Chapter 26: First Clash

After that cheeky wink, he eagerly asked the person inside the sedan chair, “Is it tasty?”

“Mm, not bad.”

Receiving Pei Lianyi’s nod, Huo Jingzhao looked as if he’d won some great victory, even pounding his fist against the edge of the sedan chair.

Standing rooted to the spot, Cao Xian watched this scene, feeling indignant. But more than indignation, what welled up were questions—and a suspicion that he himself found absurd.

That Huo lad has been spending day and night with the Family Head ever since entering the manor gates. And the Family Head is not only in his prime but also possesses a supreme appearance. Recently, the Family Head has been treating that poor Huo brat with special favor everywhere. That thick-skinned kid might very well develop other intentions…! Thinking of this, Cao Xian’s forehead nearly broke into a sweat!

“Steward Cao, Head Steward Cao? Master Pei says it’s time to go.” Just then, an enlarged handsome face suddenly loomed before him, instantly pulling the old Steward’s thoughts back.

“Huh?! Ah… yes.” Cao Xian jolted awake. Looking closely, he found everyone looking at him in puzzlement.

“Cough— L-lift the sedan!” Cao Xian glanced awkwardly at Huo Jingzhao and quickly raised his voice.

“Cao Xian, the reason I brought Jingzhao out today is to teach him more about business matters. After he and Ziying are wed, he can also help share some of the family business burden with the heir.” As the procession began to move again, Pei Lianyi’s composed voice drifted from within the sedan.

Hearing this, Cao Xian nodded repeatedly, ashamed of his absurd conjectures.

Even if that Huo lad had ulterior motives, the Family Head wouldn’t take them seriously.

Everyone in Pei Manor knew how pure and spotless the Master’s conduct was. Having followed Pei Lianyi for so many years, he knew the man valued face, reputation, and status above all else. How could he possibly become entangled with a junior, a man about to become his son-in-law, no less?!

Thus thinking, Cao Xian half-closed his eyes and set his heart at ease.

The moon was high in the night sky. The sounds of music and strings filled the summer night of Rongchu City. By this time, the Golden Goblet Pavilion was already packed with guests.

Once these wealthy masters started having fun, none cared about the commotion outside. But upon seeing a carriage bearing the Flowering Paulownia Family Crest slowly approach, those leaning on the railings, drinking, paused mid-sip. Those playing card games at the tables stopped. Even the musicians, dancers, and food-servers—it was as if they’d all received a certain signal and dared not continue their tasks.

Someone in the crowd whispered, “Master Pei has arrived,” and every gaze in the entire Golden Goblet Pavilion turned uniformly towards the door, breaths held.

When Pei Lianyi stepped off the carriage, his face was still somewhat pale from the nausea of the sedan ride. After accepting a cup of clear tea from a maid and taking two shallow sips, his noble features gradually relaxed. The light from the golden eaves overhead fell upon his dignified, cool, and imposing face. Those luminous autumn-water pupils, full of expression, made even the brightest moon and finest jade seem dim by comparison.

The entire hall of people remained motionless, just waiting for him to step over the threshold. Pei Lianyi, however, turned a blind eye to this. He removed his feather-woven cloak and handed it to Cao Xian, then led Huo Jingzhao into the restaurant.

“Master Pei…”

“How has Master Pei been lately?”

“Greetings to Master Pei.”

Along the way to the main seat, numerous people approached, wine cups in hand, putting on smiling faces to ingratiate themselves and strike up a conversation. Pei Lianyi, however, looked straight ahead, ignoring them. He merely nodded flatly now and then as a response.

Those who received his brief nod acted like they were the chosen piece among a pile of goods, immediately strutting with pride.

Amidst the revelry, Pei Lianyi wore twilight-gray robes patterned with bamboo leaves. The elegant eight-pearl buttons on his chest were fastened meticulously and flawlessly. This set of clothes was solemn and traditional—not even a sliver of wrist was exposed. Yet the power, luxury, and taboo radiated by his very being could easily stir the desires of any creature.

Standing there, he was the supreme royal scepter of Rongchu City.

Huo Jingzhao was seeing this Pei Lianyi for the first time. He suddenly realized that the more restrained the person before him was, the more he wanted, in front of everyone, to ruin his solemnity, tear apart the magnificence he so carefully maintained, and then enjoy alone his expression when he was defiled, filthy, and fallen.

Jingzhao, remember this well: to Pei Manor, this auction gala is nothing but a game. Seven or eight out of every ten people here are merely vassals to Pei Manor and me.

As a member of Pei Manor, you need not linger among them. The place you should go is the main seat, the head of the table—the center of Rongchu City. As for those on the periphery, let them be and pay them no mind.

Recalling Pei Lianyi’s words on the road, a hint of cold, playful amusement flickered across Huo Jingzhao’s lips.

This slut, so accustomed to seducing men, is truly arrogant and sanctimonious to an incredible degree.

A hush fell over the great hall when two voices suddenly reached his ears.

“Sigh, Lord Yan, mixing all the wines together, who can tell which is which? Aren’t you just making it hard for us!”

“Exactly, exactly! Lord Yan betting like this is just not fair play…”

A group of well-dressed men, all around fifty years of age, were gathered around the main table, arguing about something.

Hearing the crowd’s words, the middle-aged man addressed as “Lord Yan” held his wine cup, his eyes glinting sharply as he refuted them. “Ah…! It’s you old codgers who are useless. There is one person who could taste the difference.”

Lord Yan was one of the nobles of Shangjing. His ancestors had once fought alongside the founding emperor, conquering several minor kingdoms for Rong Kingdom. After the internal power struggles ended, his family was granted a hereditary title.

Lord Yan didn’t involve himself much in politics but maintained close ties with the royal family. His rank was higher than that of officials, and he had a voice in royal affairs. As such, his ties with major merchants were also tight. Whenever a major business event occurred, he would bring along a group of officials for entertainment.

“Who? Who could taste it?” someone watching the commotion asked.

Lord Yan gestured with his chin towards the person approaching the main table.

“M-Master Pei…” Following his indication, everyone was astonished.

“You’re all in fine spirits.” Pei Lianyi walked over and spoke with unhurried composure.

“Well, speak of him, and he appears…! Family Head Pei has arrived.” Seeing him, Lord Yan clapped his hands and laughed heartily. “You’ve come at the perfect time. Come, appraise this wine for us and broaden their horizons.”

As he spoke, he placed a jade cup filled with fine wine before Pei Lianyi, then declared arrogantly to the onlookers, “Today, let Master Pei tell you just how many kinds of wine are in this cup.”

Looking at the brightly colored, richly fragrant wine, Pei Lianyi didn’t move. He merely smiled faintly, his expression unreadable. “I just heard His Lordship making a bet with someone again?”

His voice was deep and pleasing, his tone both gentle and firm. Even the pauses between his words were carefully measured, like cold spring water sliding down one’s throat. Before the mellow wine was even drunk, it already made those present feel tipsy.

Lord Yan gave a “Hey!” and said, “Wasn’t it them who set me up? Family Head Pei, you must help me out here. The shipyard at Lizhou depends entirely on you.”

Lizhou had once been a tributary minor kingdom under Rong Kingdom, later converted into Licheng. Although thousands of miles of sea and river stretched to the west of Licheng, its water routes were long undeveloped due to a lack of shipbuilding technology, leaving it severely backward.

Rumor had it that people from Shangjing had been visiting Rongchu frequently these past few days to pave the way for Licheng’s opening.

This juicy piece of meat, the Four Great Clans would certainly not let slip.

But listening to Lord Yan’s tone, Shangjing seemed inclined to entrust the project to the Pei family.

Hearing this, the corners of Pei Lianyi’s refined eyes twitched slightly. “So, it seems today’s business deal all rests on this mouthful of wine?”

Lord Yan clicked his tongue. “Family Head Pei’s ‘Dragon Bone’ and ‘Storm Eye’ are unmatched by anyone.”

Pei Lianyi, having navigated both political and commercial circles for many years, understood this was a hint. Without further words, he raised the wine cup and said, “Once Licheng opens, routes in all directions will flow freely. At that time, I hope Your Lordship will look after us kindly.”

“Of course, of course!” Lord Yan nodded, stroking his beard.

Pei Lianyi smiled inwardly and drained the cup of wine in one go.

His neckline was very long and slender, brimming with the taut strength of a mature man. The shape of his lips was also beautiful, carrying a natural, smooth allure when he drank. Those around watched in silent fascination, unable to tear their eyes away.

Noticing the group of men staring at Pei Lianyi, Huo Jingzhao’s expression dropped to freezing. The fire in his chest shot straight to his brain, his eyes turning a terrifying bloodshot red.

This slut, acting like an innocent little white flower within the manor, but when it comes to the business world, he transforms into a worldly, seductive blossom, all charm and allure. If not for the taste of blood in his mouth reminding him, he would truly have dragged Pei Lianyi away on the spot, leaving him half-dead…

“Well? What is it, Master Pei?” Lord Yan asked anxiously.

Pei Lianyi didn’t answer him. Instead, he placed his hand on Huo Jingzhao’s shoulder. “Lord Yan, the water route between the Pei family and Licheng still depends on one person.”

“And this is…?” Lord Yan had long since noticed the handsome young man beside him. Now that Pei Lianyi was proactively bringing him up, he immediately asked with curiosity.

Pei Lianyi said, “He is the winner of this year’s Dragon Boat Festival. Also, the future Live-in Son-in-law of my Pei Manor.”

Several officials couldn’t help but let out gasps of surprise. Rongchu City had been a battleground for strategists since ancient times. Controlling maritime pricing rights was tantamount to holding great power.

Pei Manor also possessed immense wealth…

Rumor had it that Pei Lianyi’s son was also born exceptionally adorable. Never mind the son, just looking at the father every day would surely lift one’s spirits!

Power, wealth, beauty—all monopolized by one man. Damn kid, he’s hogging all the fortune, isn’t he.

“Family Head Pei’s judgment is indeed sharp. Your esteemed son-in-law is truly distinguished and energetic—clearly a capable young man at a glance!” Lord Yan said, clapping his hands.

Hearing this, Pei Lianyi wiped his lower lip with the silk handkerchief the attendant had offered, then finally, seemingly satisfied, reported the wine’s components: “In this cup are heated Goose-Yellow Wine, Osmanthus Cordial brewed from late-August sweet osmanthus, aged Bamboo-Leaf Green, and also…”

And also what? Everyone stared at him intently.

Pei Lianyi added calmly, “Also, don’t add realgar next time. It makes the aftertaste unbearably bitter.”

“Am I correct, Lord Yan?”

“Worthy of being the Pearl of Rongchu! To witness it today, it’s truly extraordinary.” Before Lord Yan could respond, the white-bearded middle-aged man behind him offered his praise.

“Not a single mistake, not a single mistake!” Lord Yan laughed heartily, then pulled the white-bearded man forward. “Family Head Pei, I told this Naval Commander-in-Chief of Lizhou that any occasion with you present is like adding wings to a tiger.”

Pei Lianyi’s eyes flickered. “The two Lords overpraise me. I am but a small businessman.”

“You’re being modest…!” Lord Yan curled his lip at his words, then turned to Huo Jingzhao. “Esteemed son-in-law, this Respected Father-in-law of yours possesses abilities that reach the heavens. Why don’t you hurry up and toast him a cup?”

Hearing this, Pei Lianyi, who had been completely at ease until now, blushed.

Huo Jingzhao was also momentarily stunned, a rare occurrence.

This was the first time their relationship and the matter they were facing had been spoken aloud by an outsider. And yet the secret, the entanglement, the shameful desire and endured restraint—no one else could possibly know.

Amidst the distinguished gathering, their exchanged glance was a wordless confession.

Seeing Huo Jingzhao not move, Lord Yan nudged him. “What are you standing there dazed for? Hurry up and serve your good Father-in-law.”

Knowing these old, undying things were deliberately trying to get Pei Lianyi drunk, the veins on Huo Jingzhao’s forehead pulsed with anger. But inadvertently catching the evasive look in Pei Lianyi’s eyes, his heart suddenly grew hot and, beyond his control, he poured wine for both of them.

“Can you still drink?” He drew closer to him.

Feeling him lean in, Pei Lianyi tensed his body. He didn’t know if it was the mixed wine taking effect—burning and bitter in his heart—but even his throat felt weak and sour.

“What would you do if I said I can’t?” He lowered his voice and looked up at Huo Jingzhao.

Staring at the faint blue veins on his neck, Huo Jingzhao exhaled roughly. “I don’t know either, what I would do. I can’t exactly force you.”

“Although I want to force you very much, if you’re unwilling, I’ll just do it myself and drink in your place.”

Hearing the implication in his words, Pei Lianyi’s shoulders jolted violently. He bit his lip, his neck flushing completely red.

“One cup each! Bottoms up!” At that moment, the people around began egging them on.

Not wanting anyone to notice anything amiss, Pei Lianyi swiftly took the wine cup from Huo Jingzhao’s hand and clinked it against his.

“If we keep drinking like this, I’ll be drunk before the auction even begins,” Pei Lianyi announced loudly.

Under the thick aroma of wine and spring-like atmosphere, his words seemed directed at everyone, but the entanglement and hint of petulance in his eyes were poured entirely onto Huo Jingzhao.

“Many thanks for the honor, Master Pei.” Huo Jingzhao drank while appraising his face, flushed to just the right shade, as if steeped in peach liquor.

“Good, good, good!” Lord Yan was thoroughly entertained and urged again, “One more cup! Come now, one more.”

“Ugh… ah!” Pei Lianyi abruptly pressed his chest, his figure swaying.

“Master Pei!” someone exclaimed.

“Is Master Pei feeling unwell?” another asked worriedly.

Huo Jingzhao immediately supported Pei Lianyi’s arm. “What’s wrong?”

Pei Lianyi shook his head calmly, a flicker of mischief suspended on his eyelids. “I told you, too much realgar makes me dizzy.”

Lord Yan hurriedly cupped his hands. “My fault! Hey, my fault, hey, whoever, hurry and bring some Hangover Soup for Master Pei.”

“No need to trouble yourself.” Pei Lianyi raised a hand to stop him, then said to Huo Jingzhao, “Jingzhao, go and fetch some sobering soup and orange peel paste.”

“Alright.” Knowing this was his trick to avoid drinking, Huo Jingzhao didn’t expose it and turned to leave.

After he was gone, Pei Lianyi also extracted himself from the group of officials and went to the hall displaying the auction items to get some fresh air.

The miscellaneous, superfluous items failed to catch his eye, but when he saw a crystal goblet in the corner, Pei Lianyi stopped in his tracks.

Inside it lay a purple, egg-shaped fruit. Its smooth surface emanated a dark purple luster, mysterious and bizarre, like a forgotten twilight mountain.

“Interested?” An icy voice sounded from behind him.

Pei Lianyi didn’t look back. “I never imagined anyone would bring food to auction.”

Shi Wuya raised an eyebrow and stepped forward, taking out the fruit. “Family Head Pei shouldn’t underestimate it.”

“Last month, it was offered as tribute to the royal family. This tiny piece is worth ten thousand taels of gold.”

The man before him had a completely disfigured face, his entire being emanating an ill-omened aura. Any ordinary person would have fled far away, but Pei Lianyi remained expressionless. “You know me?”

Shi Wuya stroked the Purple Fruit as if it were a beloved pet. “Is there anyone here who doesn’t know you?”

Pei Lianyi met his gaze coldly. “You should cherish this opportunity to speak with me and cut the nonsense.”

Shi Wuya’s brow furrowed, then he suddenly smiled. “Family Head Pei seems to navigate with ease, but actually, things haven’t been peaceful at the manor recently, have they?”

“The nonsense is finished.” Pei Lianyi turned to leave.

Shi Wuya raised his voice. “I can also deduce that Family Head Pei has encountered a baleful star. This damned baleful star causes you unbearable suffering.”

“…” The person about to leave paused. He turned slightly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. “Who are you?”

Thinking of that rampant Ghost-Faced Man, the hidden pain and helplessness he brought him, a trace of anger tinged Pei Lianyi’s face.

Shi Wuya brought the Purple Fruit before his eyes. “Who I am is not important. What’s important is that it can help Family Head Pei escape his torment.”

Pei Lianyi’s gaze settled on the fruit again. “What is it?”

“It’s called Belladonna.” The smile at the corner of Shi Wuya’s mouth widened infinitely. “It often grows in damp, hot Valleys infested with venomous insects, places ordinary people struggle to enter. But it’s famed worldwide for its unique medicinal properties. Just scraping off a bit of powder or juice will make one feel as if drunk with bliss, forgetting all pain.”

He drew out a small knife and cut open the Purple Fruit. “Recently in Shangjing, many noblewomen and young ladies have taken a liking to it, using it to enhance their charm.”

“Family Head Pei, care to give it a try?”

“…” Pei Lianyi extended his hand towards him.

Shi Wuya suppressed the sly smile at his lips and was about to hand him the fruit, but Pei Lianyi bypassed the Belladonna and grasped the knife in his hand instead.

“If you want to do business in Rongchu City, you must abide by my rules.”

His expression was calm and undisturbed, his voice filled with arrogance. “Brandishing a knife in front of me is not a wise move.”