Chapter 48 - Doted and Pampered
Good, or not good?
Pei Xuan stood there, her ear tips reddening unbelievably in an instant.
Ever since she whimsically wrote this story three years ago, she had concealed her identity as the author remarkably well. No one would have ever imagined that Pei M'lord, always devoted to her official work, would secretly pen romance tales with such peculiar themes.
So, what about now?
She cherished this volume for three years before she was willing to share it. As soon as she did, her secret was exposed. She couldn't fathom where she had slipped up.
Yet, she couldn't help but admire Cui Ti's sharp wit.
However...
The perfect ending she had envisioned where the rabbit spirit and the immortal deity end up together was conceived the moment she met Cui Ti. As for the newlywed joy...
The summer night's breeze couldn't dispel the warmth on her cheeks. Her heart thudded like a drum: "How did my wife guess it?"
Cui Ti's smile was mischievous, "Just a random guess."
Pei Xuan chuckled, "Is my acting that bad?"
"Worse than bad," she teased, pulling at Pei Xuan's shirtfront. "You're terrible at lying. Plus, there's something about your eyes..."
"What about my eyes?"
Cui Ti couldn't help but want to kiss her, "Your eyes seem to be saying, 'Praise me, please praise me.' So, if I said the 'author' didn't do a good job, would you be upset?"
Upset?
Pei Xuan fell into contemplation.
Did she actually wear her emotions so openly in front of Ti?
"I don't care."
"Hmm?"
Cui Ti tilted her neck, wanting Pei Xuan to wipe her sweat. "I want to see the immortal deity and the rabbit spirit deeply in love." She playfully poked Pei Xuan's chest, "Just like you and me right now."
"..."
Holding a soft white towel, Pei Xuan's breath hitched, her eyes shimmering with emotion. Overwhelmed by the rising warmth, she murmured, "Will my wife spare me?"
At this rate, she'd lose her composure.
"So, will you agree or not?"
First, her secret identity that had been hidden for three years was exposed, and now she was being pleaded to pen more romantic scenes. Pei Xuan felt defenseless, raising her hands in surrender, "As you wish, as you wish."
Cui Ti nestled into her embrace, rubbing against her 'husband' who was drenched in sweat.
Eventually, the two took their time bathing in the cleansing chamber. By the time they emerged, the stars outside were dazzling, the summer breeze rustling the tree leaves, and somewhere in the courtyard, night cats were fighting.
After that night, in addition to her duties as a sixth-grade reader at the Hanlin Academy, Pei Xuan had a new task -- writing tales for her beloved wife.
When outsiders spoke of the heir of the Pei family, who wouldn't praise her literary talent?
She displayed literary skills at three, became the top scholar at seventeen, paraded through Xi Jing streets on horseback in one day, and was admired by countless noble ladies. Without a doubt, Pei Xuan shone brightly.
Meanwhile, most of the storytellers in common society were struggling scholars, but there were exceptions.
Pei Xuan knew that the third prince in the palace was a renowned author. Every piece he wrote was eagerly sought after, once even causing a paper shortage in Xi Jing.
Pei Xuan had no intentions of competing with him for the title of Da Zhao's top author. Her writing was intended for one person alone.
Figuring out how to satisfy this singular reader posed a challenge.
She had a faint feeling that her esteemed reputation was at risk.
Artists often have wild imaginations. While Pei Xuan might exude a facade of restraint and propriety, she had her wild thoughts too. Otherwise, at fifteen, she wouldn't have stayed up all night after getting drunk, pouring out a tortuous love story.
July, in the palace, at the Scripture Pavilion.
After half a day of lecturing on classics and history, Pei Xuan picked up her tea cup and took a sip, a small gesture to soothe her throat.
Emperor Zhao slowly emerged from his reverie, his gaze full of admiration for the talented young Pei Xuan, "Xing Guang, you seem to be in good spirits lately."
Setting aside his imperial demeanor to jest and chat with the younger generation, Pei Xuan's beautiful face lit up with a smile, "The country is peaceful, and the king and ministers are harmonious. Naturally, my days are comfortable."
Whether the response was genuine, Emperor Zhao could tell at a glance.
What he appreciated most about Pei Xuan was her integrity. Even as the son of the Prime Minister, she led a life of purity, like a flower that blooms unblemished from the mire.
Having such a minister was a blessing for both the emperor and the people.
The Hanlin Academy had long been reputed as a "training ground for future prime ministers". Pei Xuan was seen by the emperor as a vital sword for the crown prince. Even sheathed, its radiant glow was enough to inspire reverence.
While many believed Pei Xuan had found favor in the emperor's eyes, given his rapid promotion in just a few months at the Hanlin Academy -- an unprecedented feat -- Emperor Zhao knew this was just the beginning.
Pei Rufeng indeed had an exceptional son.
It's a pity that such a good son belonged to another family. Fortunately, this outstanding son had a good relationship with his own son.
"I'm off to see the crown prince. You may return home. Work hard and strive to let me enjoy the full moon wine for your child soon."
"..."
Caught off guard, Pei Xuan was left dumbstruck. Emperor Zhao exited with hearty laughter. Pei Xuan wiped imaginary sweat from her forehead, looking flustered.
A court eunuch approached obsequiously, "Master Pei, this way please."
Deep within the palace grounds, the corridors stretched endlessly. Curious young princesses and princes peeked from corners. Noticing from the corner of her eye, Pei Xuan quickened her pace.
She didn't want to be assigned another wife, especially with the way the emperor had been looking at her lately -- like a wolf eyeing a piece of meat, always lamenting her early marriage.
While pondering over her writing assignments and resolving to maintain a lower profile, Pei Xuan exited the palace gates. Spotting the carriage from her home waiting, she let out a sigh of relief.
The curtain was lifted, and sitting upright inside was Madam Pei, smiling warmly, "Xing Guang?"
Pei Xuan paused, quickly sitting next to her, "Ti Ti? Why are you here?"
"I came to pick you up."
In an instant, the fatigue from the day melted away, her spirit lifted, "Have you been waiting long?"
Cui Ti smiled without speaking, leaning closer to sniff his clothing. She didn't detect the scent of a young miss's makeup on him. Playing with Pei Xuan's slender fingers, she remarked, "Not bad."
This demeanor of checking whether her 'my husband' had been unfaithful while outside made Pei Xuan straighten his back, even though he'd done nothing wrong. "I didn't glance at other young misses. Besides, in the palace, they are either princesses or consorts. As a subject, I should adhere to the proprieties between a monarch and his subject. How could I dare offend?"
"What are you nervous about?"
"..."
Pei Xuan pursed his lips, remaining silent while Cui Ti teased him with just a look.
Pei Xing Guang leaned in to whisper, "The way you were just now reminded me of how my mother would 'interrogate' my father."
"Really?" Cui Ti responded in a hushed voice, "You guessed right. I learned this from our mother."
Pei Xuan blinked, not quite catching on.
"Mother came to Su Shui Villa to listen to the opera with me. She particularly told me to keep a close eye on you, saying there are many ladies in the palace and not a few vixens."
The word "vixen" carried a hint of playful nonchalance as it left her lips. Pei Xuan swallowed, thinking: Which vixen could be as enchanting as my wife? I'd have to be blind to fall for another 'spirit'.
"What are you thinking about?"
Cui Ti nipped at the soft flesh on the side of his neck.
The soft, gentle little rabbit seemed to have suddenly turned foxy. Only Pei Xuan knew the tingling, exhilarating sensation that ensued.
She felt teased. She had the urge to be mischievous right there in the carriage, but held back. All she dared to do was lightly touch Cui Ti's calf with her own leg, "I was wondering, how could Mother set me up again?"
Previously, in their eagerness to consummate the marriage, they had even come up with implausible excuses. Pei Xuan was torn between reveling in the closeness of his wife and suppressing untimely urges.
Thankfully, Cui Ti knew when to stop. Soon, she distanced herself from him.
"Did you remember the feeling just now, Xing Guang?"
"What?"
"The romance after their wedding. The uncontrollable urge amidst the intense passion, and the desire to make love in the carriage. You should write this down."
"..."
With cheeks as rosy as peach blossoms, Cui Ti sneakily looked at Pei Xuan's stunned expression, trying hard not to burst into laughter.
Her face turned redder as she suppressed her chuckles. Pei Xuan, hearing her muffled laughter, rubbed his ears and said, "I remember. But do we really have to write it?"
"We should."
She was serious.
For such a small request, Pei Xuan didn't want to let her down, even if the thought was slightly embarrassing. "I'm afraid I won't write it well."
"Practice makes perfect."
"..."
Pei Xuan gritted his teeth. "Alright."
Cui Ti couldn't contain her laughter and collapsed into his arms.
She loved seeing Xing Guang's look of reluctant acquiescence, it was too adorable.
It made her feel cherished.
As the carriage entered Su Shui Villa, Pei Xuan headed to his study to pen down the day's romantic episodes, while Cui Ti called for Rao Liang.
Once the door was closed, Rao Liang said, "Miss Bai has been seen quite frequently with the Third Miss lately."
Leaning against a lounge, Cui Ti pondered for a moment before smiling, "Do you think she will invite me out tomorrow?"
"Well..."
Rao Liang didn't understand the tension between Cui Ti and Miss Bai. Everyone in the Pei family spoke highly of the kind-hearted and beautiful Miss Bai, yet for some reason, the young mistress didn't like her.
Perhaps it had something to do with M'lord.
M'lord and Miss Bai shared a close bond, having grown up together. Before Cui Ti married into the Pei family, many assumed M'lord would choose Miss Bai as his wife.
While Miss Bai was known for her kindness, the Third Miss, on the other hand, might be considered a sinister character with ulterior motives. Rao Liang wondered how these two contrasting personalities ended up together. She suspected Cui Dai was deliberately trying to win over Dou Qingyue.
Cui Ti, indifferent to her thoughts, waved her hand, "You may leave."
The room was silent, devoid of interruptions. She closed her eyes, attempting to sort out her jumbled thoughts.
Birds of a feather flock together, and if Dou Qingyue could become close with Cui Dai, it might indicate that Dou wasn't as good-hearted as she appeared.
Setting aside the fact that Dou often hung around Xing Guang, which was annoying, Cui Ti knew no one better than Cui Dai.
However, she couldn't discuss this with Xing Guang.
He knew she wasn't fond of Dou, but openly criticizing her would be another matter.
She didn't want to influence his thoughts, lest he thinks her petty and unable to tolerate others.
The Dou family and the Pei family were very close. As the young lady of the Pei family, she couldn't be seen as divisive. If her mother-in-law found out, it would lead to unnecessary troubles.
Cui Ti sighed lightly. She just wanted to live peacefully with Xing Guang, without any interruptions.
A younger sister and a cousin, both pampered by their parents, and with Dou's excellent reputation, sometimes made her feel as though she was constantly under siege.
She still suspected that the cousin, Dou Qingyue, was trying to steal Xing Guang from her, which left her unsettled.
As the moon ascended, Pei Xuan emerged from his study with his writings. Bai Tang was assisting Cui Ti with her evening stroll.
"Finished?"
Pei Xuan nodded, taking Cui Ti's hand as they walked forward.
"I want to see it!"
Eagerly wanting to see the new developments in the story, Cui Ti was determined to review it. But she would only truly be able to read it by leaning close to Pei Xuan.
Trying to escape was not an option.
Pei Xuan, ever the stoic scholar, held the manuscript with an air of profound seriousness.
Cui Ti poked his arm, playfully admonishing, "You're so serious. It might affect my reading mood."
"..."
With high standards,
Cui Ti leaned against Pei Xuan, diving into the new chapters, occasionally gasping softly in surprise. Each sound made Pei Xuan simultaneously proud and embarrassed.
Once Cui Ti finished, she asked, "What do you think?"
"It's wonderful!" she praised generously.
Satisfied, Pei Xuan tidied up and began to undress Cui Ti, "It's getting late. We should sleep."
"What happens next? How will the reincarnated deity convince her parents to allow him to marry his beloved?"
"That's for tomorrow. You'll know once I've written it."
As they snuggled under the covers, Cui Ti, still curious about the story, questioned, "When will I get to read it tomorrow?"
"I'll try to write it early."
Cui Ti hugged him, her excitement palpable. As she saw Pei Xuan drift to sleep, she asked, "What do you think of Cousin Qingyue?"
"Yue..." Pei Xuan muttered sleepily, "Yue is good..."
The very next morning, a servant delivered an invitation from Dou Qingyue, inviting the young lady of the Pei family for a lake outing.
Rao Liang's eyes widened as she examined the gold-embossed invitation. Had the young lady truly predicted that the cousin would invite her out?