who was carrying things behind the two, saw Lin Zhi's pitiful little appearance and couldn't help but chuckle to defuse the situation: "Mother, Xiao Jin doesn't like any of these things either, so please don't bother."
Madam Xie turned and glared at him, clearly annoyed: "What do you know, you roughneck?"
As she spoke, she placed a fine jade bracelet on Lin Zhi's wrist.
“Aren’t you tired? Your son is. There’s an elegant teahouse nearby. I’ve heard their tea and snacks are very famous and will be to your liking.”
"Miss Lin must be tired too?"
Seeing Lin Zhi's somewhat pale face, Madam Xie exclaimed, "I've forgotten that you've been with me for so long without even having a sip of tea."
"Alright, let's go to the teahouse to rest first."
Lin Zhi overheard the mother and son's oblivious conversation and, without giving her a chance to refuse, took her away with them.
Pei Lang calmly picked up the teacup in front of him, showing no displeasure at being stood up. The steward of the He family, however, was sweating profusely, wiping the cold sweat from his brow. "Please wait a little longer, Lord Pei. Our master will be here soon."
Pei Lang didn't even glance at him after hearing his excuse. If it weren't for the fact that Marquis Lu hadn't yet handed over his military tally and the new emperor still needed Prime Minister He to keep him in check, he wouldn't need to pretend to be friendly with Prime Minister He anymore.
"It's alright. He Xiang is an elder, and as a junior, I naturally won't hold such a grudge."
"It seems that Lord Pei is not as harsh and unapproachable as the rumors suggest."
A clear female voice drifted into the private tea room as the door was pushed open, but Pei Lang remained unmoved, not even pausing his tea-drinking.
Through the veil, He Luochen brazenly sized up this rising star in the court. He had only just reached adulthood and had already taken up his current position; indeed, he was handsome and had an extraordinary bearing.
"Does Lord Pei not want to know who I am?"
Pei Lang put down his teacup before staring at the tall woman in front of him: "Miss He's reputation is so widespread that there's no need for further explanation."
He Luochen chuckled lightly: "Uncle Feng, you can go down first. I have something to say to Lord Pei."
"Yes." Butler Feng got up and left, but Pei Lang also got up to leave.
"The proper separation between men and women must be avoided. If you are not free, we will meet another day."
Seeing the situation was not good, Steward Feng quickly took two steps and left the private room, not even having time to close the door properly. He Luochen, seeing Pei Lang about to leave, lifted her veil and blocked his way: "Lord Pei, why be so formal?"
"My coming to see you is the same as my father's coming. My father came only because he intends to take you as his son-in-law. I might as well let me see you for myself!"
The more He Luochen looked at Pei Lang, the more she felt he suited her taste; he was far superior to those纨绔 (spoiled brats) from aristocratic families. At such a young age, he had already become the Grand Secretary; with the support of her He family, Pei Lang would surely rise to the highest ranks of officialdom and have an even smoother career path.
Moreover, her talent and beauty were among the best of the noble ladies in the capital; she didn't believe any man could resist her.
Pei Lang merely glanced down at her determined gaze and said indifferently, "I've come to this appointment only for important matters of the court. Miss He, you've probably misunderstood."
Even though she was rejected, He Luochen's interest only grew stronger. She moved closer to Pei Lang and asked, "Lord Pei, why are you so angry?"
"Why don't you think about it carefully?"
“My elder sister is now the new emperor’s Consort Hui, and she is deeply favored.”
"The number of people who want to marry me is so great that they're practically breaking down my door, but I just don't like them. I only admire people who are resourceful and ambitious."
“I am not content to be a mere jealous housewife, but being a concubine in the imperial harem inevitably means endless fighting among ourselves. I want my husband to be someone who is no less than an emperor.”
"Lord Pei is very suitable."
Staring into He Luochen's confident eyes, a hint of mockery flashed across Pei Lang's eyes.
idiot.
But then he turned around and sat back down: "Miss He has good ambitions, but unfortunately I am short-sighted and not the person Miss He desires."
He Luochen smiled, thinking that no matter how well men pretend, they are all the same. She walked closer to Pei Lang and bowed slightly, saying, "Whether it is true or not, it is not up to Lord Pei to decide, but up to me."
The two were standing close to each other, locked in a stalemate, when suddenly Pei Lang's teacup tipped over, wetting He Luochen's carefully chosen attire and scalding her so much that she had to take a few steps back to create some distance.
The young woman lost her temper and her face turned angry; her usual seven points of beauty were reduced to only three.
Pei Lang withdrew his hand apologetically: "It was my rashness, I hope Miss He will forgive me."
Seeing his open and clear eyes, He Luochen's anger dissipated considerably: Could it be that she really saw wrong? That teacup wasn't poured by Pei Lang on his own initiative?
Pei Lang had no interest in guessing her thoughts. He impatiently looked away and glanced at the long street outside the window, but frowned and stared at a figure that was all too familiar.
The person following closely beside Lin Zhi was... Xie Zheng?
Pei Lang's expression remained unchanged, but his grip on the teacup tightened until he saw Xie Zheng reach out and touch Lin Zhi's face...
With a crisp "crack," the fine porcelain teacup shattered into pieces in Pei Lang's hand, startling He Luochen so much that her face paled.
"Lord Pei, what's going on...?"
Pei Lang lowered his eyes to look at the few streaks of blood that had appeared in his palm, then clenched his fist to hide them.
"Farewell."
"Hey!"
Completely bewildered, He Luochen stared at Pei Lang's retreating figure, finding him increasingly dashing and extraordinary. He murmured, "There's nothing I, He Luochen, can't get!"
"Miss Lin, I'm so sorry, I never expected to encounter something like this..."
Xie Zheng glanced cautiously at Lin Zhi, whose eyes were red and swollen and who looked lost and distraught, and felt a pang of regret in his heart.
Why did I have to take people to a teahouse? And then I ran into Pei Lang!
Pei Lang was also incredibly intimate with a woman in public, without even closing the door properly!
Fortunately, Xie Zheng managed to send his mother away first, otherwise he might have been accused of bullying the girl.
Lin Zhi gently sniffed and shook her head, pinching the handkerchief he offered: "This matter has nothing to do with Xie Shaoqing. I should be the one apologizing for disturbing your enjoyment."
Xie Zheng was Pei Lang's good friend and had helped her a lot. It was really embarrassing for her to act like this in front of others.
Hearing her trembling voice yet still trying to remain calm in front of him, Xie Zheng's eyes were filled with pity: "Just now... perhaps there was some misunderstanding. Pei Lang may have been discussing matters with Prime Minister He. I recognize that woman; she is Prime Minister He's daughter."
But Xie Zheng had barely finished speaking when he realized something was wrong and fell silent.
Pei Lang is currently very popular, and his meeting with Prime Minister He and his daughter is clearly an attempt to play matchmaker.
As expected, Lin Zhi's radiant face dimmed slightly upon hearing this. "The servants in the manor are still waiting for me. I hope Miss Xie will like the things I bought today. Lin Zhi will take her leave."
Xie Zheng pursed his lips, and only belatedly realized that he had taken out a delicate jade hairpin from his bosom, on which was carved a lifelike white gardenia.
Clutching the hairpin he couldn't give away tightly in his hand, Xie Zheng's eyes flickered slightly, and his resolve hardened.
"You're back so early? Are you getting along well with Madam Xie?"
When Lin Zhi returned to pay her respects, Lin Shaowan quickly pulled her to sit down, but upon examining her face, she noticed faint tear stains.
Lin Shaowan understood but remained silent, pretending not to see anything and continuing to speak with concern.
Lin Zhi reluctantly replied to a few words, then claimed that she was feeling unwell and had to go back.
"Alright, Chuntao, help Miss Biao back to rest."
After Lin Zhi disappeared from sight, Lin Shaowan chuckled softly, "Oh dear, this little girl is pitiful. But it's better for her to be pitiful now than for her to be toyed with by Pei Lang later."
"Miss will understand your good intentions, Madam."
Lin Zhi walked with her head down, not caring about manners or propriety, feeling extremely bitter and upset.
She was walking with her head down when she bumped into someone, and before she could even look up, someone grabbed her wrist.
Looking up, Lin Zhi saw Pei Lang's handsome face. Overwhelmed with anger, she shoved his hand away without hesitation and said distantly, "How are you, cousin?"
After saying that, she was about to take a detour to leave, but Pei Lang grabbed her wrist again.
Even so, Lin Zhi still did not turn around and refused to look at him.
Pei Lang kneaded her wrist a couple of times and asked in a deep voice, "Where have you been all day?"
Lin Zhi originally thought he was coming to explain to her, but she didn't expect him to start with a question!
Lin Zhi laughed in exasperation, turning to stare at his face, trying to detect a trace of regret: "I went to Qingzhan Pavilion to watch a good show. Cousin, why don't you tell me where you went today?"
Hearing the barbed tone in her voice, Pei Lang frowned unhappily. "Of course I was there to discuss business."
"Who did you go to Qingzhan Pavilion with?"
Seeing that he wouldn't tell her the truth, Lin Zhi's self-deception completely shattered. Her eyes filled with disappointment as she broke free from his hand: "It's none of your business who I go with, let go!"
It's unclear what words angered him, but Pei Lang, with a cold face, dragged the person towards Lanxue Pavilion. Lanxue Pavilion was nearby, and they arrived in just a few steps.
Lin was so young she was practically incoherent, "Pei Lang! You're shameless!"
"You abducted a woman in broad daylight!"
Hearing her say that, Pei Lang curled his lips into a cold smile, leaned down and easily hoisted her onto his shoulder, his aloof and noble face revealing a blatant bandit-like air.
He raised his hand and slapped her pert buttocks: "I see that your injuries have fully healed now, so it's a good time to settle all the old and new scores together."
Chun Tao was terrified and chased after him, but Pei Lang glared at her and she dared not take another step. As she watched the gate of Lanxue Pavilion close, she looked distressed and didn't know what to do.
"Pei Lang, let go of me! You bastard!"
Lin Zhi's legs kept kicking and thrashing, and by the time Pei Lang put her down, his face was extremely pale.
How did I teach you before?
"Keep your mind clear to others and don't reveal everything."
"But does 'other people' include me? Hmm?"
Lin Zhi froze. The two of them had been so intimate and affectionate these past few days that she had almost forgotten Pei Lang's temper.
"say."
Pei Lang's thin lips were pressed straight, his expression cold and dignified.
Lin Zhi felt even more aggrieved. He was clearly in the wrong first, so why should she be the one to back down first?
Her stubbornness got the better of her, and she refused to listen or speak.
Remembering Pei Lang's current status and the attention he receives from all sides, Lin Zhi's anger suddenly lost its strength. With better options available, why should she demand that Pei Lang be fixated on her?
What others can offer him is assistance in his official career and his family background, but what can he offer besides being a burden to him?
What did she say? That she saw him with Miss He? And then what?
Are you waiting for him to say in person that he doesn't want you anymore and can't keep his promise?
Lin Zhi held back her tears, which made Pei Lang's heart clench. He relented and said, "I will believe you if you tell me what happened today."
Even though he witnessed her and Xie Zheng being intimate, he couldn't bring himself to say anything harsh.
But Lin Zhi held back her tears, sat up straight, and extended her palm to him.
Pei Lang was taken aback. This was an unspoken agreement between the two: if Lin Zhi made a mistake, he would slap her palm a few times as punishment.
Lin Zhi was very afraid of pain, and she would become extremely delicate if she was hit twice. Except for the beginning, Pei Lang would only hit her twice for very serious mistakes.
But now Lin Zhi would rather be beaten than reveal what happened between her and Xie Zheng today.
Pei Lang felt a lump in his throat, a rare surge of anger rising within him. He turned and retrieved a bamboo ruler. He pressed it against Lin Zhi's fingertips, his eyes fixed intently on her expression.
"Snap!"
Lin Zhi unconsciously closed her eyes, her eyes reddening instantly, but she still pursed her lips and refused to speak.
Pei Lang originally only wanted to intimidate her, but seeing that she was biting her lip until it bled but still refused to speak.
Take a deep breath and continue the movement, two times, three times...
Even as her fair and delicate palms turned noticeably red and tears streamed down her face, Lin Zhi still didn't speak.
With a snap, Pei Lang threw the ruler on the ground, looking somewhat dejected. He bent down in front of her and sat at eye level.
"What am I supposed to do with you?"
"It's as if I'm the one bullying you today. If you go back on your word, I won't blame you for being young and impulsive."
"You can go now. I won't interfere in your affairs anymore, and I won't bother you anymore. Do as you please, as long as you're happy."
Pei Lang looked exhausted and heartbroken. He stood up resolutely, as if he had really made the decision to give up on her. Lin Zhi felt a pang of panic.
Pei Lang, who was always full of vigor, only showed such a vulnerable expression in front of her. Lin Zhi's heart was rekindled with hope. She held back her tears and hooked her arm around his sleeve: "Then tell me first, what is the meaning of your meeting with that Miss He?"
Pei Lang's throat tightened, and he suddenly realized why she was so stubborn. His eyes darkened as he turned around, squatted down, took her still red and swollen hand in his, and gently kissed it to comfort her: "I had an appointment with Prime Minister He today to discuss political affairs. The old man set a trap for me, making his daughter attend the appointment."
"You saw it?"
Lin Zhi felt relieved, but still nodded with a hint of grievance.
Pei Lang tilted his head and pecked at him twice more, his eyes sharp: "You saw it with Xie Zheng?"
How did you know...?
Lin Zhi exclaimed in surprise, only then realizing that Pei Lang's earlier outburst of anger hadn't been without reason.
After a moment of silence between them, Lin Zhi couldn't help but chuckle and lightly kicked his shin: "I was invited by Madam Xie to pick out some small items for Xie Jin."
"Xie Zheng only came after me because he was worried about me, out of consideration for you."
Pei Lang reached out and pulled Lin Zhi into his arms, the two embracing each other perfectly.
But thinking about Xie Zheng's every move, Pei Lang felt a sense of crisis rising in his heart:
Xie Zheng's intentions towards Lin Zhi are not genuine; they are impure. If he gets there first, all of my plans will likely fall apart.
Thinking of this, Pei Lang gently stroked Lin Zhi's back and said softly, "I had someone check, and the 18th of the 11th month in two months will be an auspicious day."
"The Grand Secretary's residence, bestowed by the Emperor, is now complete. It is only lacking a mistress. Would you be willing to take over?"
Lin Zhi was already dependent on him at this moment, and after being scolded and then coaxed into a daze, she hesitated upon hearing these words: "It's too fast, there's not even time to embroider the wedding dress..."
"Besides... my aunt hasn't given her consent yet."
"If I see you again, Xie Zheng, I'm afraid I'll go crazy."
Lin Zhi thought he was joking and chuckled softly, "Okay."
The next day, Lin Shaowan looked at the matchmaker who had come to her door, her well-maintained face unable to hide her surprise.
"Is the Xie family here to propose marriage?"
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Author's Note: Thank you all for supporting the official version. I'll be updating a little later tomorrow, after 11 PM.
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