Chapter 77

 The flattery was misplaced, and Jia Ling felt embarrassed, quickly trying to remedy the situation: "Your Highness and the Crown Princess have a harmonious marriage, with music and harmony, and will surely have many children in due time."

Pei Xiao smiled and said, "The heir knows well that a harmonious marriage is just for show to outsiders."Isn't it true that there haven't been any scandals in the prince's household either?”

"That's true," Jia Ling sighed, "Life just goes on in a makeshift way; whether the lute and the zither harmonize or not doesn't really matter, it's not like I'm missing that one woman."Speaking of which, I recently took in a girl at Qingluo Fang, with a lovely figure and a voice that sings like a lark, sweet and melodious.

Jia Ling teased with a smile, "If Your Highness likes it, how about we move to the Qingluo Pavilion tonight and give it a try?"

"Is doing business coming to our doorstep?" Over there, Wei Meng almost spat out his tea and muttered, "I really didn't expect that the heir of the Chongyuan Marquis would have such a hobby. Going to brothels in groups of three or five, isn't that a bit off-putting?"

Pei Yuan kicked him, slightly raised his chin, indicating to continue listening.

Pei Xiaowen declined Jia Ling, saying softly, "As long as the heir enjoys himself, I shall not participate."

Jia Ling nodded regretfully, but did not want to miss the chance to please Pei Xiao.To please a man, either give him money or give him women.Which man isn't fond of women? Otherwise, why would emperors have so many concubines?

Jia Ling thought for a moment, leaned closer to Pei Xiao, and said, "What kind of women does His Highness the Crown Prince like? Are you feeling a bit bored lately and looking for some excitement? I'm not bragging, but I know seven out of ten beautiful girls in the capital

Pei Xiao lowered his head to drink tea, and upon hearing his words, a face suddenly floated up in his mind.

That day by the broken bridge of the Xiaoling River, a graceful and pure young girl stood on her tiptoes, blowing leaves into the water. After she finished, she turned around and smiled with her eyes narrowed.It's just an ordinary scene, but for some reason, it has stuck in my mind for a long time; I can't forget it even if I wanted to.And that night at the Prince's residence, she sat on the ground in a daze, on the verge of tears, looking at him with tearful eyes.I can't find a reason, but I just can't forget.

The impression had already faded, but when Jia Ling brought it up, Pei Xiao remembered it again.He tightened his grip on the handle of the teacup.

Jia Ling waited for his response, and after a long silence, she thought she wouldn't get one. Just as she was racking her brain to change the subject, she suddenly heard Pei Xiao speak: "Running around outside every day is quite exhausting."

He put down the tea cup and said, "I like girls who are more easygoing, someone who can bring me a bit of comfort when I get home."

Jia Ling forced a smile and said, "Your Highness is joking. What kind of description is this? It seems impossible to find."

Pei Xiaodun paused for a moment, pressed his fist against his lips, cleared his throat lightly twice, and gazed out the window.

"It's okay."

Jia Ling feels that this crown prince is really difficult to get along with; he is taciturn and aloof, and it's hard to know what he's thinking. Even flattering him feels aimless.

He pondered for a moment, then laughed heartily and raised his cup: "Your Highness need not worry about this; when you eventually hold the throne, beautiful women will naturally come flocking to you.""At this moment, I raise my tea in place of wine, wishing Your Highness all your wishes come true!"

……

"There's definitely something wrong with his head."

After Peixiao and Jialing left one after another, and the guard who stayed at the teahouse to keep watch also departed, Peiyuan and Wei Meng walked out through the back door, frowning and saying, "What nonsense are they spouting? It sounds utterly disgusting."

Wei Meng asked, "Little General, are you talking about Jia Ling or Pei Xiao?"

"Birds of a feather flock together." Pei Yuan brushed off his clothes and tilted his head to ask, "Did you take the pig's trotter we ordered later? Don't leave it behind. And those few plates of osmanthus cake and sweet dumplings, I need to take them home."

Wei Meng clapped her hands on the bulging bag and said, "Don't worry, I've got everything!"

Pei Yuan nodded, recalling something, and said, "You mentioned that Pei Xiao, is he close to death?"After talking for half an hour, I heard him cough at least seven times."When that incident first happened, it was Pei Xiao who risked his life to save the Emperor. Could it be that this poison hasn't been eradicated?"

Wei Meng pondered for a moment: "Could it be? The poison belongs to Gongsun Zhu, so the antidote must be in his hands. Pei Xiao isn't a fool; how could he risk drinking poison without an antidote?"

Pei Yuan let out a cold snort and said, "Not necessarily."His personality is such that he would rather die than not climb to a high position; whether it's worth risking his life, who knows?"Besides, Gongsun Zhu might not be willing to give him the antidote anyway. Pei Xiao is threatening others with his grandson; not everyone is just going to let themselves be slaughtered. Who knows, he might be plotting to kill him."

Wei Meng said, "I really find it strange, where on earth has Pei Xiao hidden this grandson? After all, he's a living person, yet there's not a whisper about him. That's quite impressive."

Pei Yuandao said, "There's no rush, take your time searching, you'll eventually find it."

Wei Meng didn't bring up the topic anymore. He looked up at the sky and smiled, "It's still early. Shall we find a place to have a drink?""Seeing how strictly you're usually managed, you must be craving something. This time, it's on me."

"You're in a hurry to go home, so you go ahead." Pei Yuan went to the stable to lead the horse and noticed that the mane of the racing horse was tangled. After running his hand through it, he thought to himself that it was time to give it a bath.

Wei Meng whistled and sarcastically remarked, "It's different once you're married. In the past, weren't you the one begging me to go out for drinks? Because of this matter, it seems you even had a fight with your older brother and broke the imperial blood coral. Now you've turned over a new

Hearing him mention Pei Che, Pei Yuan's action of mounting the horse paused for a moment.

Wei Meng, aware of his slip of the tongue, rubbed his nose and said, "Speaking of which, the disappearance of the former crown prince is also a mystery. Where exactly did he go?""But I suspect that the former crown prince is definitely still alive; he is not someone who would easily die. His lack of contact with you must be due to circumstances beyond his control. Young general, you need not worry too much."

Pei Yuan pulled on the reins and leaped onto the horse: "I know."

Wei Meng also felt embarrassed to go drink alone, so he brought his mount over: "I'll go back with you."

Pei Yuan nodded, Wei Meng mounted his horse, and the two set off side by side.

On the way out of the city, Wei Meng was pondering over the matter of Pei Che in his heart.

Unlike Pei Yuan, Pei Che has been a well-mannered and proper prince since childhood. He is warm, elegant, and has a way with people, as well as being quite capable.It is just that Pei Che's political views align with the Emperor's. The Emperor is known for his iron-fisted rule and strict governance, while Pei Che tends to favor a more hands-off approach, using culture and propriety to educate the people.Therefore, the Emperor has always been quite dissatisfied with him. Pei Che was once demoted to Shu for three years due to a disagreement in political views, which led to a quarrel with the Emperor.

Wei Meng suddenly spoke up, recalling something: "The former crown prince has been missing for over half a year now. His former residence was sealed off, and it must be overgrown with weeds by now.""I wonder where those women from his backyard have ended up."

Pei Yuan's eyes were fixed on the city gate not far away: "I must have been sold."

"What about the former crown princess?" Wei Meng said, "I have heard that after the incident, the former crown princess went to her family, but she was kicked out after only a few days."That old stubborn Su Shangshu is really heartless, directly announcing the severance of ties with her. Now, who knows where she has ended up? She might even be sleeping on the streets.

Pei Yuan tilted his head and asked, "Why were you kicked out?"

"I don't know about that; anyway, it just got kicked out."Wei Meng smiled faintly: "The Crown Princess and the former Crown Prince still have a good relationship. If the former Crown Prince returns to the capital in the future and sees that the women who followed him have ended up like this, how heartbroken he must be."

Pei Yuan didn't respond.The city gate is right ahead, and in the corner, many beggars are begging along the street, their clothes tattered and the smell unbearable. As you get a little closer, the stench is overwhelming.

The soldiers guarding the city were annoyed and drove people away with their spears.

Some women scream so pitifully that Wei Meng turned his head to look over. It was just a casual glance, but when he saw a certain face, his eyes widened in surprise.

Pei Yuan was completely unaware, tightening his legs around the horse's belly, just about to speed away when he was suddenly tugged back by Wei Meng behind him.

Pei Yuan took a sharp breath: "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Wei Meng pointed at one of the big-bellied women who had been pushed down to the ground and incredulously asked, "That one, that person looks so much like the former crown princess?"

Pei Yuan followed his finger and her pupils constricted.

……

When Pei Yuan brought Su Mingyou back to the Zhuangzi at Lihu, it was already dusk.

Su Mingyao was carrying an eight-month-old belly. Calculating the time, it was when Pei Che had just been imprisoned that she became pregnant. To take care of her, the carriage was moving very slowly.

Pei Yuan rode beside the carriage, listening to Su Mingyou cry softly all the way, his face stern.

Pei Yuan had only seen this sister-in-law a few times and vaguely remembered her face. He knew she came from a scholarly family and was chosen as the crown princess due to her grace and demeanor, but beyond that, he had no other impressions of her.

What a coincidence to run into each other on the road! Wei Meng's mouth seemed to be lit up, but in the end, it's a good thing.Pei Che's whereabouts are unknown. To put it bluntly, if he never comes back, the child born to this sister-in-law will be Pei Che's only bloodline. He should take care of it and feel happy about it, both emotionally and logically.

Su Mingyu looked a bit flustered. After a brief conversation with her, I learned that after being driven out by the Su family, she had once gone to the south to seek refuge with her sister who had married far away, but she was still turned away.She is a weak woman, and the money she had on her was spent along the way, and later her days did not go as she wished.About a month ago, she returned to Beijing with her belly showing, hoping to try her luck and visit the Su family again, but she was driven out once more.This is where I met Pei Yuan at the city gate.

Pei Yuan had some doubts.The Su family, known for their kindness, virtue, and integrity, shouldn't be so heartless, even if they feel that Su Mingyu's special status might bring trouble to the family.

"Sister-in-law, you mustn't hide anything from me."

At the entrance of Zhuangzi's residence, I saw the attendants helping Su Mingyu get out of the carriage, while Pei Yuan stood by with the riding whip in hand. After a moment of hesitation, he still spoke with a cold expression.

"If you deceive me, don't blame me for being rude."

This fourth brother is just as Pei Che described, ruthless and unyielding, completely disregarding kinship when he gets angry. Su Mingyou had heard of this before, but under his scrutinizing gaze, her heart still trembled.

But Su Mingyu quickly calmed down; she hadn't done anything wrong to Pei Yuan, so she had nothing to feel guilty about and no reason to be afraid.

She offered a polite gesture, her tone weary, and with a faint smile said, "Fourth brother, you jest. How could I possibly have anything to hide from you?"Past experiences may have been humiliating and disheartening, but I have spoken about them honestly, so you can rest assured."If you have doubts, just go and check."

Pei Yuan nodded and said, "I will look into it."

Su Mingyu was choked up by his blunt response.

Pei Yuan called for a servant to arrange a room for her, standing just a step away from Su Mingyou, and led the way ahead: "Sister-in-law is tired, so let's go to the room to rest for a bit. Hot water and meals will be ready soon, and from now"Wait until tomorrow when my sister-in-law has rested well, I'll bring my wife to see you again."

Su Mingyu should be, as a group of people slowly walk towards the village.

The child we brought back is hungry, but very picky and won't eat rice.Chen Jia was instructed by Bao Ning to squat in the vegetable garden and pick chives, planning to roast them in the courtyard later.He saw Pei Yuan leading a woman over from a distance, feeling puzzled in his heart.

Pei Yuan also saw him, stopped in his tracks, and let Su Mingyou go ahead. He waved and called Chen Jia over, asking, "Why are you here by yourself? Aren't you supposed to be with the lady? What is she doing, sleeping?"

Chen Jiadao said, "The lady is taking care of the child."

Pei Yuan was taken aback: "Child, what child? Whose child?"

Chen Jiadao said, "I found it on the street."

Pei Yuan frowned and asked, "Which street?"

Chen Jia replied, "I don't know, I'm not familiar with it, and I have no idea."

Pei Yuan felt that he was simply a fool.What initially attracted me was his awkwardness and inability to speak, but now it seems that his awkwardness is a bit excessive.

Pei Yuan turned to glance in the direction of Baoning Courtyard and waved his hand to send Chen Jia away: "Tell the lady I'll be back in a quarter of an hour."

Chen Jia returned home carrying a bunch of chives.

In the courtyard, the child who was picked up was bathed by Granny Liu, but he still sat there in a daze, looking listless and not saying a word, on a small horse in the yard.

Bao Ning leaned against the wall, looking at him while complaining to Liu Momo, "The Fourth Prince still hasn't returned. He promised to be back early, and now it's almost dinner time. I'm worried something might have happened to him."

Chen Jia heard this and respectfully handed the chives to Bao Ning: "The Fourth Prince has returned."

Bao Ning stood up in surprise, "Did you see him? When did he come back?"

"Just now, they said they would enter the hospital within a quarter of an hour." Chen Jia shared what she had seen, "And they brought a woman with them."

Bao Ning paused and asked, "Where did this woman come from?"

Chen Jia recalled the tattered and filthy clothes that Su Mingyao was wearing, and after a brief analysis, replied, "Perhaps they were picked up somewhere."

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