The Slender Waist-Chapter 595 - 429: The Arrogant Perish - Part 2

Such a gaze, when it fell upon Cui Zhi’s eyes, was incredibly ironic.

She was born a noble lady and couldn’t bear the life of a servant.

But with the departure of her father and brothers and the tragic death of her mother, taking along a half-sister who was not close to her, she had tasted the world’s warmth and cold and had long learned to lower her noble head...

But that was in front of strangers.

Arriving in Andu and seeing old acquaintances, especially seeing Feng Yun again—the person whom Ao Qi cherished in his heart—it was absolutely impossible for her to let go completely.

Yet, she could do nothing.

Even embarrassment and shyness were luxuries.

She could only bow her head and listen to Feng Yun and Madame Ao chat and laugh with ease...

Pei Yao probably also feared her embarrassment. From the beginning to the end, she did not mention Cui Zhi to Feng Yun, as if she truly was just an ordinary maidservant.

However, as soon as the two of them sat down in the inner room and just started to talk about Ao Qi’s marriage, the dissatisfaction and injustice in her heart uncontrollably seeped out.

"A barbarian girl, ignorant of worldly customs, Xiaoqi’s marriage, not to hide from you my sister-in-law, it displeases me in every single way..."

She could now speak frankly to Feng Yun, not treating her as an outsider.

Regarding the little emotion Ao Qi harbored for Feng Yun, ever since Ao Qi agreed to the Wu Tribe’s marriage proposal, it had transferred onto that never-before-met daughter-in-law...

Feng Yun could see Madame Ao’s thoughts, but she had no place to say much, especially with Cui Zhi present.

So she simply smiled faintly, remaining silent.

Pei Yao, holding back her emotions, was somewhat uneasy.

After all, she was not someone accustomed to speaking ill of others behind their backs. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

"It’s not that I look down on her, it’s just that she was raised in that, that place called Heibei Gorge, fundamentally not of the same world as Xiaoqi, how can they be husband and wife?"

Feng Yun smiled calmly and still said nothing.

Pei Yao continued, "Xiaoqi is of a gentle nature. With such a wife, his life is bound to be hindered..."

Feng Yun did not look at Cui Zhi’s expression, only her momentarily clenched hand, slightly curled as if with great effort.

In the silence, an unsolicited pressure spread.

She said, "Children will have their own blessings; sister, you shouldn’t worry too much."

That answer was almost a panacea.

Said, yet as if nothing had been said.

Pei Yao couldn’t continue, swallowing the rest of her words dryly.

"Now that things have come to this, there’s no other way. The invitations have been sent, what else can we do? Just go ahead, even if it means forcing ourselves, we have to do it!"

Feng Yun smiled slightly and signalled Xiaoman.

"Bring me the list I wrote."

Xiaoman responded and passed by Cui Zhi to present it to Pei Yao with both hands.

"Madame Ao, please take a look."

As Feng Yun and Pei Yao discussed Ao Qi’s wedding, Pei Jue and Pei Chong sat opposite each other in the front, both silent for a long time.

Neither of them were talkative people. Put together, the atmosphere was exceptionally heavy.

Pei Jue, seeing his father had still not calmed down, broke the silence.

"Central Capital wouldn’t have you return alone. If you truly miss mother, I can have her grave moved here..."

Pei Chong, who had shown little reaction before, suddenly raised his head and glared fiercely at him.

"You dare!"

Pei Jue’s lips tightened slightly, "If not, then not, your word is final."

"Hmph!" If his word was final, he would not be in Andu at this moment, but would have been laid to rest in the great fire in Central Capital that night.

By now, he would have been reunited with his deceased wife.

For a person paralyzed from the waist down, even with attendants, life was not so easy. During those long years, he often felt death was a release.

"Your mother has been waiting too long," Pei Chong murmured after a moment, his voice tinged with a faint desolation.

Pei Jue looked at his face, "Are you serious?"

Pei Chong was taken aback, "What?"

Pei Jue said, "Shall I take you there?"

Pei Chong: ...

The most unfilial of all probably couldn’t say such things, they would just silently do...

Pei Chong said, "Let’s not talk about that. Xiaoqi’s wedding is a joyful occasion."

Pei Jue hummed in agreement, his expression indifferent, "Let’s go to Huaxi Village tomorrow. They’re digging a new river channel there, it’ll be lively."

Previously, Pei Yao had written saying that their old father had confined himself in the small courtyard, not stepping out of the main gate, nor crossing the secondary, which was really giving her trouble.

Pei Jue was trying to get him out for a change of scenery.

Pei Chong understood in his heart, and after pondering for a while, he nodded.

Pei Jue breathed a sigh of relief, "Life isn’t so bad, live it well."

Pei Chong did not agree or disagree.

There were never any roundabout ways between father and son, they would speak whatever was on their minds.

That was how they had always interacted.

Therefore, after reflecting for a moment, Pei Chong asked him again.

"How long are you planning to keep the Young Emperor in Huaxi?"

Their eyes met, and Pei Jue’s eyebrows contracted involuntarily.

"This matter isn’t for me to decide."

"You!" Pei Chong sighed, shifting from his previous subdued tone to one that carried more gravity.

The Emperor should be in Xijing, on the Golden Throne Hall, not in a small village far away in Andu. Not daring to say something is different from unwilling to say it, do you understand?"

Pei Jue said, "I understand."

Pei Chong continued, "Then you need to think carefully about what to do."

Pei Jue spoke soothingly, "The Pei Family serves their lord with loyalty, I will surely do my duty to the utmost."

Upon hearing this, the tight frown on Pei Chong’s brow relaxed slightly.

Nevertheless...

Even though Pei Jue had assured that he wouldn’t covet the Dragon Throne, Pei Chong still admonished him solemnly once more.

"Prosperity comes to those who rely on virtue, ruin to those who rely on force. My son, remember, a true man stands tall under the heavens, be neither greedy, nor arrogant, nor self-important."

Pei Jue raised his eyebrows, looking at him, silent for a long time before saying:

"Some debts must be repaid."

At this, Pei Chong’s pupils narrowed slightly.

"What are you intending to do?"

Pei Jue let out a soft cold laugh, without a word.

Pei Chong asked, "Do you still remember the things from when you were young?"

Pei Jue slowly narrowed his eyes, as if he saw the old house in Tai City, the courtyard filled with flowers, green windows overgrown with moss. The rustling banana trees, a branch of apricot blooming over the wall.

Back then in Yueya Alley, there was the Feng Family, the Xiao Family, and also the Xie Family...

His room had a window just like that.

Pei Jue looked past it.

Without knowing when, the ray of sunlight on the window lattice had already been taken up by the clouds, with overcast skies spreading.

It seemed it might rain soon, a flock of jackdaws flapping their wings, burst from under the eaves, flew towards the sky, emitting a piercing cry...