Chapter 4 - What Kind of Extraordinary Person Did I Marry?
A noble young master who had lived a pampered life was really not used to being touched, especially by women.
Her natural body fragrance, carried by the warmth from inside the bedding, shot straight into the tip of his nose.
Pei Yue slowly drew in a breath, repeatedly telling himself that this was his wife, not some other person, and that he should get used to being with a woman. Yet, his body instinctively moved out of the bedding with extreme slowness and lightness, and he slowly got off the bed.
The bed curtain was lifted, and a light breeze rolled in, mixed with the sound of deliberately softened footsteps. Mingyi opened her eyes. Her gaze fixed for a moment before she realized she had burrowed into the center of the bed, and she groggily moved back.
Pei Yue went to the bathing chamber and returned to find that Mingyi had already moved to sleep on the inner side. He couldn't quite describe the feeling in his heart. He got back onto the bed and dozed for a little while before heading to the early morning court session.
The weather this day was damp, gloomy, and ice-cold. Mingyi felt a little unwell and did not go to the main house to pay her respects. Qinghe dismissed the other servants and personally took care of her. She prepared a medicinal bath for her, massaged her muscles and bones, and looking at her slightly pale face, asked,
“Are you feeling any better?”
Mingyi, wearing a lined jacket, was lying on the heated brick bed in the east room. She closed her eyes for a moment. Hearing the words, she lifted her eyelids. Qinghe's worry was written all over her eyes. She raised a hand to stroke the young maid's temple.
“It's nothing, I'm fine..”
Qinghe was relieved and continued to soothe the meridians in her legs. Unexpectedly, the pad of Mingyi's finger slid from her temple down to her cheek, and she pinched her firm cheek.
“If you'd allow me a mouthful of wine to drink, that would be even better.”
Qinghe: “......”
She glared fiercely at her, her little face puffing out like fish gills, but she absolutely would not yield.
Mingyi laughed and stopped teasing her.
In the evening, they once again received news that Pei Yue would be returning for the evening meal.
The mistress and servant waited gleefully in the main room, thinking to themselves that there would surely be roast goose to eat again tonight.
Unfortunately, Pei Yue's menu hardly ever repeated within seven days. Mingyi's hope came to nothing.
She was not able to eat roast goose that night, but the next day, Heaven sent an opportunity her way.
“What did you say? Mother-in-law wants me to manage the kitchens?”
Not long after Mingyi had gotten out of bed, Fu Momo came in to help her wash up and relayed the Eldest Madam Xun-shi's instructions.
Fu Momo styled her hair into a 'touching the clouds' bun as usual and said with a smile,
“Indeed. The Madam's meaning is that the Young Madam has been here for several days now. This household will have to be handed over to the Young Madam sooner or later, so you must start learning slowly now.”
The truth was that Xun-shi intended to use the kitchens to test Mingyi's capabilities.
The Pei residence had many departments for routine affairs, but the kitchens were definitely the most thankless job among them. The people they served were all top-class masters who were difficult to please. On a daily basis, one had to be mindful of people's moods and also endure the masters' pickiness. Of course, there were also kickbacks to be had.
A place like this, wasn't it a crucible for testing one's true mettle?
Mingyi lacked experience in dealing with the women of the inner quarters. She didn't know how to ponder their thoughts, nor did she care. To her, managing the kitchens meant she could eat whatever she wanted.
She immediately broke into a smile. “Perfect. Being idle is being idle anyway. I'll manage it then.”
A short while later, after having breakfast, she happily took Qinghe with her and headed for the kitchens.
The Pei residence was no ordinary size. After walking for more than one ke (15 mins), they finally arrived at the kitchen courtyard on the northwest side of the residence.
On the way, Fu Momo told her, “The Pei family has both an inner and an outer kitchen. The outer kitchen manages the banquets for the entire residence, while the inner kitchen only supplies the meals for the three branches of the direct line. The outer kitchen is under the jurisdiction of the chief steward's office and is not our concern. Today, what the Young Madam will be managing is the inner kitchen.”
To put it plainly, the inner kitchen provided meals for the families of the first, second, and third branches.
Pushing aside a long, slanted branch and stepping through a moon gate, they arrived at the kitchen courtyard. This area was adjacent to the high walls of the residence's exterior. Outside the high walls was a patch of woods, where the wild ducks, wild rabbits, and the like supplied from various places were raised in an enclosure. From a distance, one could even hear the sound of roosters crowing.
Perhaps because Xun-shi had given instructions earlier, upon entering the courtyard, over ten managing momos were already waiting inside, each lowering their head to pay their respects.
Fu Momo escorted her there and then left.
Mingyi was not in a hurry to give orders, but instead instructed them, “All of you go about your business first. I'll just wander around by myself.”
Everyone then dispersed. Dispersed they had, but one eye remained on Mingyi, wondering what kind of character this young madam from the countryside had.
The kitchen courtyard was two courtyards deep. The west wing-room of the first courtyard was the storeroom, where communal delicacies like ginseng and bird's nest were kept. The east wing-room was the duty room for the managers, where all kitchen-related account books and registers were located. Passing through the hall led to the back kitchen.
The north side was the stove room, and to the left and right were connected prep kitchens. Inside were many tall shelves storing all sorts of fresh, seasonal vegetables. Going out a corner gate led to another attached courtyard where a pond had been dug and a patch of bamboo had been planted. It was now early winter, and the bamboo grove had already withered, replaced by several planted plum trees for winter scenery. In the summer, one could enjoy the cool air here. Several large water vats were placed by the side of the pond, in which the fresh aquatic food to be eaten that day was kept.
One of the head momos gave Mingyi a tour of the kitchen courtyard. Seeing Mingyi stop by the side of the pond, she asked with a smile,
“Young Madam, it is cold here. Why don't I lead you to the duty room for a cup of hot tea?”
“No need.” Mingyi stood by the pond and lifted her gaze to look at the bright winter sun.
“The sunlight is good today. Bring me a chair, and I will just rest here for a while.”
The momo did as she was told and brought her a round-backed armchair. Mingyi found the armchair uncomfortable to sit in and exchanged it for a lounge chair.
After lying down, she said nothing more.
Seeing this, the momo was unsure of her intentions. “Young Madam, do you have any other instructions?”
Mingyi said, “Prepare a roast goose. I will have my midday meal here.”
The momo silently nodded. “Are there any other instructions?”
“No more. You may go about your business!”
The momo was completely baffled. She didn't know whether to go or stay. Finally, seeing Qinghe wave her away, she left, looking back every few steps.
Whenever a new daughter-in-law entered the residence, her first assignment was always to come to the kitchens, so the managers here had seen it all. And when these young madams came to the kitchens, their first step was invariably to check the accounts. After checking the accounts, they would begin to oust those who weren't on their side. The next step would be to install their own people to pave the way for skimming profits in the future. The momos were perfectly clear about this entire process.
This was the first time they had seen one who came and only asked for a roast goose.
In any case, she was the young madam in charge; they had to listen to her.
As soon as the momo left, Qinghe squatted down beside Mingyi.
“Miss, the Madam has asked you to manage the kitchens. How do you plan to manage them?”
Today was a rare warm and sunny day. In no time, Mingyi's face had been warmed by the sun. She opened her eyes and said with a smile, “Managing the kitchens, isn't that just managing people? Isn't that a simple matter?”
Mingyi's ability to discipline people was first-class. Over the years, how many troublemakers had not become obedient in her hands?
After speaking, Mingyi propped herself up on the armrest, intending to get up.
“Having eaten their food, my hand is shortened. I should still go inside and take a look…”
Unexpectedly, Qinghe gained some understanding from that sentence of hers. She raised a hand to stop her.
“No need. Why use a butcher's knife to kill a chicken? Master, you just sit tight and watch this apprentice manage the kitchens for you.”
Before Mingyi could react, she saw Qinghe walk into the inner courtyard in a bold and imposing manner. Seeing her valiant and high-spirited posture, Mingyi reminded her, “You should hold back a bit. Don't frighten people.”
“Don't worry.” The blue-green figure disappeared through the corner gate in a flash.
Mingyi watched her walk away, then threw off the cloak Qinghe had draped over her and set off in another direction.
The reason she had stopped by the pond just now was because she had smelled the aroma of wine.
Needless to say, the wine cellar was nearby.
Following the cobblestone path along the edge of the pond, she came to the waterside pavilion on the south side. Here, the aroma of wine grew stronger, showing that her direction was correct. Just as she was about to follow the scent, a person suddenly came down from the covered walkway to her left. The person was dressed in a moonlight-white long robe, tall and thin, holding a jade fan in his hand, and strolling leisurely in this direction.
Having seen him at the tea ceremony banquet last time, Mingyi recognized the person.
“Thirteenth Brother?”
The young man called Thirteenth Young Master was taken aback. Only then did he notice a familiar figure standing on the steps of the waterside pavilion.
“Huh, Sister-in-law? Sister-in-law, what are you doing here?”
Thirteenth Young Master, Pei Chengxuan, was Pei Yue's full younger brother. The Eldest Madam, Xun-shi, had given birth to one daughter and two sons. The eldest daughter was already married, the eldest son was Pei Yue, and the youngest son was this Thirteenth Young Master, Pei Chengxuan.
Pei Chengxuan was only twelve years old this year, not yet as tall as Mingyi. Seeing Mingyi, he hurriedly cupped his hands in his sleeves and bowed.
Mingyi came down the steps to the side of the stone path and asked him, “Thirteenth Brother, what brings you to this remote courtyard?”
The Thirteenth Young Master pointed forward. “This isn't a remote courtyard, this is our Pei residence's wine cellar...”
Before he could finish his sentence, he realized his slip of the tongue and hastily shut his mouth.
She had come to the right place.
Mingyi beamed and asked, “So, Thirteenth Brother has come to drink wine?”
Seeing that Mingyi had seen through his purpose, Pei Chengxuan's face suddenly turned pale.
“No, no, no, Sister-in-law, you're mistaken. You saw wrong. I didn't come here today...” After speaking, he turned his head and started to leave.
Mingyi raised a hand and grabbed his sleeve. Using a little bit of force, she pulled Pei Chengxuan back. Pei Chengxuan was pulled off balance, staggering as he steadied his footing. He looked at her helplessly.
“Sister-in-law, I was wrong. You absolutely must not tell my elder brother. I really just took a wrong turn...”
Mingyi cut him off. “It's no matter, it's no matter. Didn't that Li Bai once say, ‘Since we have wine today, let's get drunk today; let not our golden goblets face the moon empty’? Come, I have been ordered to supervise the kitchens. It is my duty. I will take Thirteenth Brother over.”
Pei Chengxuan stared at her blankly, unable to believe it.
“Sister-in-law, you really don't blame me?”
“Why would I blame you? Drinking is what a true man does. Those who don't like to drink are the odd ones out!”
An image of his elder brother's otherworldly, detached face suddenly flashed through Pei Chengxuan's mind. He instantly felt that what Mingyi said was absolutely right. For a moment, he thought he had found a kindred spirit.
“Sister-in-law's insight is truly extraordinary...”
And so, the two of them arrived before the wine cellar.
The so-called wine cellar was also a courtyard house, but unlike the kitchens, this place was exceptionally quiet and secluded. It was lush with greenery on all sides, and even the cold wind felt much more pleasant here. The only thing out of place was a long desk situated in front of the passageway. Behind the desk sat a steward of about forty years old. He was dressed in a blue-green robe and had a small, long beard. He gave the newcomers a faint glance, then lowered his eyes and went back to his work.
This was Mingyi's first time visiting this place. She was a little bewildered and looked at Pei Chengxuan.
The moment Pei Chengxuan saw the steward's expression, he knew his elder brother had given an order and he would not be able to get any wine. But on second thought, with his sister-in-law by his side today, he suddenly felt a bit more confident. He raised his voice and said to the steward,
“Uncle Liu, Sister-in-law is now managing the kitchens and says she needs to get two pots of wine to use for cooking on the stove. I must ask Uncle Liu to be accommodating and get two pots for Sister-in-law.”
Mingyi also felt this was an excellent excuse and looked at the steward with a clear conscience.
Seeing these two masters arriving together, the steward felt a major headache coming on. He stood up and bowed.
“Greetings to the Young Madam, greetings to the Thirteenth Young Master.”
Then he looked at Pei Chengxuan. “The Master of the house has instructed that the Thirteenth Young Master is not allowed to drink wine.”
Pei Chengxuan knew that Pei Yue had long since placed a ban on him. He pointed at Mingyi. “Sister-in-law can't either?”
The steward said, “The Young Madam's name was also reported to this place last night.”
Pei Yue clearly had foresight. Ever since Mingyi had asked him for wine time and again, he had been on guard against this move of hers. He had sent an order over, placing a ban on alcohol for Mingyi.
Mingyi's face turned green. “What is the meaning of this?”
Pei Chengxuan was instantly deflated. As he walked back listlessly, he explained to her,
“The wine cellar here has a register. Anyone whose name is on the register is not allowed to take wine.”
Mingyi: “......”
That damned Pei Yue.
He wouldn't give her even a sliver of a chance.
Mingyi had a magnanimous disposition. On the way back, she became quite familiar with the Thirteenth Young Master. Before they parted, she even instructed him:
“Your elder brother is not wrong. You are still young and shouldn't drink wine. It will not be too late to drink after you have passed fifteen years of age.”
……
There were regulations for days of rest at court. Whenever an official was newly married, they were granted a three-day leave. Pei Yue had gone to court for several consecutive days. When the Emperor learned of this, he sent him back home early today. In the afternoon, at shen shi san ke (around 4:45 PM), Pei Yue returned to his study. The several stewards entered as usual to report on various matters. The first few were all about important clan affairs, until the last one, who reported on trivial matters, such as whether the Madam was feeling unwell today, and whether the Thirteenth Young Master was behaving himself in his studies....
Unexpectedly, the steward today reported,
“Today, the Young Madam received the Madam's order to take over the kitchens.... However, not long after entering the kitchens, she went to the wine cellar with the Thirteenth Young Master...”
The young, noble man had been sitting behind his desk without a moment to look up. It was only after hearing this sentence that he slowly raised his eyes. His gaze rested on the steward's face for a moment.
“Is that true?”
How would the steward dare to joke about such a thing? He said awkwardly, “The secret guards saw it with their own eyes.”
The corner of Pei Yue's mouth twitched. Anger slowly surfaced in his handsome eyes.
“Go, and have the Thirteenth Young Master brought here.”
Pei Chengxuan's study was right next to Pei Yue's. Normally, when faced with this elder brother, he would hide as far away as possible. Today, he clearly did not have time to hide and was brought over.
What kind of man dodges and hides? It was better to just get it over with quickly.
Thus, upon reaching the doorway, Chengxuan straightened his clothes and cap, cleared his throat, and strode inside. He skillfully went around the curio shelf to arrive before Pei Yue's desk. Before Pei Yue could speak, he fell to his knees with a swift thud.
“Elder brother, I was wrong. I should not have gone to the wine cellar today. I will never dare to do it again.”
His articulation was clear, and his voice was sonorous.
Pei Yue, holding a book in his hand, faintly lifted his eyelids. “Did you go alone?”
“Of course.” He absolutely could not sell out his sister-in-law.
Pei Yue pressed the tip of his tongue against the back of his teeth, a hint of a smile slowly appearing as he stared at him.
The moment Pei Chengxuan saw him like this, he panicked.
“Elder brother, I didn't lie.”
Pei Yue said slowly, “Have I said that you were lying?”
Cold sweat rolled down Pei Chengxuan's back. With his elder brother's vast resources, he must have already known the truth. He gritted his teeth and confessed:
“Brother, I'll take responsibility for my own actions. It really has nothing to do with Sister-in-law. I was the one who heard Sister-in-law was managing the kitchens today and tricked her into going. She really didn't know anything.”
Pei Yue truly laughed out of anger, but there was not a trace of a smile in his eyes. Instead, his voice was so cold it made one shudder.
“Oh? If you hadn't said anything, I wouldn't have known that your sister-in-law went as well.”
Pei Chengxuan: “......”
It was over.
After dealing with Pei Chengxuan, Pei Yue returned to the rear courtyard.
Dusk was falling, and the lanterns were just being lit.
As usual, two people were waiting under the corridor.
Pei Yue was holding two books in his hand, his gaze quietly resting on Mingyi.
Mingyi had a natural intuition for danger and sharply sensed that something was off with Pei Yue's expression.
But throughout the entire meal, Pei Yue did not say a word, and Mingyi could not figure out his intentions.
Pei Yue's intention was very clear: he could not interfere with her meal. He would wait until she was finished to hold her accountable.
Sure enough, when the husband and wife sat down to drink tea, Pei Yue began his interrogation.
“Did Madam go to the wine cellar today?”
Mingyi's head shot up. The man opposite her was sitting perfectly upright in the round-backed armchair, dressed in a spotless robe, unstained by even a speck of dust. His smile was unbelievably warm.
In her heart, she secretly cried out that this was not good.
“I just went to have a look,” Mingyi said, trying to give herself some confidence.
“If I can't eat it, can't I at least be allowed to smell it?”
Look at that, she even thought she was in the right?
Pei Yue's expression did not change. “Did you go alone?”
Hearing this, Mingyi did not answer immediately. Pei Yue's eyes and ears were surely spread throughout the residence; lying was clearly not a reliable option. She admitted it readily.
“No. I ran into Thirteenth Brother on the way, and with a bit of coaxing and trickery, I duped him into going. Master of the house,” Mingyi patted her chest, “I'll take full responsibility for my own actions. This has nothing to do with Chengxuan. He only went because he was concerned about his sister-in-law's dignity and was coerced by me.”
Selling out a brother was something Mingyi had never done.
Pei Yue began to laugh.
“You are both quite loyal to each other.”
That smile, reflected in his cold eyes, was truly terrifying.
Mingyi's expression froze.
It seemed her cover was blown.
She spread her hands: “It won't happen again, alright?”
Pei Yue slowly fiddled with the teacup lid beside him and did not answer her.
Mingyi grew anxious. She stood up and walked a circle around him.
“Then just punish me alone?”
Pei Yue stared at her. The way she looked, defiant yet at her wit's end, was strangely interesting.
It hadn't reached the point of punishing her over such a small matter.
Pei Yue handed her the two books he had brought.
Mingyi's gaze followed his fair fingers down to the book. It was Zhang Zhongjing's ‘The Way of Nurturing Health’.
Mingyi instantly felt a headache coming on. She returned to her seat opposite him, her eyes fixed on him as she asked:
“Master of the house, are you trying to discipline me?” Her bright eyes blinked lightly, carrying a glint of curiosity.
Being stared at by her, Pei Yue felt a little uncomfortable. First, he reflected on whether he was being too controlling, but then he immediately realized that the other person was his wife, and it instantly felt perfectly natural.
“Husband and wife should support each other. If I don't look after you, who will?”
She had no relatives to turn to, no one to rely on.
He was her only support.
Mingyi folded her hands, rested her chin on them, and looked at him idly.
“Give me a mouthful of wine to drink, and in the future, I will submit to your discipline.”
Pei Yue: “......”
What kind of extraordinary person had he married?
Pei Yue was so angered by her that his chest ached.
Half a ke (about 7.5 minutes) later, Mingyi saw him out the door with her head hanging low.
Undoubtedly, not only was there no hope for wine, but she had also been lectured by him with citations from the classics.
Rigid, boring, and without sentiment. This was Mingyi's evaluation of Pei Yue.
Pei Yue had already walked out the door. Seeing her defiant look, he turned back. The six-sided ram's horn palace lanterns of the corridor reflected a jade-like color in his eyes. The man stared at her and said earnestly:
“Madam, cherish your health....”
Before he could say more, a young servant boy with his hair in tufts came walking quickly from the entrance. He looked like Pei Yue's study page. He stood far off under the passageway corridor and bowed to Pei Yue.
“Master of the house, Lord Qi from the Ministry of Justice has come to visit.”
The Vice Minister of Justice, Qi Junliang, was currently investigating the case of the envoy delegation's stolen treasure under imperial decree. To come looking for him at this time, it must be for an important matter.
Hearing this, Pei Yue composed his expression. He glanced at Mingyi again, his tone softening.
“The winter wind is cool. Madam should rest early.” After speaking, he lifted his foot and walked towards the study.
Mingyi watched his figure disappear through the moon gate entrance. The emotion on her face was instantly wiped clean. She lowered her voice and asked Qinghe behind her.
“Were your tracks clean?”
Qinghe also changed from her usual goofy demeanor, replying with a cold sternness, “The tracks were clean, but I didn't get it.”
Mingyi clasped her hands behind her back and took two steps into the courtyard.
“I remember you said that besides you, there were several other groups who made a move on the delegation?”
“That's right.”
Mingyi once again looked up at the deep black sky, the look in her eyes growing even more solemn.
The Vice Minister of Justice visiting Pei Yue at night definitely meant he had discovered something.
“In the few days you've been here, have you gotten a clear look at the residence's defensive layout?”
Qinghe followed her gaze and looked around.
“I've seen it clearly. The entire Pei residence is lax on the outside but tight on the inside. The defensive layout is formidable. Along the outer high walls, there is a corner post set up at every bowshot's distance. There are retainers patrolling in the open and secret guards standing watch in the shadows.
Ordinary people cannot hide from them. And among all the locations, the Young Master's study is the most heavily guarded. There is a sentry every ten steps, and every blind spot is covered by an expert. Their lines of sight are enough to cover every corner. Not even a fly could get in.”