Chapter 98

 “You’re already this sick—why are you still worried about what others are doing?”

Su Mingyou sat at the edge of the bed, wiping her tears in frustration and distress. She urged him, “Stop looking, come lie back down, you haven’t even taken your morning medicine...”

She kept nagging behind him, and Zhao Qian suddenly blurted out, “Why are you so naggy now?”

Su Mingyou froze.

Zhao Qian was startled by his own words. He quickly turned and said, “I didn’t mean it like that.”

He tried to explain, putting on a pitiful and sorrowful expression. “It’s just that I’m too dazed from the illness, feeling unwell, and the words slipped out... Mingyou, you’re not angry at me, are you?”

Su Mingyou shook her head silently.

Zhao Qian felt a bit relieved.

He cautiously observed Su Mingyou’s expression and noticed how tired she looked. Because he had to keep his true identity as a man hidden, only Su Mingyou could personally care for him. She had barely slept, and the swelling from her pregnancy made her look ten years older. All of her former beauty and grace were gone.

Thinking about how he not only had to complete the task Pei Xiao gave him, but also deal with this aging woman, Zhao Qian couldn't help but feel annoyed.

Su Mingyou caught the flicker of irritation in his eyes. Her brows furrowed, and her hands clenched into fists. Panic welled up in her heart.

This illness of Zhao Qian's made one thing very clear to her—this kind of life could not go on!

She used to be someone of status, once the daughter of a respected family and even a crown princess. Though her position had fallen, her education and upbringing remained. Why was she degrading herself, doing such despicable things? She had sowed discord between Baoning and Pei Yuan, tried to please Pei Xiao—and in the end, what did she gain?

Looking at her current self, she was nothing like the daughter of the Su family, more like a puppet blinded by greed. She was utterly tired of this life—and disgusted with who she had become.

But looking at Zhao Qian’s youthful, handsome face... she still couldn’t let go.

She composed herself, thought for a long time, and suddenly said, “Zhao Qian.”

Zhao Qian looked up.

Su Mingyou asked, “Would you be willing to elope with me?”

Zhao Qian was stunned. At first, he didn’t understand what she meant, then he laughed, staring into her eyes—thinking, this woman really is an idiot.

“Eloping, huh?” Zhao Qian chuckled lightly. “How much money do you have?”

Su Mingyou earnestly did some mental math and replied, “Counting the jewelry Baoning gave me, and if I sell Xier, plus some odds and ends—about a hundred and fifty taels.”

Worried that Zhao Qian would think it was too little, she quickly added, “We can go to a small county town and start a little business. We could live well—no more schemes, no more burdens. You, me, and the child—living like real people. Isn’t that good?”

Good, my ass. Zhao Qian couldn’t even be bothered to respond.

A hundred and fifty taels? Not enough for him to eat for two days. What the hell was wrong with this woman’s brain to even suggest something like that?

He put on his outer robe. “I’m going out.”

Su Mingyou nervously asked, “Where are you going?”

“Bathroom,” he replied blandly as he walked away.

Su Mingyou believed him.

She watched him disappear from view, then turned to pack her things. She still clung to hope. If she kept persuading him, maybe Zhao Qian would understand—maybe he’d agree. She prepared everything, ready to leave quietly together when he returned.

…

Zhao Qian didn’t go to the bathroom—he went to the front courtyard, where the coachman was feeding the horses and preparing the carriage.

Pacing anxiously, Zhao Qian finally gritted his teeth, found a piece of rope, and when the coachman wasn’t looking, climbed under the carriage and tied himself securely to the axle.

He knew suspicions about him were rising. If this went on, he’d be thrown out before he could gather any useful intel. He didn’t understand how he’d failed so badly—everyone here was like a stubborn rock, especially that Chen Jia...

He figured they were rushing out early in the morning for something important, so he would follow them secretly and listen in on whatever they discussed.

He had learned some martial arts, so his body could handle it. Hiding under the carriage was uncomfortable, but manageable. This might be his last chance—he had to risk it!

…

On the way, Pei Yuan explained everything to Baoning. Ji Xiangzhen’s hysteria was thanks to Xue Fu from Qingluo Brothel.

Pei Yuan said, “I arranged with the madam at Qingluo Brothel to secretly raise Xue Fu’s status and persuade her to pressure the Jia family. She was reluctant at first—it was risky. But the madam kept coaxing her, and her belly was growing. Jia Ling still showed no sign of redeeming her. She panicked. About three days ago, she knelt at the Jia residence for half a day, and finally the old madam let her in.

“Xue Fu demanded to be received as a concubine or she’d die with the baby right at the door. Fearing she was serious, the old madam reluctantly agreed and even sent a wedding sedan.”

Baoning ached for Ji Xiangzhen. “That’s a huge humiliation for a legal wife.”

Pei Yuan patted her hand. “Everyone has their own choices. Schemes are just bridges laid out, but whether someone walks across—depends on them.”

Baoning said, “Maybe this is a blessing in disguise for big sister.”

“There was a young scholar named Wu who came first in the palace examination last month. Good-looking, upright, and unmarried. Appointed to a fourth-rank official post—his future is bright.” Pei Yuan looked at Baoning. “If things go well, a marriage can be arranged by the emperor.”

“How old is this Wu scholar?”

“About twenty-three or twenty-four. A promising young man.”

“Still not married at that age? Must have some... hidden issue.”

“…He was poor and focused on his studies, couldn’t afford a wife. Why do you have to meddle in everything?” Pei Yuan squinted at her. “And since when do you know about ‘hidden issues’?”

“Do I need someone to teach me? I figured it out myself.”

Pei Yuan’s eyes gleamed. “So clever, huh? Then I won’t worry about your young age affecting childbirth. I had meant to pamper you two more years. But if that’s the case, let’s try tonight. I’ll personally teach you the difference between a healthy man and one with hidden issues. Don’t want you imagining things and getting it all wrong.”

Baoning blushed furiously. “I was being serious—why do you always turn it into something else!”

“That’s because you don’t understand men.” Pei Yuan leaned closer with a teasing smile and pinched her waist. “Call me good brother, and I’ll teach you more.”

After all, the road was long—plenty of time for other activities.

…

At the side gate of the Marquis of Chongyuan’s estate, Ji Xiangzhen had already sent someone to wait.

When Baoning got out of the carriage, her legs were still weak. She anxiously straightened her clothes, fearing anyone might notice. She glanced at Pei Yuan, who looked perfectly serious—as if nothing had happened.

Chen Jia didn’t come today, so Pei Yuan disguised himself as Baoning’s bodyguard. He couldn’t enter the estate under his real identity. Baoning gave him light makeup to soften his features and darken his skin tone—those unfamiliar with him wouldn’t recognize him. Still, Pei Yuan’s unique aura made him stand out. The little maid leading the way snuck a few curious glances at him.

Pei Yuan kept his eyes straight ahead.

Walking behind Baoning, his gaze lingered on her slim waist and the curve below. He rubbed his fingers secretly, still savoring their earlier intimacy.

He wasn’t usually lustful—but around Baoning, his thoughts always turned wicked.

After a short walk, they reached Ji Xiangzhen’s courtyard. She rushed out upon hearing Baoning had arrived. Her eyes were swollen like walnuts, and she threw herself into Baoning’s arms, sobbing, “My dear sister, I have no one left but you now.”

Baoning gently patted her back. After a while, Ji Xiangzhen calmed down, pulled Baoning toward the door, and pointed to a western room. “Look! Jia Ling has already settled that woman there—treating her like a treasure. A courtesan! She came to greet me this morning—I’ve never been so humiliated! I can’t live like this!”

Baoning glanced at Pei Yuan, who gestured toward the room. She led Ji Xiangzhen inside. Realizing her outburst, Ji Xiangzhen apologized and wiped her tears, dismissing the servants.

“Baoning, I understood everything you said at Ruyi House. After coming home, I thought it through.” Ji Xiangzhen grasped her hand tightly. “Jia Ling still trusts me. He doesn’t hide everything. And when he’s drunk, he talks in his sleep... I know what he’s planning!”

Her eyes filled with tears again. “He’s a fool. How could he be so reckless? I wanted to write you, but I couldn’t bring myself to betray him. If he hadn’t trapped me, hadn’t brought Xue Fu home, maybe I’d still be hesitating. He forced me to this!”

Baoning gently rubbed her hand. “Big sister, don’t be afraid. You’re doing the right thing. For yourself, for the Duke’s Manor—even for the Marquis of Chongyuan’s house.”

Ji Xiangzhen nodded. “Let’s get to the matter, time is short.”

She looked at Pei Yuan. “In four days, the emperor will depart for the summer palace. After today’s morning court, he met with Jia Ling alone and finalized the escort arrangements. The Fourth Prince should know by now.”

Pei Yuan nodded. “Yes.”

Ji Xiangzhen continued, “Jia Ling’s connection to the crown prince is extremely secretive. The emperor is suspicious and watches the prince closely, so everything is done with caution. There’s a servant who delivers messages between the Marquis’s house and the Prince’s—it’s a boy who drives the slop cart. He comes every afternoon to collect kitchen waste, then goes to the prince’s residence to do the same. That’s how they pass messages unnoticed.”

Baoning looked at the sky—it was just past noon. “Today’s message hasn’t gone out yet.”

Ji Xiangzhen nodded. “Right. He’s been in his study since returning from the palace—probably writing the report. We can still alter it before it’s sent.”

Baoning asked, “How? Do you have a plan?”

“He must be lured away from the study. The guards there know me and won’t stop me if he’s not inside. Then I’ll have a chance to change it. But if he leaves and returns too soon, I’m trapped. And if I get caught…”

Pei Yuan suddenly said, “Use knockout incense.”

He pulled out a tiny porcelain vial, the size of a pinky. “This is enough to knock someone out for two hours. But don’t use it all—he’d be suspicious. Just half. Dab it on a handkerchief—he’ll fall asleep soon after inhaling it.”

Baoning stared at Pei Yuan in surprise—he had everything prepared in advance.

Ji Xiangzhen took the vial, gripping it tightly. “Alright. I’ll have someone call him back now.”

She stood, but before she could take a step—they heard Jia Ling’s voice outside, along with greetings from the maids.

He had come back on his own!

Ji Xiangzhen panicked. Baoning’s heart skipped—afraid Jia Ling would recognize Pei Yuan. But there was no time to flee.

Pei Yuan quickly pulled her into a wardrobe, finger on her lips. “Don’t speak.”

Jia Ling entered, smiling at Ji Xiangzhen. “I heard Fifth Sister is here? I’ve never met her—prepared a small gift to show courtesy as host.”

Despite everything, Jia Ling still cherished his wife. He didn’t want to lose her—he knew how important a good wife was. He didn’t want to give up his flings, but he didn’t want Ji Xiangzhen to leave either. So he was willing to lower himself, do things to please her—like now.

He looked around. “Why are you alone? Where’s Fifth Sister?”

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