Chapter 42: A Cow Chewing on Peonies (Fourth Watch)
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Chapter 42: A Cow Chewing on Peonies (Fourth Watch)
Amid the chorus of praises for the Marquise Zheng, Chang Suining looked around the group with a seemingly casual glance. The woman named Pei Shi was slender and dressed in simple attire, though she still carried the distinct grace of an aristocratic lady.
Her eyes, however, were cold, with a hint of arrogance that made her appear unfriendly even at first glance—yet despite this, Chang Suining detected a subtle hostility beyond her usual aloofness.
This enmity wasn’t overt, but Chang Suining’s sharp instincts picked up on it easily. As she withdrew her gaze, her eyes lingered momentarily on Yao Ran’s clenched fingers holding her sleeve.
“The young lady of the Chang family is here for the first time, and I’ve prepared no formal gift…” The Marquise of Zheng trailed off, glancing around.
Several servants immediately became alert.
And then, the worst possible thing happened—
The Marquise reached out and plucked the finest red peony from the garden.
The sound of the branch snapping was almost audible in the tense silence. Several of the servants’ previously composed smiles became visibly strained.
It was as if they had just felt their heads sever from their bodies while still alive.
The Marquise wasn’t just picking a flower—she was practically taking the life of the Marquis!
Smiling, the Marquise beckoned Chang Suining over and personally tucked the peony into the girl’s hair. “Among all the flowers in the garden, this peony seems the most fitting for the young lady of the Chang family.”
Low murmurs of astonishment rippled through the crowd.
Everyone could tell that this was the most precious bloom in the entire garden!
In early spring, peony flowers in the capital were a popular adornment, often leading to subtle competitions of opulence. A rare and exquisite peony like this was worth its weight in gold. Yet, the Marquise of Zheng plucked it and gifted it to the young lady from the Chang family.
As everyone admired the peony in the girl’s hair, envy filled their hearts. But beyond admiration, they also pondered: How deeply had the young lady of the Chang family impressed the Marquise for her to make such a grand gesture?
They all turned their attention to the girl’s face—and then, they collectively fell silent. Truth be told, who wouldn’t be charmed by such a face?
Chang Suining, however, didn’t grasp the full value of this peony. For one, she wasn’t particularly passionate about flowers, and secondly, the years she had missed meant she hadn’t encountered these newer, rarer varieties.
Thus, with the flower adorning her hair, it felt almost like a cow chewing on peonies—completely wasted.
As she thanked the Marquise, the woman smiled and said, “Strangely enough, even though it’s my first time meeting the young lady of the Chang family, I feel an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as if we’ve known each other for a long time.”
Chang Suining’s response was simple: “I feel the same way, Madam.”
Of course, that was only natural.
After being pulled into conversation for a while longer, Chang Suining finally found an excuse—needing to find her brother—and managed to escape the Marquise’s overzealous hospitality.
“Did you notice something, my lady?” Xi'er, her servant, asked in a quiet voice once they were in a more secluded area.
Chang Suining neither confirmed nor denied. “Let’s go to the bamboo grove.”
She had observed that the bamboo grove had the fewest people, and the pond surrounded by it seemed ideal for carrying out darker plans.
Chang Suining, along with two servants, walked toward the pond and sat in a small pavilion nearby.
“My lady… is this really a good idea?” Xi'er asked nervously. “That pond looks rather deep.”
“I’m afraid it might not be deep enough to give someone full confidence,” Chang Suining replied absentmindedly, propping her chin on her hand as she gazed at the pond. “Ah Zi, go and fetch some tea.”
Ah Zi hesitated briefly but then complied.
“Xi'er, you go find my brother,” Chang Suining instructed.
Xi'er became even more uneasy. “My lady…”
Was she trying to send them all away? This felt like jumping into a tiger’s den alone!
Just as Xi'er was about to protest, Ah Zi gave her a pointed look.
If she didn’t leave now, it would make her seem less considerate than Ah Zi—and that was simply intolerable!
“Stay close and keep an eye on her from the shadows,” Xi'er whispered to Ah Zi as they exited the pavilion. “We can’t leave her alone for long.”
“I’ll keep watch. You’re no good at hiding, and we don’t want to be discovered by someone, making things worse,” Ah Zi replied.
Though frustrated and disheartened, Xi'er had no choice but to agree.
As a soft breeze carried the fragrance of flowers, the bamboo grove muffled the noise of the surrounding guests. Chang Suining, still resting her chin on her hand, watched the koi fish lazily swimming in the pond and yawned.
This was as considerate as she could be.
Now it was up to the fish's courage—and her own luck.
Moments later, footsteps approached from behind.
Chang Suining didn’t turn around.
Not until the person stopped two or three steps away from her—
“Why is the young lady of the Chang family hiding away here instead of enjoying the flowers?” a voice said, causing the koi to scatter instantly.
Chang Suining turned to look at the uninvited guest who had disrupted her plans. “Why is the Deputy Minister of Rites not at work, and instead leisurely strolling in the gardens?”
Wei Shuyi, still in his official attire, smiled but, like her, didn’t answer directly. His gaze landed on the flower in her hair. “That peony is exquisite. It looks like my father’s prized possession.”
Hearing this, Chang Suining immediately understood the underlying message. Remembering the Marquis of Zheng’s obsession with flowers, a chill crept up her spine. She quickly removed the flower and handed it to Wei Shuyi. “I didn’t pick it myself. Please, return it to the Marquis.”
At least it could still have a dignified burial in a vase for a few days.
Wei Shuyi chuckled, sitting down across from her. “Once a gift is given, it cannot be taken back. It would tarnish the reputation of the Marquis of Zheng’s household.”
Without answering her directly, he inquired, “I didn’t expect you to visit today. I was quite surprised when I saw your family’s carriage at the entrance. What brings you here, and is there anything I can assist you with?”
Looking at the young official who seemed to have guessed her intentions from the start, Chang Suining nodded. “There is something I’d like to ask, though I’m unsure if you can answer.”
Wei Shuyi raised an eyebrow. “There’s nothing I can’t answer. Please feel free to ask.”
So, she asked directly, “During the assassination attempt on the way back to the capital, I recall that General Cui’s men handed a captured assassin over to you. Has that person revealed who was behind the attack?”
Wei Shuyi’s eyes narrowed. “Why do you suddenly ask about this?”
Chang Suining countered, “Is it inconvenient for you to disclose the information?”
Wei Shuyi smiled. “It’s a matter of state secrecy. His Majesty has yet to issue any decree…”
Chang Suining pressed further, “Do you recall that I was nearly killed in that ambush, unknowingly dragged into danger because of you?”
Wei Shuyi’s smile faltered slightly. “Of course, I remember.”
After all, it had been quite the lesson for him as well.
Chang Suining continued, “I also seem to recall saving your life in that moment. Am I mistaken?”
Maintaining his smile, Wei Shuyi responded, “With your sharp memory, how could you be mistaken?”
She simply nodded and looked at him in silence.
After a brief moment, a servant entered the pavilion, carrying tea and snacks.
Once the servant left, Wei Shuyi sighed, slightly adjusting his sleeves. He dipped a finger into the tea and, under the table, wrote a surname on the stone surface.
(End of Chapter)
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