A wealthy woman was always practiced at giving gifts, and more often than not, she gave exactly what people wanted. Her presents never seemed perfunctory; instead, they created the impression that she had put considerable thought into them, even when all it took was a single phone call.
But raising a future emperor was a little different. His ambition was nothing less than the world itself—how could he be satisfied with a few trifling gifts?
Cultivating such a rare specimen of a pretty boy naturally required far more time, effort, and expense than anything she had done before.
That was why Shi Feiyu watched as Pei Liang turned and went to the room she kept in the back of the restaurant.
The restaurant was busy with its opening, and even at night she had to arrange the next day’s work and review the day’s progress with the chefs—what they had managed to coordinate and whether any dishes needed improving. As a result, Pei Liang could not return every day to the residence she had purchased.
Lately, she had been sleeping here most of the time, so she had moved some important belongings over as well.
Before long, she came out with several sheets of official documents and stuffed them all into Shi Feiyu’s hands. At the same time, she lightly scratched his palm.
“A small token of my appreciation. See if you like it?”
Shi Feiyu had no idea what she meant, but when he unfolded the documents, he was stunned by the lavishness of the gift.
Every one of these things was something he desperately needed at present.
There were delivery orders for grain, winter clothing, and other supplies. The quantities were enormous—more than enough to see his soldiers through the winter.
There was also a large batch of goods whose names were deliberately vague. One item, for instance, was listed as “woodworking components,” accompanied by a detailed description of its shape.
To most people, the description might bring to mind such things as table legs, chair armrests, or pestles. But Shi Feiyu had spent years marching and fighting wars, and his habitual way of thinking was different from that of ordinary people.
In his eyes, this was clearly the handle of a repeating crossbow.
When combined with several of the other components, the parts only needed to be gathered and reassembled to instantly become a weapon capable of killing from a distance on the battlefield.
The manufacture of such items was strictly prohibited by imperial decree. Producing more than ten could result in charges, confiscation of one’s property, and execution. Yet Pei Liang had enough parts to make at least a hundred thousand completed weapons.
He sucked in a sharp breath. “You—”
Pei Liang raised an index finger to his lips, silencing him with a knowing smile.
“If this were an age of peace, with a well-governed empire and a clear-sighted court, I truly wouldn’t dare manufacture something like this in secret.”
“But these days, the court is drunk on pleasure and oblivious to the world. Repeated warfare has already drained the manpower from the land, while local officials are insatiably greedy and the bureaucracy is rotten to the core. The men who should be upholding the law and conducting inspections are too busy extorting taxes and squeezing the people. As long as we bribe the right people and proceed carefully, no one will discover anything.”
In her previous life, Pei Liang had owned a subsidiary that specialized in outdoor exploration equipment. For a time, she had been fascinated by the history of cold weapons, and on the basis of existing weapons, she could revise and improve the designs herself.
The result was cheaper to produce, simpler in construction, yet sturdier and more durable, with tremendous power.
She had then divided the weapon into several separate components, making only slight changes to their outward appearance without compromising their physical structure. They were mixed in with components for ordinary tools and household furniture, while the factories producing them were located in different places. The workers at one factory had no way of communicating with those at another, let alone assembling the weapon themselves.
Yet once the various parts were brought together, a brief demonstration was all it took to assemble them into a powerful battlefield weapon. It was easy to carry, and even after being separated, the components could be used to develop several other functions.
It was vastly different from the repeating crossbows of history, which had numerous flaws and were ultimately rendered obsolete by the advent of firearms.
It was somewhat like a multipurpose piece of military equipment.
Pei Liang had always been cautious and meticulous in everything he did. He would never let an objective advantage make him careless.
Then again, the current imperial court could not even detect rebel armies secretly purchasing grain and supplies to expand their organizations. Such things only came to light after local officials could no longer cover them up, at which point the court would send troops to suppress them.
With a court this corrupt and incompetent, there was no chance in hell it would catch Pei Liang’s trail.
Even so, Shi Feiyu was still shaken to the core by the sheer quantity involved.
Pei Liang continued, “I also bought several iron mines. In these troubled times, iron is worth more than gold or silver.”
“I’ve already built factories at the foot of the mines, too. You don’t need to worry about weapons running out.”
Shi Feiyu felt as though even his lungs had turned cold. “No matter how incompetent the governor of Jiangnan is, surely he’d notice someone smelting iron and forging weapons near an iron mine?”
Jiangnan and the capital were essentially the only two places that could still maintain their drunken, dreamlike lives of luxury. Those high-ranking officials and wealthy merchants were not unaware of the chaos outside or how difficult life had become.
Back when they had suppressed bandits as far as the outskirts of Jiangnan, wealthy families had already joined forces to fund the region’s stability year after year. That alone showed how seriously they valued the preservation of order. Thus, aside from the capital, Jiangnan was the one place where no one could possibly act without restraint.
“Who told you I bought mines in Jiangnan?” Pei Liang asked, looking at him as though he were an ignorant outsider.
“Iron mines in Jiangnan are expensive, obtaining mining rights is difficult, and establishing factories and workshops requires endless paperwork and invites exploitation at every level. Why would I choose such a money-losing location?”
“I chose several places where rebellions had broken out. They all share one characteristic: there are too many rebel factions and mountain strongholds, with every leader declaring himself king. No one powerful enough to crush all the others has emerged, so none of them has amounted to much.”
“The main imperial armies will prioritize suppressing those rebel forces that have already grown into major threats and seized entire regions of the country. As for these small rebel bands, they are mostly being dealt with by the local garrisons and governors themselves.”
“But these groups are scattered everywhere. Stamp out one, and another pops up somewhere else—like playing whack-a-mole. The commanders in charge of those areas are already exhausted.”
“Consequently, many of the local factions have reached a tacit understanding with the regional armies. In places like that, it’s easy to fish in troubled waters at very little cost.”
“Rising to prominence ourselves would be unrealistic. But investing in a small faction and helping it grow, so that it can protect my factories, is quite easy.”
Shi Feiyu’s mouth twitched. “Y-you already have an army?”
“Not exactly. In terms of combat ability, it’s barely above the bottom rung. Besides, its leader has no ambition. After being supported for several years, he’s been thoroughly softened. Still, following my instructions, they occupy advantageous terrain and make use of traps. As long as they aren’t targeted and surrounded by several factions at once, they can generally manage.”
“And I never skimp when paying protection money, so no one bothers me.”
As he spoke, he smiled. “I’ve already had the canal transport crews mix this batch of iron goods into their cargo ships and bring them here in separate shipments. But unlike grain or winter clothing, this stuff can’t simply be disguised and passed off as ordinary goods. It’s far too sensitive. It’s not safe to reveal it just yet.”
“When the Northern barbarians attack and the people in the court scatter for their lives, with no one left to get in your way, you can go and take it.”
As she spoke, she took Shi Feiyu’s hand and traced patterns across his callused palm, the motion sending a delicious shiver straight to his heart.
“When the New Year comes, everything produced by those military supply factories can be your New Year’s gifts.”
“But during this period, I assume I don’t need to teach you how to behave?”
Though they were clearly discussing the treasonous matter of stealing the throne, Shi Feiyu was so moved that he could hardly contain himself.
He pulled Pei Liang into his arms and kissed her deeply. His technique was clumsy, a first attempt at intimacy.
But passion and love were things no technique could replace. Even Pei Liang, an old hand at such matters, found it exhilarating.
If only this were a more suitable place, she would have taken him right then and there.
After all, she had already paid for this tempting body.
The two of them remained locked together for a long while before finally parting. Shi Feiyu’s face was slightly flushed, his forehead resting against Pei Liang’s as he murmured, “How much more are you going to do for me?”
He had never before experienced such focused, unwavering affection—feelings that surged toward him with overwhelming force. It felt as though he were about to be submerged, and yet he was willingly drowning in it.
When Shi Feiyu left Fragrant Heaven House, he simply could not stop the smile from tugging at his lips.
Qiu Sanxiang and Ying Siji had only just finished eating their fill and savoring the delicacies of the world, leaving them in high spirits as well.
Seeing the Young Lord’s expression, they asked, “What good news did Owner Pei tell you? Why are you so happy, Young Lord?”
Thanks to Qiu Sanxiang’s reminder, Ying Siji now understood that feelings had blossomed between the two of them. Naturally, he hoped their relationship would proceed smoothly.
Shi Feiyu could not reveal too much, so he embellished the truth a little. “I told her that my birthday is in two days.”
“I only meant to receive a simple birthday greeting from her. Who would have thought she had already prepared lavish gifts? Every single one struck exactly where I needed it most, and many of them had even been painstakingly planned and arranged over the course of several years.”
“Those gifts are far too precious. Setting aside how they are as timely as aid in a snowstorm for what I need, even by ordinary standards, each one is priceless.”
“And it isn’t just this time. She has even prepared my New Year’s gifts already.”
“She has given me far too much. It actually leaves me at a loss for what to do.”
The two men had followed the Young Lord since childhood. How could they fail to understand his temperament?
Their Young Lord had always been reserved, never one to display his emotions openly.
Now that he was spelling everything out so plainly, it seemed that in addition to genuine joy, he was rather eager to show off.
Sure enough, after saying all this, Shi Feiyu straightened his expression and added, “Forget it. You’re both inexperienced young men who have never been with anyone. Why am I telling you this?”
The two of them were inexplicably struck by another blow and stood there in a daze. When had their Young Lord become so fond of boasting?
Still, they had to humor him. They hurriedly smiled and said, “Then congratulations, Young Lord. Owner Pei is deeply in love with you and utterly devoted. She has reached the point where you are the only man for her. To have such a wonderful woman is enough to make every man in the world envious.”
Shi Feiyu was inwardly delighted, but in front of his subordinates he put on a coy air and said, “You can’t speak so absolutely. You’ve seen how she’s usually obsessed with her work—when she’s busy, she won’t even spare me a glance. And when we do have time together, she always uses those worldly possessions to keep me occupied. If I said I wasn’t grateful, that would make me heartless, but I do hope she’ll spend a little more time with me.”
Only today did Qiu Sanxiang and Ying Siji discover that their Young Lord had this side to his personality.
They couldn’t quite put it into words.
All they knew was that listening to him made their teeth ache.
And what was that fragrance lingering in the air? Why did it smell so strongly of tea—green tea, at that? They had no idea what this was supposed to mean.
His expression was practically smug enough to reach the heavens, yet here he was pretending to say such things with false modesty.
Still, the two men could only follow their master’s wishes and heap on the praise.
“Young Lord, listen to yourself. If Miss Pei isn’t devoted to you, then there isn’t a devoted woman left in this world.”
“Just look at her beauty. She was in the prime of her youth back then, and even though she left her homeland, she was ultimately only following her elders. With Miss Pei’s talent and looks, surely matchmakers would have come knocking one after another. Yet she has delayed her marriage until now, enduring all the gossip and criticism of the world. Whom else could she be waiting for if not you, Young Lord? If you claim you don’t know, even we can’t stand to hear it.”
Shi Feiyu naturally knew that Pei Liang’s profound love for him was something she could never fulfill in this lifetime. He had said all that merely to have outsiders confirm her feelings for him, savoring the pleasure of showing off.
Having heard enough, he reined himself in and said, “Since she has been so lavish with her gifts this time, do you think I ought to show her some consideration as well? Otherwise, it might look as though I only have eyes for the things she owns.”
The two men replied, “Ah, perfect timing. We’ll be passing the Duobao Pavilion shortly. Why don’t you go in and spend your own money on something pretty for Miss Pei, Young Lord? Women all like that sort of thing.”
“Is that so?” Shi Feiyu said. “To Duobao Pavilion, then.”
Shi Feiyu had never been to a place like this before. These past few days, he had been coming to Pei Liang’s side to help with the work, so he had dressed simply and inconspicuously.
He had spent years campaigning in the military and wore no unnecessary ornaments or accessories. When he was dressed down, he was truly dressed down—not like certain nobles, who could still reveal their wealth through their fabrics and adornments even when dressed in a plain and understated manner.
Thus, although he himself possessed a striking, almost regal beauty, the shopkeeper and attendants merely treated him with due courtesy. They did not immediately usher him into a private room.
Shi Feiyu also wanted to look around. He knew nothing about women’s accessories and wished to see what styles were currently fashionable in the capital.
Just then, a portly old gentleman entered the shop with his arm around a young and beautiful concubine.
The pair had also come to look at women’s ornaments. The portly gentleman wore an arrogant, ostentatious air, yet toward his beautiful concubine he was extravagantly doting.
Shi Feiyu and the others were not far away. With their sharp ears and keen hearing, they caught every word of the pair’s conversation.
The portly gentleman coaxed her ingratiatingly, “Take anything you like. It’s your birthday this time, so we absolutely can’t be careless. It’s just a pity that things have become increasingly unsettled outside this year. I had to return late to ensure everything was secure, so my preparations were rather rushed.”
“But don’t worry. When the New Year comes, I’ll have another carefully prepared gift waiting for you.”
The young mistress let out a cold snort. “New Year’s gifts? Your whole family spends the New Year together in happiness while you leave me alone outside, cold and miserable. What use are more New Year’s gifts?”
She was not even a concubine, as it turned out—merely a kept woman.
Still, this kept woman seemed to be greatly favored by the portly gentleman. In no time at all, she had picked out more than a dozen expensive ornaments and curios.
The portly gentleman did not so much as blink at the cost. He went to the counter to settle the bill himself.
While searching for any fine items she might have missed, the kept woman chatted idly with her maid.
The maid flattered her, saying, “Madam, our master is truly devoted to you and spoils you beyond measure. He is so generous, so extravagant, and so completely faithful. You are the first woman to receive such treatment. Which woman wouldn’t envy you for having such a lover?”
The kept woman curled her lips. “Don’t speak so absolutely. What does it matter if he is generous with his money? He spends all day busy with business and social engagements, disappearing for ten days or half a month at a time. Even when he is free, he still has to attend to his principal wife at home. How much time does he really have to spend with me?”
“All he does is use these material things to fob me off, as though I were the sort of woman who only cared about his money. I would much rather he spend more time with me.”
Shi Feiyu and the other two had no interest in these irrelevant people. Yet after inadvertently hearing those words, they suddenly felt rather uncomfortable.
Why did those words sound so familiar?
Oh. Their own conversation just now had sounded almost exactly the same.
Seeing that the kept woman was being affected, the maid hurried to flatter and placate her. “Madam, you shouldn’t think that way. If our master’s feelings for you don’t count as sincere, then there isn’t a truly devoted man left in this world.”
“Our master is fabulously wealthy and generous to a fault. Even with a fierce principal wife at home, there are countless little vixens throwing themselves at him outside. Yet after meeting you, he has eyes for no one else. Even though he fears his principal wife, he has kept you hidden away so carefully, all because he cannot bear for you to suffer the slightest indignity.”
“You only just returned, and you merely mentioned your birthday once. Without needing you to say another word, Master immediately spent a fortune on you. Do you have any idea how much those things just now were worth? Even the daughters of noble families might not be able to enjoy all of them. If you continue doubting our master’s sincere feelings, even I won’t be able to stand by and watch!”
At some point, the postures of Shi Feiyu and the other two had become unnaturally stiff, and an inexplicable sheen of sweat began to trickle down their bodies.
After listening to her maid’s persuasion—and having made a handsome haul that day while thoroughly satisfying her vanity—the kept woman looked quite pleased with herself.
She then put on a show of modesty. “In that case, do you think I ought to show him some consideration as well? Otherwise, people really will think I’m only with him for his money.”
The maid smiled. “Don’t you have a private stash of savings? Since we’re here already, why not use some of your own money to buy Master a small gift? He’ll surely be delighted.”
“Mm! I’ll take your advice.”
Shi Feiyu and the other two practically fled from the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.
He had no idea why he had felt so unbearably uncomfortable just now. What did a lecherous wealthy merchant and his kept woman have to do with him?
And yet, the striking similarity between their conversation and his own had made his scalp prickle.
Qiu Sanxiang and Ying Siji were also covered in cold sweat as they glanced at their master.
No, no, no. Their Young Lord was born into nobility, commanded a million troops, and wielded power over the entire court. How could he possibly be associated with some kept man?
The mere thought of such a thing was a grave offense.
Ying Siji hurriedly spat, “Bah! What a shameless pair. Don’t say things like that and ruin our mood.”
Then, with great care, he asked Shi Feiyu, “Young Lord, isn’t Miss Pei’s gift a little too valuable?”
Shi Feiyu looked up in disbelief. “…”
Of course it was valuable. What could possibly compare to the worth of something needed to seize an entire kingdom?
Qiu Sanxiang added, “If it’s too precious, perhaps we should return it? We could keep only a few small items as a token of her regard. That Miss Pei really has no sense of propriety. How could a woman give a man something so valuable? She’s put our Young Lord in an awkward position.”
“But what exactly did she give him?”
As Qiu Sanxiang said this, he glanced at their master’s expression—and his heart immediately sank.
Why did it still look as though he had no intention of returning the gifts?
Sure enough, Shi Feiyu drew a deep breath, flung aside that absurd thought, and turned around. “Back to the residence!”
Qiu Sanxiang and Ying Siji: “…”
Young Lord, what are you doing?!
No, no. He must be considering preparing an even more lavish return gift. Their Young Lord would never do something so petty as accepting a gift only to return it. Clearly, they had been worrying for nothing.
* * *
Two days later, on Shi Feiyu’s birthday, he left home early once again.
When he arrived at the First Pavilion, Pei Liang personally made him a bowl of longevity noodles. He ate every last noodle and drank the broth as well, feeling that this was the happiest birthday he had ever had.
It was only when he thought of the family banquet that evening that his spirits dimmed somewhat.
The awkwardness of the past two days had kept him tossing and turning all night. As Sanxiang and Siji had said, he had received far too much.
From the moment the two of them had met, it seemed that she had always been the one giving, while he had nothing to offer her yet besides the love in his heart.
Shi Feiyu therefore took Pei Liang’s hand and clasped it tightly in his palm.
“I should have invited you to my family banquet today,” he said.
“But I won’t hide this from you: as far as I’m concerned, the members of the Shi family aren’t truly my kin. I know how good you are. No woman in this world can compare to you.”
“But the Shi family has always fawned on the powerful and trampled on the weak. If you went, they would certainly slight you because of your status. I won’t let you suffer such humiliation because of worldly rules and propriety. They aren’t worthy of you.”
“So…” He looked at her. “When neither of us is bound by those rules anymore, I’ll bring you home. How does that sound?”
Given their current circumstances, Shi Feiyu desperately wanted to marry the woman he loved at once. But he still had to abide by the rules of the clan. Madam Shi wanted to force Wei Yingshu onto him, and even Marquis Shi—who felt no affection for him—could only proceed step by step, not daring to mention the status of a principal wife. He intended only to keep her as a plaything.
That alone showed what position a woman of her social standing could occupy in the Shi residence: nothing more than that.
And what did it mean to no longer be bound by worldly propriety?
It meant that he would one day hold power over the realm, with the final say in all matters. Then, the woman he loved would never again have to suffer humiliation because of her status.
But Shi Feiyu felt deeply uneasy as he said this. He did not know how long it would be before that day arrived.
Women already bore enormous pressure. To them, a promise like this could sound no different from the empty words of any frivolous man who relied on nothing but his silver tongue. How could an ordinary woman be willing to accept it?
Pei Liang, however, found the whole thing baffling.
She was merely keeping a pretty boy. Why on earth would she need to meet his family? Being satisfied with the goods didn’t mean she had to track down the manufacturer, did it?
Besides, given her circumstances now, her true assets and connections were not suitable for public knowledge. Why force her way into high society just to endure their disdainful looks?
So she smiled and nodded. “When have I ever cared about any of that? The only thing I have ever wanted is you.”
Shi Feiyu felt both guilty and overjoyed.
After some more intimacy, their emotions were stirred, and he only barely managed to restrain himself. Looking rather flustered, he said, “I’m sorry. I was being too frivolous.”
Pei Liang licked the corner of her mouth and leaned close to his ear, whispering, “I wanted you to be frivolous.”
Shi Feiyu’s entire body stiffened. Then he heard her speak in a seductive voice: “It’s not convenient for me these next few days. Perhaps by the time you have your next day off, First Floor won’t be so busy.”
“Then, might I have the honor of inviting you to my residence for a visit?”
Shi Feiyu looked up in disbelief. His heart was pounding wildly. From the undisguised look in Pei Liang’s eyes, he confirmed that she meant exactly what she had said.
He swallowed with difficulty. At last, Shi Feiyu clasped her hand tightly. “All right!”
If they wanted to be together openly and honorably, it was destined to take a long time. The two of them were already challenging the conventions of propriety—why waste the best years of their lives for no reason?
That was what he told himself. Yet after agreeing, Shi Feiyu still fled not long afterward.
He was simply too delighted and bashful at once, while also feeling that something was somehow amiss.
Not long after he left, Wei Yingshu emerged, having dressed with great care.
The Wei family owned a residence in the capital, but Wei Yingshu had a few private intentions today, so she deliberately set out from Tianxiang Tower.
She chose her moment carefully, passing by just as Pei Liang was seeing off a group of customers, trailing an alluring fragrance in her wake.
“Business is flourishing, Owner Pei,” she said with a smile.
Pei Liang had naturally heard that the Shi household had made a great show of sending Wei Yingshu an invitation. Recently, everyone in the surrounding area had been envying her for climbing such a lofty branch.
But after giving it a little thought, Pei Liang immediately understood what was going on.
She smiled as well. “Owner Wei, you certainly look especially lovely today.”
Wei Yingshu was pleased, though she put on an expression of surprise. “Why is Owner Pei still busy at a time like this? Aren’t you making preparations?”
When she saw Pei Liang looking at her with an amused, knowing smile instead of taking the bait, her satisfaction was immediately diminished.
Still unwilling to let the matter go, she continued, answering her own question, “I thought that given your relationship with Young Master Shi, Miss Pei, you would have received an invitation to the Marquis’s residence as well.”
She had wanted to see an expression of humiliation and resentment on Pei Liang’s face, but was sorely disappointed.
Instead, Pei Liang asked, “What sort of relationship do you think I have with Young Master Shi?”
The question left Wei Yingshu thoroughly choked.
On the one hand, she told herself not to overthink it; on the other, she cursed this woman for being utterly shameless.
Afraid of being irritated any further, she could only retreat in haste. “I’ve said too much. You should get back to your work, Miss Pei. I’ll be going first.”
* * *
Given the Shi family’s illustrious status, even a family banquet was an extravaganza, lavish to the point of dazzling the eyes.
Wei Yingshu was no stranger to the homes of the powerful and wealthy. However, the rules in the capital were strict, and the layout and furnishings of every noble or affluent household followed a set of conventions.
There were families richer than the Shi household, but none with the same imposing grandeur as a marquis’s family. And as for families more exalted than the Shi family—apart from the emperor and the imperial princes who wielded real power, there truly were none.
The wealth and splendor before her left Wei Yingshu dazzled. She became even more cautious, afraid of making the slightest misstep.
She went to the kitchen of her own accord, without anyone needing to tell her to. For one thing, Madam Shi had openly declared that she was looking forward to the meal; for another, Wei Yingshu genuinely wanted her beloved to eat dishes she had made herself on his birthday.
Only after she entered the kitchen did Madam Shi turn and give the wet nurse a disdainful curl of her lips.
“What a shameless little minx!”
By the time all the dishes had been served and even Marquis Shi had taken his seat, they still had to wait quite a while before Shi Feiyu finally arrived at his leisure.
His hair was still damp, and he carried the fresh scent of a bath.
He was already as handsome as a jade-carved immortal, but now a hazy, otherworldly aura seemed to cling to him, mingled with an indescribable sensuality. Anyone who looked at him felt their heart race and their eyes grow shyly lowered.
Wei Yingshu was not the only one affected. Even the maids serving nearby were distracted by thoughts of romance.
Marquis Shi, however, frowned. “You’re busier than ever. Even your own birthday banquet requires everyone to urge you three times before you’ll show up.”
Shi Feiyu nodded. “Winter is nearly upon us. The northern tribes are showing signs of unrest, and the army’s provisions and weapons have yet to be secured. I truly have no mind to enjoy a banquet.”
“At least show some regard for your mother’s efforts.” The moment Marquis Shi heard him mention the northern tribes, his teeth began to ache. Yet he could not refute him.
Even His Majesty had been worn down by Shi Feiyu’s relentless pestering whenever the subject came up. If he let his son get started, no one would be eating today.
Hearing this, Shi Feiyu nodded toward Madam Shi as well. “Mother has gone to a lot of trouble.”
Madam Shi hurriedly smiled. “It only took a little talking. Come, come, what are you all waiting for? Let’s start eating.”
There were only five people at such a large dining table, so the atmosphere did seem rather desolate.
Still, with such delicacies spread before them, anyone who focused on enjoying the food would hardly notice.
Most of the dishes on the table had been prepared by Wei Yingshu. But after she left the kitchen, Madam Shi had also used the excuse that her clothes smelled of cooking smoke to have her change into another outfit.
She had even given Wei Yingshu a sachet and instructed her to wear it at all times.
The sachet carried a sweet, mysterious fragrance. It was reminiscent of the first stirrings of love and seemed to echo Wei Yingshu’s own feelings, so she liked it quite a lot.
Her seat had been arranged rather close to Shi Feiyu. With his keen sense of smell, he noticed the fragrance as soon as he caught it.
He turned to look at Wei Yingshu.
Under that invasive, commanding gaze, Wei Yingshu’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and her heart began to pound like a startled fawn’s.
Madam Shi hurriedly nudged Marquis Shi and gestured for him to look over. The moment he saw the scene, Marquis Shi realized that if he wanted his eldest son to finally understand matters of the heart, this woman was surely the key.
Then the eldest son asked her, “Those aren’t the clothes you wore when you arrived, are they?”
Everyone at the table assumed that Shi Feiyu must have seen Wei Yingshu from afar while he was in his own courtyard—and that he had paid considerable attention to her. Otherwise, how would he have noticed that she had changed clothes?
Sweetness filled Wei Yingshu’s heart, and she nodded shyly.
It seemed that the heir’s rough treatment of her at First Tower that day had been because he was displeased with her mixing with so many men and becoming entangled in such an ugly affair.
After asking that one question, Shi Feiyu said nothing more. He simply turned back and quietly continued eating.
How could Madam Shi allow such a fine opportunity to go to waste on this block of wood? She smiled warmly and asked, “Feiyu, what do you think of the dishes?”
Shi Feiyu was eating a dish of kung pao chicken at the time. At her question, he nodded. “Passable.”
Madam Shi’s smile froze. How was anyone supposed to continue the conversation after that?
Beside her, Wei Yingshu’s face turned pale.
After a brief pause, Madam Shi continued, “I remember Feiyu praising Miss Wei’s cooking before. All these dishes were prepared personally by Miss Wei for you, so don’t disappoint her good intentions.”
Shi Feiyu set down his chopsticks and addressed Madam Shi with a solemn expression. “Mother, Miss Wei is a chef. In the past, there was nothing wrong with you and Second Brother inviting her into the residence to prepare meals. She was being paid for her skills, after all.”
“But since you had the steward deliver her an invitation and invited her here as a guest, you should have treated her with the proper courtesies due to a guest.”
“Are we, the Shi family, so short of cooks that we cannot even serve a meal without Miss Wei doing the work herself? Why, instead, are we making our guest prepare the entire banquet?”
Madam Shi’s face turned pale once again, while Wei Yingshu soared to the clouds at her beloved’s defense.
In truth, she had indeed gone out of her way to curry favor with Madam Shi. Madam Shi placed great importance on hierarchy and etiquette, and even when Wei Yingshu felt wronged, she had always regarded it as only natural that she should endure it.
She had never expected the heir to cherish and defend her so dearly.
Madam Shi cursed inwardly. They were not even officially together yet, and he was already helping her put people in their place. What would happen once she truly became his daughter-in-law?
However, Shi Feiyu had grown formidable by now. He was no longer the child she could easily bully in the past. Thus, she could only stammer, “Yes, yes, I was careless. I failed to observe proper etiquette.”
Shi Feiyu nodded. “Just be more careful next time.”
At this rate, even Buddha himself would have been driven to fury.
Madam Shi had made plans for the evening long ago. Though she had already been humiliated, she still had to grit her teeth and continue.
She ordered someone to open a jar of wine and had the maids pour it for everyone. Then she raised her cup. “Come, let us first toast today’s birthday celebrant.”
Everyone raised their cups, and the atmosphere appeared harmonious.
Everyone in the Shi family knew that Shi Feiyu could not hold his liquor particularly well, which was why he rarely downed a drink in one gulp.
Madam Shi had fancied herself clever, believing that a grown man like Shi Feiyu would be defenseless against the covert schemes of the inner household.
What she did not know was that he had been wary and vengeful since childhood. He had witnessed—and personally suffered through—such schemes from a young age. How could he have failed to learn from them? Madam Shi had also vastly underestimated how many dangers and worldly affairs he had encountered over the years while campaigning across the country.
He noticed the problem as soon as the wine touched his lips. Still, even an idiot like Madam Shi would not dare tamper with it too heavily. Besides, to leave herself an excuse afterward, she had drawn all the wine from the same jar. Everyone had been given the same tainted wine.
That eliminated most other possibilities and allowed him to identify the substance immediately.
Deer blood.
When campaigning in the bitterly cold northern lands, the army sometimes added animal blood to wine before battle. It not only warmed the body but also stirred the soldiers’ bloodlust, enabling them to fight with greater ferocity.
As for what purpose it served this time, once it was considered alongside the exotic fragrance clinging to Wei Yingshu—a scent brought from the southern border—the answer was obvious.
Madam Shi believed her scheme was flawless, and her calculations rang loud and clear.
Shi Feiyu already had a poor tolerance for alcohol. With the added stimulation of deer blood, he would certainly be restless and feverish after leaving the banquet.
She had already ordered that Wei Yingshu be allowed to stay the night and had arranged a courtyard adjacent to Shi Feiyu’s.
Ever since Shi Feiyu had grown strong enough to spread his wings, he had turned his courtyard into an impregnable fortress, allowing no one to enter and not even water to seep through. A few years earlier, some old servants of the residence whom Madam Shi had instructed to sneak inside had actually been beaten to death without mercy.
When the matter was investigated, Shi Feiyu had dismissed it with a single phrase: “This is a military restricted zone.”
The result was that Madam Shi’s scheme had not only failed, but had cost her dearly. She had been confined to her quarters for a full six months.
No matter how impregnable his own courtyard might be, the entire Shi residence was still her domain.
Once the banquet ended, she only needed to have Shi Feiyu escort the guests back to their rooms. Since they would be traveling the same path, refusing would seem unreasonable.
Then she could arrange an “accident” along the way to send the others elsewhere. With a man and a woman alone together, passions would be kindled. Even if Shi Feiyu remained as dense as a block of wood, Wei Yingshu—who had also been drinking and was facing the man she loved—would surely seize the opportunity, given her temperament.
Nothing would actually have to happen. As long as the household servants caught the two of them entangled together, the plan would already be mostly accomplished.
Not only could Wei Yingshu be forced upon Shi Feiyu, but if a guest who had been formally invited to his banquet were to accuse him of making improper advances, his reputation would be ruined as well.
And Wei Yingshu’s many admirers would inevitably grow even more jealous and hostile toward him. It would truly be killing three birds with one stone.
Thus, Madam Shi spared no effort in urging him to drink, while Marquis Shi and Shi Er repeatedly raised their cups to him.
But after finishing one cup, Shi Feiyu set his wineglass down.
Madam Shi still smiled and said, “Today is your birthday banquet. You can’t dampen everyone’s spirits so early. Have a few more drinks with your father and your second brother. And there’s Miss Wei as well—surely she has many words of congratulations to offer.”
At this point, Wei Yingshu naturally made no attempt to be coy. She rose and raised her cup toward Shi Feiyu.
“Master Shi, I toast you.”
Shi Feiyu ignored her. Instead, his gaze once again settled on Madam Shi.
He let out a mocking laugh. “Mother, you just promised to observe proper etiquette. Yet before the banquet has even ended, you’re breaking it again. What exactly are you trying to do?”
Madam Shi’s smile stiffened. She then covered her face with a handkerchief and leaned tearfully against Marquis Shi.
Choking back a sob, she said, “Feiyu, you’ve always found me an eyesore. At least for the sake of your special day, could you be a little more forgiving?”
“It seems I’m the one being unwelcome. I saw that the banquet was quiet, with everyone sitting around like an audience watching a one-woman show, so I tried to liven things up and ended up irritating Feiyu. If you found me too noisy, you could have simply said so. I’m an old woman—why should I have to be pointed at and accused by a younger member of the family of having no manners?”
Marquis Shi disliked Shi Feiyu’s aloof and abrasive temperament as well. He frowned impatiently and said, “Enough. Your mother has spent several days arranging your birthday celebration. Even if she deserves no credit, she has at least put in the effort. Must you flaunt your authority at court and then continue doing so once you return home?”
Shi Feiyu, however, refused to accept the accusation. In a clear voice, he said, “Father, that is not so. Although Mother comes from a family lacking all sense of decency and skilled in shameless opportunism, she has been part of the Shi family for more than twenty years. By allowing her to continue these despicable and underhanded practices, you are bringing disgrace upon our family.”
Madam Shi trembled with anger and pointed at Shi Feiyu. “You—you’re calling whom shameless?”
Shi Feiyu showed no intention of backing down. He stated bluntly, “Mother, you had Miss Wei wear clothes fumigated with the aphrodisiac fragrance used by women from the Southern Border to seduce men. You even added deer blood to the wine. What kind of filthy scheme were you plotting?”
The color drained from Madam Shi’s face. She had never imagined that Shi Feiyu would be so perceptive—that he would see through her before the first round was even over and expose her without the slightest concern for appearances.
She was stammering, at a loss for how to explain herself, when Shi Feiyu continued:
“If you truly wished to arrange a marriage between Second Brother and Miss Wei, you could simply have followed proper etiquette and sent a formal proposal. Why resort to the depraved methods of a family with such a filthy household tradition?”
“If you truly followed Mother’s wishes today and let Second Brother take liberties with Miss Wei, what face would the Shi family have left? You were unwilling to take her as your lawful wife, so you chose instead to humiliate her in this manner.”
“After this, once word spreads that Second Brother’s character is questionable, what respectable, well-bred young lady would still be willing to marry him?”
Madam Shi jerked her head up and stared at Shi Feiyu as though she had been struck dumb. Inwardly, she cursed, *What the hell are you spouting here, you little bastard?*
