Chapter 83

 Wei Meng dipped his brush in ink and outlined the bamboo leaf pattern again. He then made a paper imprint of it and stored it safely. Pei Yuan took the small drum back with him.

Meanwhile, Bao Ning was in the side room coaxing Yuanzi to sleep. Su Mingyou had already left. When she saw Pei Yuan enter the room, she gestured for him to be quiet, tucking Yuanzi in, and quietly blew out the lamp before stepping out.

"I'll ask Liu Mama to go to town tomorrow and buy a maid for my sister-in-law," Bao Ning said as she sat at the table with Pei Yuan, eating the remaining sweet apricots. "It was my oversight. She's about to give birth and living alone in that room must be frightening and lonely. There are no young maids in the manor, but if we find one to keep her company every day, perhaps what happened today could have been avoided."

Pei Yuan asked, "Did she say this to you?"

Bao Ning shook her head. "She didn't say anything, only kept apologizing. I convinced her to return to her room."

Pei Yuan, deep in thought, nodded.

Bao Ning continued, "We should also prepare for the midwife. She's more than seven months pregnant now. We need to arrange for a midwife early so we won't be in a rush later."

"Just handle it," Pei Yuan replied as he snatched the apricot from her hand and threw it into his mouth. "Stop eating. You've already had seven or eight tonight. You'll end up with indigestion."

"Don't jinx me," Bao Ning pushed him away, resting her head on the table. After a moment, she straightened up, remembering Yuanzi. "Why did you go out suddenly earlier? Did you think there was something wrong with the rattle drum?"

"The black bear hide is a tribute from the Rasetsu Kingdom. Using it for a drum skin is too extravagant. That child must have a special identity," Pei Yuan explained. "I've already handed it over to Wei Meng to investigate. We should have results in about half a month."

Bao Ning asked, "Do you really think someone will come to claim Yuanzi after all this time since we reported it to the authorities?"

"If someone had lost their child, they would have come looking by now," Pei Yuan patted her shoulder. "Wait and see. In half a month, your little sister will have her full-month celebration, and no one will come for Yuanzi."

At first, Bao Ning was skeptical, but by the time they received the invitation to the full-month celebration from the Duke's mansion, there was still no response from the authorities.

Yuanzi had become familiar with life on the estate. He now acted like a normal child, running and playing every day, though his speech was still unclear. Bao Ning figured he must have been shy at first, unfamiliar with them, which explained why he had seemed so dazed. She wondered what he had gone through in his previous home.

A-Mian, the little ewe, was growing taller and longer-legged, becoming quite beautiful. Liu Mama was thinking of finding a ram to mate with her. The best time for breeding was around September or October so they could have lambs by spring and enjoy the milk.

Jixiang, the watchdog, had grown significantly. His body looked inflated and was now exceptionally robust, a perfect guard dog. He especially kept a close eye on Su Mingyou, never allowing her to get too close.

Bao Ning had never fully understood why Jixiang harbored such animosity toward Su Mingyou, second only to his wariness of Pei Yuan.

Then there was A-Huang. He seemed to have stopped growing, now no different from the scruffy stray dogs wandering the streets. His only redeeming feature was his sleek, shiny coat, as if it had been oiled—smooth and soft to the touch.

...

The full-month celebration was set for June 29. Given the long distance, Bao Ning and her party set off a day early and spent the night at an inn, arriving at the mansion the next morning.

The last time Bao Ning had returned home was just after her marriage, half a year ago. Now, seeing the familiar family plaque again, she felt a rush of mixed emotions.

"Bao Ning has arrived?" Duke Rong, who was greeting guests at the gate, lit up when he saw Pei Yuan helping Bao Ning out of the carriage. He hurried over.

He had gained even more weight in the past six months, his wide belt straining against his bulging stomach as he waddled over. Only when he reached Bao Ning did he remember to bow to Pei Yuan. "Fourth Prince..."

Pei Yuan helped him up, responding politely, "No need for formalities, Father-in-law."

Duke Rong beamed with joy, nodding repeatedly as he led them toward the gate himself. "I heard you live quite far away now. Is it inconvenient being so far out? If you need anything, just let me know..."

Realizing his blunder, Duke Rong laughed awkwardly. "How foolish of me. I forgot your esteemed status. As the Fourth Prince, you wouldn't lack anything, haha."

Bao Ning felt embarrassed on his behalf. It was clear to her that her father was trying to please them. It wasn't the flattery one shows to superiors, but rather an attempt to make up for past wrongs.

In truth, Duke Rong had always been like this. He held no real authority in the family, constantly overshadowed by Lady Tao. When Lady Tao bullied her, Duke Rong never dared intervene. Only after the damage was done would he come to comfort her, offering sweets.

Bao Ning used to resent him, thinking he was a weak father who lacked the courage to stand up for her. But now, with her life more comfortable, that resentment had faded. She realized Duke Rong had his own struggles. Though he was timid, his love for her was genuine. After all, he was still her father.

As Pei Yuan exchanged a few polite words, Duke Rong beamed with joy.

After escorting them inside, Duke Rong reluctantly watched them go, only turning back once they were out of sight, resuming his duties greeting other guests.

"Did I do alright just now?" Pei Yuan asked, tugging at Bao Ning's sleeve as they walked down the corridor toward the rear courtyard. "I was a bit nervous earlier."

"There are a lot of people watching today," Bao Ning reminded him, adjusting his hand, "be mindful of your behavior, or you'll end up embarrassing yourself. Why were you nervous?"

"Do you think I left a bad impression on your family?" Pei Yuan grasped her fingers, taking advantage of the wide folds of his robe. "I'm just trying to win your father over, make him see me in a better light. Though he might not be that important, he's still the first hurdle. I was nervous seeing him, but what if I mess up in front of your stepmother later?"

"What kind of talk is that?" Bao Ning couldn't help but laugh. "Since when is my father 'not that important'?"

"He wasn't particularly kind to you, so he's not exactly indispensable," Pei Yuan squeezed her fingertips. "Ning Ning, give me some advice. How should I act when I meet your stepmother?"

"I told you, lots of people are watching! Stop fidgeting!" Bao Ning shook off his hand and whispered, "Just compliment her. Say her dress is lovely, her hairpin is exquisite, and that she looks radiant."

"That's not enough," Pei Yuan frowned. "What if she enjoys the praise and wants to hear more? I can't just stop after two compliments. It'll be awkward."

"What are you trying to say?" Bao Ning stopped and turned to look him in the eye. "Are you saying my stepmother has nothing worth praising, and you need to prepare lines in advance?"

"Of course not—" Pei Yuan stood there with his arms crossed, feeling that this situation was more nerve-wracking than his first time going into battle. Back then, he knew he wouldn't lose, but now, facing Lady Xu, he had no advantage. He deeply regretted offending almost everyone in Bao Ning's family.

He had always looked stern, and now with no trace of a smile on his face, he looked even more intimidating, as if they were arguing.

Seeing this, several ladies who had initially planned to walk down this path turned around and took a detour.

"Ah Yuan, don't talk about this here. Let me teach you in a quieter place," Bao Ning felt it was inappropriate to be pulling at him in public, so she grabbed Pei Yuan's sleeve, trying to lead him somewhere less crowded.

"What if we run into Aunt on the way? Wouldn't that leave us even more unprepared?" Pei Yuan remained still. "Teach me here."

Bao Ning said, "If you stay here, no one will dare to take this path anymore..."

Before she could finish, a mocking laugh came from behind: "Bao Ning, sister, let me give you a piece of advice. Even if you and your husband aren't getting along, don't quarrel in public like this. You'll only invite more ridicule. I've heard your husband has a bad temper. If he can't help but slap you here, I wouldn't even know if I should step in and defend you."

Bao Ning turned around in surprise, meeting Ji Jiaying's smiling eyes. Standing beside Ji Jiaying was Pei Xiao, and perhaps because of his presence, there was an added air of arrogance on Ji Jiaying's face.

Several passersby had stopped and were whispering while glancing in their direction.

Ji Jiaying continued, "Didn't you learn about etiquette and respect when you were young? On your return visit to your maiden home, don't lose face, or it will be the entire Guogong Manor that's shamed. I certainly wouldn't be willing to lose face for you."

Bao Ning glanced up at Pei Yuan, noticing his expression had turned quite unpleasant. Afraid he would scold Ji Jiaying on the spot, which would bring real disgrace to the Guogong Manor, she quickly tugged at his sleeve.

This action only gave Ji Jiaying more ammunition.

"Bao Ning, you're truly lacking in manners," Ji Jiaying sneered. "In broad daylight, is your husband's sleeve something you can casually pull? Even if you're not embarrassed, you should at least consider your husband's dignity. As your older sister, I ought to teach you a thing or two. After you've seen Mother, come to me, and I'll tell you what it means to be a proper wife."

The murmuring of the crowd grew louder.

One didn't need to listen closely to guess what they were talking about. They were saying how lucky Ji Jiaying was. Although she'd missed the chance to marry the Fourth Prince due to illness, she'd turned around and married the Crown Prince. And really, what's so great about the Fourth Prince? He used to be a cripple, and though he's no longer disabled, he's lost all his power. All that's left is his name on the imperial jade record, but what good is that? How could it compare to Ji Jiaying, a consort of the Crown Prince, who might even become an Imperial Noble Consort one day? If she bore a son, becoming Empress Dowager wouldn't be impossible.

Pei Xiao had been watching Bao Ning's face all along. He was displeased with Ji Jiaying's behavior and her petty nature. He'd married her first because of a prophecy from the Grand Master, and second because her uncle was the general Tao Maobing. Yet, he didn't stop Ji Jiaying. He wanted to see how Bao Ning would respond.

His admiration for Bao Ning stemmed from her beauty, followed by her personality, though he wasn't sure about her poise. He wanted to see if she was worthy of his admiration.

Listening to the subtle praises around her, Ji Jiaying grew even more delighted. She stepped forward and tapped Bao Ning's shoulder: "A husband is a wife's guide, Bao Ning, haven't you heard that before?"

Bao Ning, having had enough, swatted her hand away. "Of course, I've heard of it."

Ji Jiaying's smile faded as Bao Ning delivered her next line: "The question is, have you?"

Ji Jiaying's face darkened. "What do you mean by that?"

"You're not a wife," Bao Ning said as she took a step to the side and hooked her arm around Pei Yuan's. "See? You don’t even dare wear bright red coral earrings; you had to choose light pink ones. Isn't it because you're afraid? You bow and scrape in front of the Crown Princess, but here you act all high and mighty, lecturing me about how to be a wife."

Ji Jiaying gritted her teeth, glaring at Bao Ning, who continued, "But what could you possibly teach me? How to be a submissive, unnoticed concubine? I don’t need to learn that."

Pei Yuan leaned down and whispered in Bao Ning's ear, "Can I curse at her now?"

Bao Ning replied, "Just keep your voice down. Don't let too many people hear, or it won't look good."

With her permission, Pei Yuan turned to Ji Jiaying and said coldly, "You must be out of your mind."

Ji Jiaying was so furious she nearly fainted. Her jaw trembled as she looked at Bao Ning, ready to say something sarcastic, but Pei Xiao cut her off with a sharp, "Enough."

She fell silent.

Pei Xiao looked at Pei Yuan and said calmly, "Jiaying is young and speaks without thinking. Fourth brother, please don't take it to heart."

"If you have time to apologize here, why not go home and teach your concubine some manners?" Pei Yuan said with a smirk. "Besides, she's not that young anymore—unlike our Bao Ning."

Pei Yuan draped an arm over Bao Ning's shoulder. "Let’s go, wife. We don't have time to stand around here listening to mad dogs bark."

He gave Pei Xiao a mocking glance. "Until next time."

Pei Xiao stared coldly at him, saying nothing.

And just like that, a conflict without gunfire came to an abrupt end. Pei Xiao led Ji Jiaying west, while Pei Yuan and Bao Ning headed east.

As they passed each other, Bao Ning heard Ji Jiaying mutter, "Don't think this is over. Lingjun turned out like that because of you, didn't she? Just wait and see!"

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