Chapter 73

 Liu Mama felt extremely embarrassed by the question. She carefully looked at Bao Ning and asked, "Young Madam, do you really not know?"

Bao Ning shook her head.

Liu Mama understood; they hadn't consummated their marriage yet. Perhaps the Fourth Prince thought she was too young and was afraid of hurting her.

Wei Meng was still talking animatedly, so Liu Mama quickly pulled Bao Ning away, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Having served in wealthy families for most of her life, Liu Mama was cautious in her actions. How could she dare to speak openly about such things to Bao Ning? She thought of glossing over the topic and reassuring her, "I don't know either, Young Madam. You can ask the Fourth Prince tonight; he is knowledgeable and will surely be able to explain it clearly."

Bao Ning nodded doubtfully, "Alright."

Liu Mama breathed a sigh of relief.

Nearby, Pei Yuan watched Wei Meng's animated expression and nearly spat his drink in his face. Disgusted, he frowned and said, "If you have the time, why don't you find a good matchmaker and marry a wife? Loitering in such places, aren't you afraid of catching something?"

Wei Meng couldn't be bothered to argue with him. He took a swig of his drink and said, "Everyone has their own ambitions. I can't reason with you!"

Pei Yuan stood up. "I don't want to hear you anymore. Stop eating; we have work to do. Hurry up and go."

Wei Meng lingered over the half-eaten duck feet, swallowed hard, and said, "Let me eat a bit more. It's a waste to throw it away. This is such good cooking. Who knows when I'll eat it again? Where did you find this chef? Lend them to me for a couple of days."

Pei Yuan slapped him on the head and said through gritted teeth, "Lend you my head!"

Wei Meng smacked his lips. "Little General, don't be so stingy. I'll trade you two jars of 20-year-aged Fenjiu for borrowing the chef for a month!"

Pei Yuan was so annoyed by his pestering that he wanted to hit him again. He turned his head and saw Bao Ning standing nearby, not knowing how long she'd been there.

Suddenly, he remembered what Wei Meng had rambled about earlier—something about a slender waist and delicate feet, embracing one on the left and another on the right. Pei Yuan broke out in a cold sweat. He didn't know how much Bao Ning had heard or if she'd misunderstood anything, and he wished he could strangle Wei Meng on the spot.

Pei Yuan coughed stiffly and asked, "When did you get here?"

Bao Ning smiled sweetly, "Just now. I saw General Wei was here too, so I didn't want to disturb you. If you don't have enough to eat, I can have the kitchen prepare more."

Pei Yuan carefully observed her expression and, seeing nothing unusual, breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Hearing the voice, Wei Meng quickly came over to greet her. This was his first close encounter with Bao Ning. Seeing her standing there gracefully, not much taller than Pei Yuan's shoulder, she was gentle and beautiful, with a temperament completely different from the girls at Qingluo Fang. Wei Meng rarely felt a bit restrained.

He stopped his joking manner, respectfully saluted, and called her "Young Madam."

Bao Ning returned the greeting and politely said, "Thank you for your hard work, General Wei."

Wei Meng was delighted to be praised and couldn't hold back his happiness, laughing heartily.

Bao Ning felt a bit awkward standing there, thinking it was no wonder Pei Yuan had a bit of a bandit vibe. Now she'd found the source—it was Wei Meng. Having spent so many years with someone like him, it was unsurprising that Pei Yuan's last bits of princely elegance and reserve had worn away.

Wei Meng put one hand on his waist and patted his belly with the other. Pei Yuan's eyelid twitched, and he quickly covered Bao Ning's eyes, turned around, and took her back to the room.

In his mind, Pei Yuan decided he must station soldiers at the gate in the future to prevent this unrefined brute from stepping foot inside!

Wei Meng, unaware of what was happening, called after him, "Little General, where are you going? We have a meeting in the study later, don't be late!"

Having said that, he turned his head, still reluctant to leave the remaining food on the table, and sighed, "What a shame, what a shame."

Bao Ning couldn't bear to listen any longer and called Liu Mama over, instructing, "Get some oil paper later and wrap up those leftover duck feet for General Wei. Let him take the sunflower seeds, too."

Liu Mama agreed.

Pei Yuan frowned. "You can't spoil him like this."

Bao Ning sighed, "...Don't be so petty. If he likes it, let him have it."

Pei Yuan said nothing more, held Bao Ning, and led her back to the room. Just as they were about to step inside, Wei Meng's thunderous voice suddenly boomed from behind them: "Thank you, Young Madam, for the reward!"

Bao Ning was so startled she shivered. Pei Yuan's face turned black, and he scooped Bao Ning into his arms, stepped over the threshold, and slammed the door shut.

This clueless brute!

Instead, Bao Ning laughed. She sat on Pei Yuan's forearm and wrapped her arms around his neck. This was their usual way of holding each other. Pei Yuan was strong enough to lift her with one hand steadily, and it was only at times like this that Bao Ning felt it was quite blissful to be married to a martial man.

She recalled the matter of Qingluo Fang again, tugged at Pei Yuan's ear, and softly asked, "You weren't lying to me then, were you? Is Qingluo Fang really a clothing shop?"

Pei Yuan's heart tightened. He replied casually, "How much did you hear just now?"

Bao Ning said, "I heard General Wei say something about being very valuable, and then Liu Mama pulled me away. I didn't hear anything after that."

Pei Yuan silently praised Liu Mama for doing a great job.

Pei Yuan insisted, "It's really a clothing shop."

He put Bao Ning on the bed, took off her shoes and socks, shook out a blanket to cover her legs, and changed the subject, "You've been busy all morning; take a nap. I'll be back soon."

Bao Ning bent her legs and hugged her knees, agreeing.

Pei Yuan felt his heart melting. He loved Bao Ning's obedient and innocent demeanor and couldn't help but rub her cheek and kiss her lips, finding her utterly lovable and easy to deceive.

After some tender moments, when there was no longer any excuse to delay, Pei Yuan reluctantly left the room.

...

Wei Meng was just finishing the last duck foot, waiting for him under a tree near the study door.

Pei Yuan was furious and kicked him, "You nearly got me killed! Why did you bring up that place for no reason!"

Wei Meng exclaimed and awkwardly said, "The Young Madam doesn't know about this, huh? I thought you had shown her the deed."

Pei Yuan barked, "Do I dare tell her!"

"Forget it, forget it," Pei Yuan said, dropping the subject. He glanced toward the study, his expression becoming serious, and asked in a low voice, "How did General Qiu find the time to come here? Shouldn't he be very busy now?"

Right Chancellor Jiang Chunlai was about to resign, and the Duke of Chongyuan's family had been loyal and steadfast for a hundred years. Duke Jia Daogong had always been known for his integrity and was favored by the Emperor. If nothing unexpected happened, in two months, the Right Chancellor would be replaced. Pei Xiao and Qiu Mingshan were doing their utmost to win him over.

Pei Xiao's desire to marry Ji Jiaying was also related to this.

Jia Daogong's eldest daughter-in-law, the heir to the Duke of Chongyuan, was Ji Jiaying's elder sister, Ji Xiangzhen. Thus, Pei Xiao became brothers-in-law with the heir of Duke Chongyuan, Jia Ling, bringing him closer to Jia Daogong. This was what worried Qiu Mingshan.

He would have to return to the northern frontier in a month and was eager to accomplish something in this period.

Wei Meng said, "The secret letter from Pei Xiao was addressed to the heir of Duke Chongyuan, Jia Ling, promising him wealth and beauties and inviting him to a teahouse for a chat. General Qiu just received news from the capital that Jia Ling is about to assume a very important position. Can you guess what it is?"

As they walked toward the study, Pei Yuan thought for a moment and asked, "Director of Imperial Carriages?"

Wei Meng was surprised, "How did you guess that?"

Pei Yuan said, "The Emperor is about to go to the summer palace for respite, passing through Li Lake. Pei Xiao happened to have a map of Li Lake on his desk, which has nothing to do with him. His intentions are clear. However, there are eight auxiliary carriages for the Emperor, and no one knows which one he is in. Even if he intends to do something, he can't choose the right target."

Wei Meng added, "If Jia Ling becomes Director of Imperial Carriages, only he will know the arrangements for the carriages and horses. If Pei Xiao wins him over and learns this information..."

Before he finished, the study door creaked open, and General Qiu Mingshan stood at the entrance, saying, "You're absolutely right."

Pei Yuan looked up and saw what appeared to be the signs of aging on Qiu Mingshan's face. Instinctively, he thought it might be due to the trouble caused by his two daughters.

They walked into the inner room.

Qiu Mingshan sat down. He was dressed in casual attire, and perhaps because of his age, his demeanor seemed amiable, appearing kind and gentle.

Pei Yuan leaned lazily against the back of his chair, poured a cup of tea, and pushed it in front of Qiu Mingshan, asking, "What is the General's view on this matter?"

He spoke politely, but this kind of politeness was quite rare for Qiu Mingshan. He hesitated about whether to share his thoughts, but Pei Yuan's attitude gave him the courage.

Qiu Mingshan said, "In ancient times, there was Zhang Liang at Bolangsha, attempting to assassinate the Qin Emperor. You know about this, right?"

Wei Meng nodded, "An old story, everyone knows it. Zhang Liang wanted to kill the First Emperor of Qin. He paid a strongman a large sum to forge a 120-jin iron hammer and ambushed at Bolangsha, ready to strike down the Emperor. Unfortunately, the Emperor had several decoy carriages that looked identical, and Zhang Liang couldn't distinguish which one the Emperor was in. The strongman threw the hammer but hit the wrong person."

He asked, "Why bring this up?"

Pei Yuan propped his chin on his fingers, realizing the topic Qiu Mingshan was about to discuss, and his eyes narrowed.

Qiu Mingshan continued, "What if Zhang Liang had succeeded? The First Emperor would have died early, and there wouldn't have been so much chaos afterward, causing so much suffering. After all, the First Emperor was going to die sooner or later."

Wei Meng gasped, "General, what do you mean by this?"

Qiu Mingshan dared not look at Pei Yuan. He stood up, his hands behind his back, and said, "I know what you're thinking. If Pei Xiao and Jia Ling really join forces, your first choice would be to save the Emperor, kill Pei Xiao, and then seize the position of Crown Prince. But why go to all this trouble? If Pei Xiao truly wants to commit regicide, let him do it! Once he's done, we can clear out the traitors and achieve both goals, gaining a good reputation and securing that position effortlessly..."

He stopped abruptly, hearing a snap behind him.

Qiu Mingshan's heart tightened as he turned back to see Pei Yuan clutching a broken wolf-hair brush, which he angrily threw at Qiu Mingshan's feet.

Qiu Mingshan stepped back, regretting his rashness. He knew this was something Pei Yuan cared about deeply. However, this opportunity was rare, and he had to be resolute in trying to persuade him: "Yuan'er, you don't need to feel guilty about this. If the Emperor dies, it won't be your doing! You..."

Pei Yuan coldly interrupted, "I've long known you're a treacherous villain, but can't you hide your wolfish ambition even a little?"

Qiu Mingshan clenched his fists at his sides, gritting his teeth. He held back for a while before he couldn't help but say, "Yuan'er, it's just one month until your mother's death anniversary! Do you really think her death had nothing to do with your 'good' father? She died in his harem!"

Pei Yuan glared at him, "I know you had improper thoughts about my mother, but don't forget the conditions we originally agreed upon!"

Qiu Mingshan's lips trembled, and he murmured, "You think my thoughts were improper?"

"Weren't they? You have no shame, and I'm ashamed for you!"

Wei Meng watched the tense standoff between the two, unsure how to mediate. His heart was with Pei Yuan, and his gaze toward Qiu Mingshan carried a wary vigilance. He even thought Qiu Mingshan was foolish. To repeatedly talk about killing someone's father in front of their son—what else could it be but foolishness? A pity for someone wise all his life.

Wei Meng attributed Qiu Mingshan's actions to a desire for fame and an eagerness for power.

Pei Yuan thought the same.

Qiu Mingshan was hurt by Pei Yuan's words. He stood in silence for a moment before speaking, "Yuan'er, do you really respect that person so much? Don't forget, he misunderstood you, stripped you of your title. He's a stubborn and selfish man."

Pei Yuan retorted, "So are you."

...

Qiu Mingshan didn't know how he left that place. He walked out in a daze. The manor wasn't large, just a few steps from south to north, but he struggled. Finally stepping outside, Qiu Mingshan couldn't hold it in anymore. He used a knife for support and sat down under an oak tree at the gate. He buried his face in his hands, and before long, tears seeped through his fingers.

"Ah Xiang, have I really done something wrong? I remembered your words and didn't dare tell him. I wanted to protect him, but how did we end up drifting further apart?"

"He doesn't recognize me at all."

"What should I do?"

...

It was nearing evening, and the wind was brisk and cool. After waking up and eating a little, Bao Ning felt restless and took Liu Mama to pick leaves from the oak tree at the manor gate to make tea.

The leaves were no longer tender, making them less palatable for eating, but they still added flavor to tea.

When Bao Ning reached the gate, she saw a tall figure sitting under the tree. She recognized him at once as Qiu Mingshan. What was he doing sitting there? It seemed like he was crying.

Bao Ning wanted to turn and leave, but after taking a couple of steps, she couldn't help but look back. She asked Liu Mama, "Is General Qiu ill?"

Liu Mama shook her head, "I don't know, but he seems unwell."

Bao Ning said, "Let's go and see."

Qiu Mingshan heard footsteps behind him. He wiped the corners of his eyes, turned around, and met Bao Ning's smiling face.

Her demeanor was as polite and distant as Pei Yuan's. Standing three paces away, she asked him, "General, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, fine." Qiu Mingshan responded with a smile, somewhat flustered, and stood up, speaking kindly, "It's just an old ailment flaring up, and I was resting here for a while. I'm all better now."

Bao Ning hesitated, "It's late, and it would be midnight by the time you return. Do you want to stay in the manor for the night?"

Qiu Mingshan waved his hand repeatedly, "No need, no need."

Bao Ning did not insist. She said, "Then I'll see you off."

"No need, the wind is strong; you should go back." As Qiu Mingshan spoke, he reached into his sleeve and took out a money pouch, handing it to Bao Ning with a foolish smile, "Good child, I've seen you many times, but I haven't given you anything decent. Here's some money for you; buy whatever you like."

Bao Ning dared not accept it, feeling that Qiu Mingshan was acting strangely today. She shook her head, "It's unnecessary. I have money, but thank you, General."

"Take it!" Qiu Mingshan insisted, pressing the pouch into her hand, and waved, "This uncle is clumsy and can't choose good gifts, so I can only give you money. Buy whatever you like."

Before Bao Ning could respond, he walked to his horse, saying, "Seeing you reminds me of a child I never had the chance to know."

Bao Ning was speechless.

Qiu Mingshan turned back and smiled. Bao Ning watched his lonely figure as he headed into the mountains.

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