Chapter 32
Chapter 32
Pei Xianjing remained silent, and Xing Shuwei could not see his expression.
In any case, he had not pushed her away, so she took that as agreement.
At this point, she had no choice but to make a desperate last attempt.
Xing Shuwei turned. He happened to be very close, and her soft lips brushed lightly over his chin.
Pei Xianjing’s hand tightened.
“Mm.” Xing Shuwei let out a faint whimper, her cheeks instantly reddening like ripe apples.
The sight made one want to take a ruthless bite.
Xing Shuwei wound both arms around his neck. When he lowered his eyes, he could see the lovely contours of her body, half hidden beneath the water.
Whether he was punishing himself or something else, his grip was so strong that it hurt her.
Xing Shuwei frowned and pleaded, “Brother Jing, could you listen until I finish speaking?”
Pei Xianjing’s voice was hoarse. “Speak.”
Xing Shuwei knew she could not evade him, so she let him do as he pleased.
Her voice was gentle. “This is a critical time, with your betrothal to the Princess underway. For the Marquis of Qingyuan’s estate to provoke trouble now, I suspect they must be targeting you.
“If they merely wished to damage your reputation, it would not matter. You are upright and renowned for your integrity, so they could never use Fourth Brother to smear your name.
“What I fear is that they are implicated in the Qizhou case and wish to use this opportunity to form ties with the Duke’s estate, then threaten you into abusing your position for their benefit.
“The Zhang clan has someone in the palace. If she whispers in the Emperor’s ear, who can guarantee he will not listen?”
“Weiwei considered all this for Brother Jing. If it were anyone else, I could not be bothered whether he lived or died.”
Pei Xianjing’s fingertips caressed her smooth back. When he straightened slightly, he lifted her with him.
Everything that met his gaze was exquisite.
Pei Xianjing’s burning eyes remained fixed upon her.
Xing Shuwei felt hot all over, as though flames were scorching her skin.
“In that case, Weiwei’s heart and eyes hold only me?” His fingertip pressed against her heart, forcing her to look at him as she answered.
Hearing the name “Weiwei” made her think of Zhang Mingan.
Every thought of that man filled her with lingering fear.
Xing Shuwei shrank slightly and nodded. “That is because Brother Jing is the sky above Weiwei’s head.”
As she spoke, she stole a glance at Pei Xianjing but could read no emotion from his face.
Pei Xianjing encircled her waist and raised his chin slightly. His meaning was obvious-he wanted her to kiss him first.
Xing Shuwei closed her eyes and pressed her tightly pursed crimson lips to his.
She had intended no more than a fleeting touch, but he seized the opening and conquered her defenses.
Pei Xianjing clasped the back of her head, deepening the kiss.
The strength left Xing Shuwei’s body. Only the arm encircling her waist kept her steady.
“Mm!”
Nearly suffocating, she forced out a sound.
She no longer had the strength even to open her eyes.
At last, Pei Xianjing withdrew in satisfaction and gently stroked her cheek.
“You were only half right.” Many concerns had weighed on Pei Xianjing recently.
He said, “With someone in the palace, how could they remain uninvolved in the succession struggle?
“The appointments of Qizhou’s commanding general and prefect have yet to be settled.
“The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel are both selecting candidates, and Zhang Mingan has designs on one of those posts.
“If the Zhang and Pei families formed a marriage alliance now, then even if I tried to stop it, the Ministry of Personnel would still issue an appointment to the Zhang clan.”
Pei Xianjing’s voice deepened. “Once they controlled the border troops, some consort in the harem would naturally send her child to be raised by Noble Consort Zhang.
“The Zhang clan has always excelled at such inner-house schemes.”
When Pei Xianjing finished speaking, he tipped up Xing Shuwei’s chin and kissed her again.
This time, he was much gentler, coaxing her to adapt, endure, and then respond.
She could only follow his lead clumsily.
During a pause, Xing Shuwei asked weakly, “If Weiwei had failed to stop it today, how would Brother Jing have responded?”
Pei Xianjing replied without hesitation, “Only one fate would await them-to descend into the underworld.”
Xing Shuwei froze. Why did she feel as though he were making an example of them to warn her?
Pei Xianjing leaned closer. “So, Weiwei, you had better behave. I am not a patient man.”
Xing Shuwei could only nod. “I will remember.”
“Do you know what you should do next?” His scorching breath spilled over her ear.
How could she not know?
She raised her hands and began undoing his clothes.
“Weiwei…” Her voice was very soft. In the end, she could not bring herself to say, “will serve you with all her heart.”
Every time, he would pin her in place, coaxing or enticing her to take more initiative.
The mere memory of it made Xing Shuwei want to die of shame.
And now she was supposed to do exactly as he wished…?
“Hmm?” Pei Xianjing spread his arms and looked down as she undressed him.
“I…” Xing Shuwei bit her crimson lip, unable to make herself say it.
Pei Xianjing coaxed her, “The first step is always the hardest. Once you have done it this time, you will become accustomed to it.”
Just as his outer robe fell to the floor, Gao Li’s voice suddenly sounded outside the door. “Eldest Young Master, His Lordship is on his way to Qiansheng Pavilion.”
Displeasure at the interruption crossed Pei Xianjing’s face. “Stop him outside the courtyard and tell him I am occupied.”
Gao Li sounded troubled. “I fear it is urgent. His Lordship has come straight from the palace without even changing out of his official robes.”
Xing Shuwei braced her hands against Pei Xianjing’s chest. “Official business is more important. Weiwei will wait for Brother Jing.”
Only then did Pei Xianjing change his clothes and leave the bedchamber.
Xing Shuwei quickly finished bathing, dressed, and sat at the writing table to wait for him.
Chengde led Pei Congxian into the study.
Pei Congxian was delighted to see Pei Xianjing, but when he saw his son’s cold expression, his warmth gradually faded.
This son truly made him proud, but also made him feel deeply disappointed-
What son treated his own father with such distance?
Just as he sank into dejection, Pei Xianjing extended a hand in an inviting gesture and offered him the seat of honor.
Pei Congxian sighed softly. After sitting, he began, “Because of your marriage to Princess Jin’an, I saw the Empress today.
“As we spoke of family matters, your official career inevitably came up.
“Her Majesty believes that you have only just begun to distinguish yourself at court. Making too many enemies now will do you no good.
“It would be more appropriate to act boldly once you and the Princess are married.
“Then, if anyone wished to make things difficult for you, they would first have to consider her…”
“Father.” Pei Xianjing interrupted him.
His expression was severe. “This son has something to ask Father.”
Pei Congxian looked puzzled. “Ask whatever you wish.”
“Does this realm belong to the Emperor or the Empress?
“Should a subject be loyal to his sovereign or to the Empress?
“Do we study the teachings of the sages to govern the realm and save the nation, or to cling to power and influence?
“Father has neither sisters nor daughters and cannot send a woman to the Emperor’s pillow.
“So instead, you found another path and offered your son to the Princess.
“Father, I dare ask: must our Pei family rely on marriage ties to women to maintain its place at court?”
Pei Congxian stared at him, dumbfounded.
Pei Xianjing continued with ruthless precision, “Once this son is married, the Empress and the Princess will be able to make decisions on my behalf.
“Without my knowledge, they will accept bribes, sell offices and titles, bend the law for private interests, and then use those favors to buy loyalty. Is that it?
“The Qizhou border defense case involves Consort Chu’s maternal family, and Consort Chu has a seven-year-old son, the Eleventh Prince.
“The Empress is not thinking of my welfare. She has set her sights on adopting the Eleventh Prince, has she not?”