The Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 102
The four of them had caused a ruckus in Mixian Tower for most of the day, each drinking until they were dead drunk and unconscious. Yet when they woke the next morning, every one of them was full of energy again, going off to do whatever needed doing.
That night, Cui Nian had insisted on squeezing into the same bed as Pei Qing. The moment Pei Qing woke, Cui Nian immediately got up along with him. “Brother Zhou, about the shops, when are we handling it…”
Tomorrow would be the Imperial Grandson’s wedding. Zhou Kuang was busy beyond measure and had no time to attend to Cui Nian anymore, so he handed the matter entirely over to Pei Qing.
Pei Qing had been pestered by him the whole night. Now, upon waking, he had to listen to Cui Nian chant at him again, and he truly could not bear it. “The imperial palace is right here and will not move away. Can’t we take care of it after the wedding?”
Cui Nian shook his head. “With my silver outside and not yet recovered, I cannot wait even a moment. Last night, you slept soundly, but I could not sleep. Brother Pei, Brother Zhou An, please take pity on me…”
Looking at him, Cui Nian’s eye circles were indeed dark.
Pei Qing had an honest temperament. He would not shirk what he had agreed to do, but he also would not act as a fool and suffer losses he should not suffer. He took out the two-thousand-tael expense note from last night and divided it among the four of them. “Settle the silver first.”
Cui Nian’s heart sank. “Brother Pei, you were not like this before…”
“My name is Zhou An.”
“Yes, Brother Zhou.” Cui Nian sighed. “Sure enough, that old saying is not wrong. The richer a person becomes, the stingier he gets. Back when you earned only a dozen or so taels a month, even if you had to empty your family fortune, you would still take it out to entertain us. You have changed. You have all changed…”
As soon as his words fell, a robe was thrown over him and landed on his head, covering him from top to bottom. Zhou An used it to block his mouth. “Have I shorted you in food or clothing? Hurry and take out the money. Stop talking so much nonsense. If we go any later, the government office will be taking its noon rest.”
Cui Nian had no choice but to unwillingly take out a banknote, cursing under his breath as he flung it to Pei Qing. “You do not even have a wife. What are you being so stingy for…”
Zhou An ignored his rambling. Only after receiving Cui Nian’s share of the silver did he take him to obtain the official seals and arrange the shops.
Tomorrow was the Imperial Grandson’s wedding. Not only was the palace lively, but the streets of the Eastern Capital and all the government offices were also filled with festive air. Zhou An personally brought Cui Nian to the Street Administration Office.
After being accepted by the Crown Prince as his adopted son, this was Zhou An’s first time appearing before government officials. The clerks on duty at the Street Administration Office were especially courteous.
“Young Master Zhou, if you have any instructions, you need only send a servant over. Why trouble yourself to come in person?”
After obtaining the official seals granting permission to open the bank and grain shops, Zhou An took Cui Nian to inspect storefronts.
“Let me say this first. For locations that are too good, the Imperial Grandson cannot afford them, and neither can I.” Pei Qing crushed Cui Nian’s wishful thinking in advance. “Do not even think about Central Avenue. It’s too expensive. You likely will not care for the ones at the end of the street either. The street-front spots are the most suitable. With that mouth of yours, as long as someone passes in front of your door, how much silver remains in their purse will not be entirely up to you?”
This time, Cui Nian did not say anything more.
He did indeed have that skill.
The two of them went to several street entrances around Old Cao Gate and New South Gate to choose shops. The streets were crowded with people. After getting down from the carriage, the two had a clear purpose, and their long legs carried them forward in great haste.
They quickly passed through the crowd. Just as Pei Qing was about to lift his foot and step into a shop, someone suddenly tugged at his sleeve from behind. He turned back in surprise and saw a young lady dressed in plain clothes, her skin fair and clear, smiling at him.
Perhaps she had chased after him for quite a distance, for her breathing was hurried, and both her cheeks were flushed red.
Pei Qing froze. Then he quickly recognized her. “Mute girl?”
Seeing that he recognized her, the mute girl nodded happily. Realizing she had been improper, she hurriedly released his sleeve, smoothed her messy hair, and stood there properly, her expression nervous and uneasy.
After parting in the mountains of the Southern City, Pei Qing had originally not intended to live. Later, by luck, he had managed to keep his life. Too many things had happened one after another, and for a time, he had forgotten that pitiful girl from the village.
He had not expected her to appear here today and asked, “How did you come here? Where is your father?”
Her expression flickered evasively. She did not answer, but only lifted her head, looked at him, and smiled faintly, as though seeing that he was safe and well was enough to put her at ease. She hurriedly took down the bundle from her shoulder and pulled out a paper-wrapped parcel from inside. Just as she was about to hand it over, her gaze caught sight of the long boots on Pei Qing’s feet, embroidered with golden-thread auspicious-cloud patterns. Her expression paused, and the hands she had stretched out slowly drew back again.
Pei Qing saw it all and asked softly, “Is it for me?”
She nodded, then shook her head.
Pei Qing took the initiative to reach out and accept it. “Thank you, young lady.”
He turned back and glanced at Cui Nian, who was watching the scene with interest. “You look first. Once you see something suitable, settle on it. I have matters to attend to and will head back first.”
Without waiting for Cui Nian to speak, Pei Qing said to the mute girl, “You have just arrived in the Eastern Capital. It will not be easy for a young lady alone to find a place. Come stay at my place for now. We’ll figure everything out slowly.”
The mute girl shook her head repeatedly. She looked up at him, and an indescribable sorrow flashed through her eyes, as though she wanted to speak but stopped herself.
Pei Qing’s brows drew together. “What is it?”
The mute girl lowered her head and was just about to take out from her sleeve the dagger Pei Qing had once left with her, when a voice suddenly sounded behind them. “Young Master Zhou.”
The mute girl turned her head and saw two guards at the street corner walking toward them. Her expression changed. She quickly turned her back, not even having time to bid Pei Qing farewell before instantly fleeing forward.
By the time Pei Qing reacted, she had already disappeared into the tide of people on the street.
—
With the Imperial Grandson’s wedding tomorrow and the emperor in poor health, Xie Shao had left for the palace before dawn.
Knowing that she would have to keep Ming Wanrou company through the whole night, Wen Shuse was in no hurry that morning and slept a good, proper sleep. She did not rise until mid-morning. After washing and dressing, she was just about to go out when the servant by Wen Huai’s side hurried in to report.
“Second Young Lady, Old Madam and Second Master have come to the Eastern Capital. They have just entered the residence. Second Young Master sent this little one to bring Second Young Lady over.”
Wen Shuse froze. “They came? Why did they not send word first? Did they take the official road or the water route? Who went to receive them…”
She asked a string of questions while hurriedly following the servant outside.
“Not long after Second Young Master left, Second Master brought Old Madam to the Eastern Capital. They came by water. An hour ago, they reached the alley entrance, and the two of them found the residence themselves. After Second Young Master heard the news, he also hurried back from Mixian Tower…”
The more Wen Shuse listened, the more worried she became. “Wherever Second Master goes nowadays, he does not even bother sending word. His own skin is rough and flesh thick, so perhaps he is not afraid, but Old Madam still has to suffer along with him.”
She hurriedly climbed into the carriage and rushed to the Wen residence.
As soon as she stepped down from the carriage, she saw a maid standing at the entrance with her hair combed into twin side buns.
If it was not Xiangyun, then who else could it be?
The moment Xiangyun saw Wen Shuse, a sob broke from her voice. She rushed forward to support her. “Miss, this servant thought I would never see you again in this lifetime…”
That day, Madam and Young Master had said they were going out to admire the stars, so Xiangyun had not followed them. Who could have expected that after going out for that stargazing, they would never return?
Eldest Master Xie sealed the mansion gates that very night, forbidding anyone from entering or leaving.
After Xiangyun learned that something had happened, she was afraid she would become a burden to her young lady. So, she hugged a quilt and climbed up to the pavilion in the garden. She planned to throw the quilt down first, then jump after it herself. Unfortunately, she was still too late. Her young lady had already left.
She could only temporarily return to the Wen family. Last time, when Second Young Master came, she had originally wanted to follow him, but Second Young Master had not agreed. He said he was used to being alone and did not like having a maid following him around.
Fortunately, not long after Second Young Master left, Old Madam and Second Master decided that they would come to the Eastern Capital together, and even Concubine Xue came along. When they left, they locked the gate behind them, leaving the entire mansion empty.
Now that she had finally seen her young lady, Xiangyun was overwhelmed with emotion. “When Miss was suffering hardship and disaster, I only hated that I was not by your side. Is Miss well now? And Young Master?”
The more she asked, the more panicked she became, sobbing and whimpering. “I deserve to die. I failed to take good care of you, and I missed too much. From now on, I only beg to stay by your side and run errands for you. You must not abandon me…”
She cried all the way from the gate to the inner courtyard. Seeing that Xiangyun’s eyes were swollen and red, Wen Shuse comforted her. “The Young Master and I are both well. Do not worry. The position of head maid has still been kept for you.”
Only then did Xiangyun break into a smile through her tears. She wiped away her tears. “Miss is truly good to me.”
Old Madam Wen had moved into the courtyard where Wen Shuse and Xie Shao had previously stayed. At this moment, Eldest Master Wen, along with the Wen family’s young masters and young ladies, had all come. Second Master Wen and Wen Huai were also there. The large family filled the entire room, and when Wen Shuse entered, the place was filled with laughter and conversation. It had been a long time since things were this lively.
Eldest Master Wen was asking Old Madam Wen, “Mother, do you feel any tightness in your chest? Some people do not feel anything while traveling over water, but once they set foot on land, they become dizzy and muddled.”
Old Madam Wen was full of energy. How did she look like someone with chest tightness? “I am fine. When I was young, I rode boats often. I do not get seasick.”
“The Eastern Capital is hotter than Fengcheng. Grandmother, drink a bowl of sweet soup first to relieve the heat.” Wen Huai took a bowl of mung bean sweet soup from the food box and had just handed it to Old Madam when Wen Shuse walked in. Looking at the familiar face on the soft couch, she saw that Old Madam had not changed. She was still just as she had been before.
Last time, they had parted in such haste, nearly separated by life and death. Wen Shuse’s eyes heated, and she pouted as she called, “Grandmother.”
Old Madam Wen heard the voice she had been thinking of all this time, and her heart trembled. She lifted her head.
Wen Shuse had already rushed over, kneeling on both knees before her and leaning against her lap. She looked up at her, her eyes full of longing. “Grandmother has finally come. Gao Xian dreamed every day that Grandmother had arrived at the dock and that I was boarding the boat to receive you.”
“Blame Grandmother. I wanted to give you all a surprise, but instead I failed to fulfill your dream.” Old Madam Wen smiled and reached out to touch her cheek. “Our Gaoxian has grown even more radiant.”
Before Old Madam Wen, Wen Shuse had always been shamelessly clingy. “Naturally beautiful. It is because Grandmother raised me well.”
Old Madam Wen laughed and scolded her, “Shameless.” Yet the affection in her eyes only grew deeper. “Hurry and get up. The floor is cold.”
Only after sitting beside Old Madam did Wen Shuse look toward Second Master Wen across from her. Smiling, she greeted him. “Father. As expected, Fengcheng nourishes people. It has only been a short while, yet Father has become much fairer.”
Second Master Wen barely managed to pull out a smile. Toward her, he truly could not summon much of a good expression.
Before she left, she had not left him even a single banknote from the money hidden inside the pillow. Originally, it had only been a fake bankruptcy, but she had forcefully turned it into a real one.
During the days of war and chaos, prices had risen again. He could not even afford rice, let alone meat. Even in his dreams, he was eating meat. When he truly could not endure it anymore, he would time his visits and go to Old Madam’s courtyard to freeload meals.
This time, even the travel expenses to the Eastern Capital had been paid by Old Madam. In any case, this old face of his was completely gone. With a belly full of resentment, seeing Wen Shuse looking so radiant and dignified, how could he possibly feel happy?
Aside from Eldest Madam, everyone from the Wen family had arrived. Everyone took turns speaking with Old Madam. For lunch, they had Mixian Tower send food to the residence, and the family ate a reunion meal.
After the meal, Eldest Master Wen took the initiative to find Old Madam and report to her. He told Old Madam everything Eldest Madam had done.
Old Madam was not surprised.
From the moment Madam An had left Fengcheng without a second thought, she had known that once a person’s nature was formed, it would be very difficult to change.
As for saying that she had relied on Madam An’s care all these years, truthfully, there had been none. Whether Madam An was in the household or not made no difference.
Old Madam’s body was strong, and she had no real ailments. Even during the years when Second Master was away running his shipping business, Madam An had rarely visited the courtyard. Far from tending to her, every time she came, she’d walk away with something in hand.
The bearing of a main wife was not even as good as that of a concubine. Although Old Madam did not need anyone to look after her, Concubine Xue came every day to pay respects, rain or shine, as she had for decades.
Before, Old Madam had thought that no matter what Madam An’s nature was like, she had still borne and raised children for the Wen family. Old Madam could close one eye and let the days pass. She had never expected that after Madam An reached the Eastern Capital, not only would she fail to restrain herself, but she would even do such muddleheaded things.
Being vicious was one thing, but she was also stupid. The Wen family’s future and the fortunes of the children and grandchildren absolutely could not be ruined in her hands.
“Since it has already been decided, handle it this way. She has lived in the Fengcheng mansion for so many years and is used to it. As long as she no longer causes trouble and cuts off the Wen family’s fortune, supporting her for the rest of her life is no matter. Old Master An values face above all else. If you send her back to the An family, could she still live? I fear Old Master An would hand her a strip of white silk that very day.”
“It is indeed a pity that Eldest Young Lady missed the Wei family. But our Wen family’s standing is not the highest, yet it is not low either. You serve well in your official post, and Second Brother manages his business. The Eastern Capital is large, and there are many households. As long as the Wen family’s standing prospers, people will naturally come seeking us out. As for the young masters and young ladies, do you still fear they will not marry into good matches or find good families?”
Every word Old Madam Wen spoke considered the eldest branch’s interests. Thinking of what had happened before, Eldest Master Wen felt waves of guilt in his heart. He knelt before Old Madam and kowtowed loudly. “This son received Mother’s grace in raising me, yet not only have I failed to be filial to Mother, I have also even caused Mother to labor and worry on my behalf. This son asks Mother for forgiveness.”
Old Madam Wen looked at him and sighed.
“You. The greatest obstacle in your heart has always been that you separate yourself from Second Brother. You believe that because you are not my biological child, you must repay the Wen family even more. You restrict yourself in everything, wanting to accomplish something great and bring glory to the Wen family so that you can fulfill your father’s wish. But in my heart, you and Second Brother have always been the same. Whether you are good or bad, both of you are my sons. You do not need to place such great pressure on yourself. Live your own life well. Even if you make mistakes, what mother wouldn’t forgive her child?”
Eldest Master Wen’s forehead remained pressed to the ground for a long time without lifting. A moment later, his shoulders began to tremble faintly.
Back then, on the night Old Master Wen had brought him home, he had knelt before her in exactly this manner, not daring to cry, yet unable to hold it back.
A child without his own father and mother always liked to keep everything buried in his heart. He blindly wanted to prove his own ability and please others, yet instead, he pushed himself farther and farther away.
Old Madam Wen’s heart ached. She stepped forward, took hold of his arm, and helped him up. “Get up. How old are you already? Do not let the children see and laugh at you.”
—
After lunch, once the Wen family’s eldest branch had left, Wen Shuse finally went inside. Holding Old Madam’s hand, she helped her lie down on the couch. “No matter how good your spirits are, you must not tire yourself. Grandmother should lie down for a while first.”
Old Madam could not sleep even if she lay down, so she simply spoke with her. Every time she saw this granddaughter of hers, her mood would inexplicably relax. Smiling, she asked, “Does your husband treat you well?”
She had heard some things about the married couple from Wen Huai. It seemed the two were very loving.
Wen Shuse nodded. “He treats me so well it could not be better. I truly must thank Grandmother properly. If not for Grandmother’s wisdom back then, how could I have the happiness I do today?”
Things were good now, but every time Old Madam Wen recalled the decision she had made back then, she still felt lingering fear. “It was Heaven protecting our Gao Xian. You were born with fortune in your fate. Wherever you go, blessings follow, and everything turns smooth.”
As expected, Old Madam truly knew how to speak beautifully. Wen Shuse tucked the quilt around her. “Then that is also because Grandmother prayed for it before the Bodhisattva on my behalf. Grandmother has spoken for half the day already. Rest for a while…”
Wen Shuse stayed at the Wen residence the entire day. At dusk, after Xie Shao finished his shift and heard the news, he hurried over.
Once a person’s fortune rose, even the aura around them became different.
Old Madam Wen had seen this Third Young Master Xie. He had indeed been handsome, but wherever he went, he had carried a lazy air, as though he had no bones in his body. Looking at him again now, she saw him stride through the door: tall, with broad, straight shoulders and back, his whole person full of vigor. He seemed completely transformed. The expression on his face also carried an upright, ambitious energy.
When he reached her, he lifted the hem of his robe cleanly, knelt, and paid his respects. “Grandmother.”
Old Madam Wen finally understood what Gao Xian had meant when she said, “I do not know whether one could find a second person in the Eastern Capital with as much radiance as my husband. In any case, I have not seen one.”