Help! The Frosty Noble's Son Is in Love With Me!-Chapter 273: We Are Husband and Wife

The matter of Young Master Pei sending money over a great distance quickly spread throughout the Pei Mansion.

Everyone knows how much the Young Master values the Young Lady, so who would dare slack off when working for her in the future?

However, some inevitably gossip behind their backs.

As Qu Fulan returned to Lixiang Courtyard with her maid, she overheard a few servants gossiping at a corner.

"What’s the big deal about sending a money box? I heard he’s even exempted her from paying respects to the old lady and the main wife in the morning and evening. Spoiling her like this, isn’t he afraid she’ll become spoiled?"

"In my opinion, this Young Madam has quite the skills. She’s probably not easy to deal with."

"Of course, she has skills, or how else could she keep the Princely Heir’s favor until now?"

"Until now? I’ve only been here a short while, so I don’t know much. You’ve been in the Pei Mansion for years, so you must know our Young Madam well. What’s so special about her?"

Speaking of which, Qu Fulan used to serve as a maid in the Pei Mansion for quite some time. Some servants remember her, but her appearance had changed as she grew, moved out, and went with the Princely Heir to the border for over a year. Her looks have changed significantly, and now as the Young Lady, her clothing style is different, too. But a person can’t change completely; some people do find her face familiar but dare not mention it easily.

The emperor bestowed the marriage, claiming she was a distant kin of the Pei Mansion. Who would dare dispute it? That’d be defying the emperor’s decree, a beheading matter that no one would risk.

So that person just said, "You will know her capabilities sooner or later. Anyway, we just need to do our jobs well, and there’s no need to fear anything else."

"Tsk, I thought you knew something useful. But no matter how capable she is, aren’t all men after the novelty? Once the novelty wears off, taking a concubine isn’t a big deal; just look at the eldest young master. No matter how well he treats the Young Lady, it doesn’t stop him from finding a concubine. All men in this world are the same."

Discussing the masters behind their backs is against any house’s rules. Qu Fulan didn’t confront them directly but rather asked her maid about their identities. Later, she would have the steward administer a minor punishment to set an example. This matter passed; it’s not like one can kill someone over some gossip.

Back at Lixiang Courtyard, Qu Fulan didn’t mention anything about outside matters.

But the two maids’ duty was to report anything concerning the Young Madam to the Princely Heir, so not long after returning to Lixiang Courtyard, Young Master Pei knew everything.

The two maids felt that those subordinates should be punished severely. Mere minor punishments were ineffective. But, after hearing the Young Madam’s handling of the matter, the Young Master didn’t say anything.

The two maids were surprised at how uncharacteristic this was of the Young Master. Usually, anyone violating rules would receive at least ten beatings. How could he suddenly become lenient?

In fact, it wasn’t that Young Master Pei became lenient, but rather he considered that if Qu Fulan were to severely punish the family servants soon after marrying in, word would spread, and people wouldn’t care about the reasons—a reputation for being harsh would easily stick to her.

As for the family servants, if they don’t err again in the future, all would be well; if they remain incorrigible, there would be plenty of opportunities to administer severe punishment.

Those close enough to serve wouldn’t presume to be wise in front of their masters. Although puzzled, they accepted whatever the master said.

At meal times, the two dined at Lixiang Courtyard.

During the meal, Qu Fulan occasionally glanced at his hand.

She had noticed the scars on his hand before, assuming it was from sword practice. It’s common for martial artists to bear some wounds.

She never imagined he had injured his hand carving a jade hairpin for her.

Typically, when praised in public by elders for a lovely hairpin, a sensible junior should immediately offer it to the elder. Had it been any other hairpin, Qu Fulan would have gifted it as a gesture, keeping everyone’s face.

The fact that this hairpin was a gift from the coming-of-age ceremony, she tactfully declined by having the maid interject, signaling a gentle refusal—it was an unexpected turn of events.

Fortunately, she didn’t give it away; otherwise, she’d have disappointed the thoughtfulness behind it.

"What’s wrong?" He evidently noticed her discomfort and kept glancing over during the meal.

Truthfully, how could the Princely Heir not know the reason? The maids had told him. He was merely feigning ignorance, having never intended to boast, nor did he wish to now.

Qu Fulan felt somewhat guilty; by comparison, the embroidered pouch she had given him paled in comparison. Her sewing skills were lacking, which couldn’t be helped.

The maids mentioned he had specifically learned from a carving master, spending a considerable amount of effort before achieving such skill.

But to carve such a perfect piece on the first try with jade, that was quite rare.

"Thank you." She lowered her eyes, offering a seemingly random remark.

"No matter what happens, you never need to thank me. We are husband and wife; it’s only natural for a husband to do things for his wife."

Pei Ji’an explained with a smile. Otherwise, if it were any other man, they might be offended by such distant and formal behavior, as if still seeing each other as strangers.

However, their situation was unique. Thus, he patiently explained to her, accompanying her as she gradually adapted to her new role.

If not once, then twice; if not twice, then thrice.

Qu Fulan certainly caught his meaning, responding with agreement. Simultaneously, she mentally reminded herself to be mindful in the future. Her current status differed now, and while some things are tolerable once or twice, excessive occurrences could hinder harmony.

"Want to go for a walk tonight?" Pei Ji’an casually inquired.

"Sure," Qu Fulan replied without hesitation.

She loved going out and exploring, especially in the evenings when lively streets always drew her in.

She seldom had the chance to wander freely, as outings were usually business-related. At night, concerns for safety outside kept her home, even though guards were available, they weren’t personal guards. How could she impose on them for company on a stroll?

With Young Master Pei taking her out, her worries were allayed.

After dining, Qu Fulan returned to her room to change clothes. This time, she didn’t need a veil hat or to dress as a man. She could openly wear women’s attire, no longer worried about gossip.

Although Young Master Pei also changed clothes, he dressed quicker. By the time she stepped out, he was already in the courtyard, standing with hands behind his back, exuding a celestial presence under the moonlight, exceptional in elegance.

A sudden whim seized Qu Fulan, and she approached to curtsy. "Husband, this humble wife greets you."

Pei Ji’an turned to look at her, slightly taken aback.

Qu Fulan was dressed in a jade-tinted gown with scattered floral patterns, her allure captivating, her beauty accentuating her graceful figure, and her demeanor when addressing him was indeed soul-stirring.

Pei Ji’an cleared his throat to mask his discomposure, raised a hand formally in response. "You’re too kind, my lady."

Subsequently, the two of them left by carriage. The busiest, most prosperous streets in the Capital City wouldn’t be near the Pei Mansion’s entrance, as no grand household would reside in such bustling locales due to the noise.

After a distance, the carriage stopped, and Pei Ji’an alighted first, extending his hand toward her.

Seeing no stool placed, Qu Fulan assumed he meant for her to jump down as well. She placed her hand in his, intending to jump with his support. However, before she could jump, he lifted her by the waist and set her gently on the ground.

Feeling a slight warmth on her cheeks, Qu Fulan instinctively glanced around.

The guards were focused on their noses, keeping postures clearly understanding what to watch and what not to.

Qu Fulan coughed lightly, attempting to regain composure.

"Shall we?" He took her hand again, leading her forward.