Chapter 7 A Good Husband
Pei Du truly was an excellent husband.
After marriage, he moved us to a separate residence and never restricted me.
Every day after court, he would bring back delicious food or interesting trinkets from the street.
There weren’t many servants in our household, and everything ran smoothly.
The only slight annoyance was that his desires in that regard were… rather strong.
As the weather grew cold and snow fell outside, Pei Du rarely went out during his free time. We stayed nestled together indoors.
With the charcoal fire burning warmly, after dinner and hot soup, his thoughts naturally turned to other matters. Ignoring his usual upright and proper demeanor, he would cling to me even in broad daylight.
I never would have guessed he was so unrestrained.
But remembering how the servants said he had lived chastely for twenty-five years, I supposed it was understandable.
Wait…
Twenty-five years?
Was Pei Du really eight years older than me?
I fell into thought.
Perhaps I should focus more on nourishing his body.
After several months of closeness, the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month arrived. The Pei family was holding a family banquet and preparations began several days early.
Our residence was only one street away from the main Pei mansion, so I went over to help.
This time the banquet was hosted by my sister-in-law. I stayed by her side, learning as I watched.
She came from the noble Xue clan of Qinglang, perfectly matched to the Pei family. Every word and action carried proper etiquette, and she managed the household affairs impeccably.
In a family like the Peis, with so many complicated matters, if Pei Du had been the eldest son, his marriage probably wouldn’t have been settled with someone like me so easily.
While we were busy preparing, a servant suddenly reported from the gate—Second Young Master had returned.
My sister-in-law’s face lit up with joy. She hurried toward the entrance.
Before leaving, she gave me a quick glance.
I followed after her.
Among her two children, the eldest daughter had already married. The only one left was her precious Second Young Master.
When Pei Du and I married, he had been in Jiangnan and couldn’t return, only sending gifts.
Just as I reached the courtyard entrance, I saw a young man in black riding clothes, his hair tied high in a ponytail.
The Pei family all had good looks. Pei Zhao was no exception—his features carried a touch of allure, and with his lively expression, he gave off a rather free and dashing air.
His mother immediately scolded him fondly. “Zhao’er, you returned to the capital and didn’t even send a letter? I could have arranged for someone to meet you at the dock.”
“What’s there to meet?”
Pei Zhao brushed it off.
He raised his eyes and scanned the people of the Pei household. His gaze suddenly stopped.
After a few breaths, he quickly looked away.
“This is…?”
He was looking at me as he asked.
I opened my mouth to answer.
My sister-in-law spoke first. “This is your Second Uncle’s new wife. You should call her Aunt.”
Pei Zhao looked away and didn’t greet me. Instead he changed the subject.
“Speaking of which, where’s my Second Uncle?”
“Your Second Uncle is naturally occupied with official duties…”
Mother and son walked forward together, chatting as they went.
I followed behind, puzzled.
Why did everyone in the eldest branch seem to have some opinion about me?