Chapter 33 - Something's Off
The bright moon faded, insects began to chirp, and the stars closed their eyes in tandem. The scene was like a tranquil ink painting, with the horizon revealing a faint light, akin to the belly of a fish. The morning dew clung to the green foliage, and with the wind's touch, droplets that hung from leaves rolled down following the leaf's veins.
The world came into focus as birds lifted their legs, flapping their wings, soaring to higher branches. The city of Xi Jing awakened from its deep slumber.
On a bed lay three people in a jumbled mess. Hao Zhong was the first to wake, and it was due to being squished.
A skinny little leg, almost devoid of flesh, lay across her abdomen. No wonder she dreamed of 'pushing a boulder'.
Pushing Bai Tang aside and removing Rao Liang's hand from her waist, Hao Zhong retrieved her own restless leg. She rubbed her throbbing temples. The morning light shone through the window, startling her awake. "Wake up! Hurry, wake up! We're going to be late!"
From the tallest tower in Xi Jing, a profound bell tone rang out: three short rings followed by a long one. This was the morning bell, signaling the citizens to start their day. As the final toll resonated, Bai Tang, with her hair looking like a bird's nest, looked around in a daze, "Oh, is it time to get up?"
She was so drowsy she might collapse back into sleep at any moment. Hao Zhong, with one hand pulling Rao Liang and the other yanking the lazy girl, chanted, "Get up---"
The voice was haunting.
Birds in the trees flapped and took flight.
The window was half-open, and the "Hooking Scent" in the purple-gold burner had burned out. Fresh flowers bloomed in the white vase, and a pleasant fragrance wafted throughout the inner chamber. Pei Xuan had been awake for a while, his fair face flushed with a faint blush as he gazed intently at the miss who was sleeping sweetly in his embrace.
Such a wonderful person, and now she truly belonged to him.
Pei Xuan's emotions surged, an inner joy radiating silently from him.
The morning bells resonated throughout Xi Jing city. He covered Cui Ti's ears, not wanting the outside clamor to disturb her peaceful sleep.
Yet, unexpectedly, Cui Ti slowly opened her eyes, "My husband..."
Her voice carried an enticing hoarseness. Pei Xuan's ears turned red, and he softly responded.
Cui Ti nuzzled her face against his neck, too shy to meet his eyes.
As she fully woke up, memories of last night's indulgence came flooding back. She vaguely remembered being clingy, unabashedly seeking more affection from him. A momentary pang of aching weariness hit her.
But she still wanted to look at Pei Xuan.
Pretending to be "blind", she unabashedly took in Pei Xuan's appearance. Seeing his sparkling eyes and the upward tilt of his lips, she figured he had a satisfying night.
"Xing Guang..."
She fumbled to hold Pei Xuan's delicate fingers. The shyness of a new bride and the burgeoning affection filled her heart. Pei Xuan, relying on the gold silk soft clothing that hid his shape, boldly embraced her tightly, "Ti Ti."
Cui Ti felt a swelling in her chest, her fingertips clutching the collar of his robe. She regretted that Xing Guang never dared to face her openly.
In contrast, she had been laid bare, without even a piece of clothing to shield her body.
For a moment, they were entwined in warmth and softness. Pei Xuan, having overstepped his boundaries, dared not go any further, "Shall we get up?"
"Mmm."
Cui Ti was wholly compliant.
The silk quilt slipped away, revealing a body as soft and white as snow. Pei Xuan initially looked away in shock, then sneaked another glance, staring directly at the almost indistinguishable bite marks.
"Is this..." He leaned in, guiltily asking, "Did I do this?"
"Who else could it be?" Cui Ti lowered her head in mock annoyance.
For a moment, the righteous compiler Pei Xuan was lost in self-reflection, "Did it hurt?"
She brushed past that spot, causing Cui Ti to tremble slightly, shaking her head.
Pei Xuan reproached himself, letting out a soft "oh" with a slightly hoarse voice. "I'll be more careful next time."
Cui Ti thought to herself: Perhaps it's better if he isn't too careful. Without experiencing it, one wouldn't know. In this matter, Pei Xuan is certainly overly tentative, soft, and delicate. He never brings satisfaction, being excessively proper to the point of frustration, almost making one want to cry. She wished for him, desired him, and was left hanging in uncertainty.
She'd rather Pei Xuan bite her hard, even if it hurt, rather than this half-hearted touch.
But she couldn't voice these words.
She was inherently a good woman.
And she especially wanted to present herself as a virtuous and good wife in front of this man.
Bai Tang, Hao Zhong, Rao Liang, and others were waiting outside the door, yawning. After a long while, the door inside opened, and Pei Xuan stood there in his usual attire, elegant as a deity with a grace akin to a celestial being.
"Come in."
The deity spoke.
The maids surrounded Cui Ti, serving her. With sharp eyes, they noticed the red mark on the back of their Miss's neck. Bai Tang, who understood the implications, chuckled in amusement early in the morning.
The two masters of the house had finally consummated their relationship, bringing joy to the servants. The old maid by Lady Pei's side visited the courtyard and took away the genuine handkerchief. Pei Xuan then helped Cui Ti out of the room.
This marked the first day Cui Ti truly became the young mistress of the Pei family.
After having their morning meal, Pei Xuan left for his post at Hanlin Academy. Dressed in a dignified official robe, he moved with an air of spring-like freshness, walking with a grace and flair that surpassed others.
Watching him step by step leave the mansion, the only color in her world faded away, and Cui Ti was once again enveloped in an endless white foggy void.
She was rendered completely blind again.
Both the elder and younger of the house were occupied with their own matters, Lady Pei sat with her daughter-in-law, sharing heart-to-heart conversations.
A nourishing soup was brought over. Watching her drink it, Lady Pei's smile deepened. "You two must live a good life. As the young mistress of the Pei family, once you've recuperated, I'll take you out, perhaps you'll meet some like-minded friends."
The comings and goings in the backyard were not to be overlooked. In an ordinary household, a blind daughter-in-law might have been hidden away in shame.
But this was the Pei family, and Cui Ti was Pei Xuan's wife.
Her name was now officially recorded in the Pei family genealogy, carrying its weight. Whenever she stepped outside, she represented the honor and disgrace of the Pei family.
In her previous life, Cui Ti had been reluctant to socialize, having declined her mother-in-law's good intentions multiple times. Firstly, she didn't want to embarrass Pei Xuan; secondly, she was unsure of Pei Xuan's feelings for her. With this second chance, knowing Pei Xuan's heart, she nodded in agreement to accompany her mother-in-law to socialize in the coming days.
At the Hanlin Academy, Song Zizhen, with dark circles under his eyes, yawned incessantly. Zheng Wuji, lifting his head from some documents, commented, "Did you spend the night ghost hunting?"
"Enough!" Song Zizhen retorted, "I was kept awake all night by my mother nagging! Saying I'm getting older, and if I don't get married soon, she'll only be able to dream of holding her grandchild from inside a coffin. Can you believe that? It's driving me mad!"
Zheng Wuji, with his heart of steel, was not one to sympathize. "Then get married! With the Song family's status and your looks, surely you can find a wife?"
"What do you know? Do you think everyone's like Xing Guang, setting his eyes on a girl and immediately wanting to marry her?"
At that, Pei Xuan, organizing some books, smiled gently, "I indeed am extremely fortunate."
"Tsk! Are those even human words?"
Zheng Wuji laughed heartily, "It's the absolute truth!"
Song Zizhen squinted, suddenly asking, "Xing Guang, did you go ghost hunting last night? Look at those dark circles. Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Never one to mince words, Pei Xuan rolled his eyes at him, choosing not to respond.
The Hanlin Academy was a place where the elite and renowned gathered. On a leisurely day, as colleagues gradually left in small groups, Song Zizhen winked and teased, "I wondered why Xing Guang was so distracted all morning. Turns out his heart's been stolen by a beauty. When even our youngest, Xing Guang, has started a romantic life, Zheng Wuji, don't you feel left out?"
"Why would I feel that way?"
"Among the three of us, you're the oldest. If you're not feeling left out, who would?"
"..."
That comment hit Zheng Wuji hard, leaving him speechless. He truly was a virgin scholar, focused solely on his studies.
Most men in Da Zhao marry around seventeen or eighteen. He was several years older than Pei Xuan, less talented than him, and even lagging in finding a wife. He shot Song Zizhen a fierce glare. That motor-mouth!
While the two were indulged in their banter, Pei Xuan, having finished his work, rested his chin on one hand and gazed out at the scenery.
He wondered what TiTi was doing at home. Was she daydreaming with her rabbit, or listening to Bai Tang's endless chatter, or... perhaps thinking of him?
Pei Xuan's heart skipped a beat, suddenly recalling last night's scene, the soft, passionate Cui Ti, a side of her he had never seen before.
Of course, the aphrodisiac played a part, but it only amplifies one's deepest desires. TiTi must love him, right?
Perhaps even more than he had imagined.
His heart felt warm.
He was grateful for his foresight in wearing his golden silken clothes ahead of time. Otherwise, they might have been stripped off...
He sighed inwardly: How much longer must he keep up the act?
"Xing Guang, want to join us for a drink?"
"I'll pass."
Song Zizhen raised an eyebrow, nudging Zheng Wuji with his elbow, "See? Xing Guang truly is a responsible husband, even gave up drinking."
It's not that he had given it up.
Pei Xuan, being the refined wine lover that he was, pondered for a moment and said, "Let's drink another day. I'll treat."
"Deal!"
A group of people left the Hanlin Academy together.
A servant from the Pei family came to lead the horses. Pei Xuan mounted his horse, leisurely trotting down the long street. By the roadside, several children were playing hide-and-seek. One of them covered his eyes, facing a large tree, "Are you all hidden?"
"Not yet!"
The children scattered, running here and there. Pei Xuan watched, a hint of childlike amusement in his gaze.
As a child, she rarely played with peers her age, always preferring to stay in her study, engrossed in her books. Her interests were unlike others.
This street was long, and she rode her horse slowly, letting it wander as it wished.
The laughter and chatter of the children reached her ears. She partially listened, noticing that one of them was accusing a friend of not following the game's rules.
"You peeked!"
"I didn't!"
"If you didn't peek, how did you know where I was hiding?"
The argument seemed unreasonable, and Pei Xuan shook her head with a smile.
"You definitely peeked!"
"I didn't!!"
The two raised their voices at each other. Soon, other noises started to emerge, and the horse silently moved on.
Pei Xuan was in high spirits. After wandering the streets, she began to miss Cui Ti and spurred her horse into a brisk trot.
Both in Xi Jing, how wonderful it would have been if she had the fortune to grow up alongside Ti as childhood friends. Even if they were playing hide-and-seek and she peeked, Ti wouldn't have minded.
Lost in these thoughts, she found herself lamenting the unfairness of fate, saddened by the fact that her wife was born blind.
"Sticky rice cakes! Sticky rice cakes! Soft and white sticky rice cakes!"
A street vendor's cry caught her ear, causing her thoughts to take a naughty turn. It was her wife's chest that was truly white and soft, whiter and softer than a rabbit's, and especially sweet to the touch.
A flush crept upon her face, but the cool breeze quickly whisked the warmth away. Passersby gazed at her in admiration, recognizing the young master of the Pei family.
Pei Xuan savored the memories from the previous night, and that wasn't enough; her thoughts drifted to their tender moments at the Agarwood Courtyard in the Earl of Xining's mansion.
"I'll have a sticky rice cake."
"Sure thing, here you go."
Returning from his errand, the compiler Pei, held the horse's reins in one hand and the fragrant pastry in the other. His thoughts drifted, lost in recollection.
"M'lord, what are you thinking about?" Why do you look so elated?
Pei Xuan's eyes twinkled with mischief, "Thinking about those kids earlier."
The servant was puzzled. What's so interesting about children?
"I feel like I've overlooked something."
The feeling was inexplicable. She pondered on it the entire journey and was about to let go of the thought when a gust of wind blew. A furnace from a roadside shop emitted thick smoke. The smoke got in her eyes as the wind dispersed it.
Rapidly blinking her lashes, Pei Xuan wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, a tear forming in the corner of her eye. Amused yet slightly irritated, she thought, "What inconvenient timing for the wind."
Suddenly, her smile froze on her lips.
"M'lord? Are you alright?"
Pei Xuan's face lit up in realization. She remembered what felt amiss.