Chapter 13
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Rumors spread that Cheng Xianzhang had a hidden illness, causing the Su family to break off the marriage arrangement. Pei Xingyu also heard about it and, worried that Cheng Xianzhang might overthink, invited him to play polo.
Polo was the only leisure activity Cheng Xianzhang knew. He was the type who rose earlier than the roosters and slept later than the dogs, seemingly tireless, filling every moment with official duties. Even in his free time, he read only useful books.
Only then did Pei Xingyu understand how a top scholar was forged.
Fortunately, Cheng Xianzhang could still play polo—perhaps to fit into the circle of the capital’s nobility? Pei Xingyu speculated this because the princes and nobles in the capital all enjoyed polo, and the aristocratic families used polo skills as a way to look down upon those from humble origins.
Pei Xingyu himself had never been diligent in his studies, preferring to play. Polo came naturally to him, so when his fourth uncle was to hold a polo tournament for his birthday, Pei decided to practice diligently to win.
Cheng Xianzhang accepted his invitation and spent half a day playing polo with Pei and several regulars at the Pei family polo grounds. Afterwards, the others agreed to go drink at Fengle Tower, but Cheng Xianzhang declined, and Pei Xingyu declined as well.
Usually, only Cheng Xianzhang would skip such gatherings—he participated little in banquets, and his duties kept him busy. Pei Xingyu’s refusal was unusual. When asked, he said he had business with Cheng Xianzhang. The others guessed it might be related to the rumors and refrained from prying.
Once everyone left, Cheng Xianzhang walked out of the polo field and asked, “What do you want with me?”
Pei Xingyu said, “You don’t seem affected much by it?”
Cheng Xianzhang chuckled lightly. “So you came to comfort me?”
“You’re still laughing? If it were me, I’d be furious. Who exactly spread this rumor? Was it really Miss Yu San?”
Cheng Xianzhang remained silent. Pei Xingyu fretted, “I’ve thought hard but can’t figure out what to do. Maybe I should stay inside the Caoyi House for three days and nights without coming out. But if I did that, my father would break my legs, and my wife would be so angry she’d return to her family!”
Cheng Xianzhang replied, “That’s one way to handle it.”
“But obviously you won’t do that,” Pei Xingyu said.
“It’s just a rumor, not a big deal,” Cheng Xianzhang said.
Pei Xingyu suggested, “Should we find someone to investigate? I don’t think it’s Miss Yu San. Isn’t she currently negotiating marriage with Minister Zheng? If she wanted to sabotage you, wouldn’t she be afraid you’d sabotage her? So I think it’s not her. Maybe it’s an enemy of yours or the Su family trying to stir up trouble.”
Pei Xingyu never dared voice his other suspicion—that the rumor might be true.
Of course, he wouldn’t say that; which man would want to be thought incapable? But if Cheng Xianzhang truly sought help, Pei knew an excellent doctor he could recommend.
Cheng Xianzhang’s attention shifted elsewhere. He asked, “Has it been confirmed?”
Pei Xingyu thought for a moment and realized he meant the marriage talks between Yu Ying and Zheng Boru.
He shook his head. “Not yet. It seemed like they didn’t meet properly that day, but somehow Minister Zheng seemed interested. The Yu family is also willing. Since my fourth uncle’s polo tournament is coming, I asked my second brother to invite Minister Zheng. When Zheng learned Miss Yu San would attend, he agreed.”
Cheng Xianzhang said, “Tell your fourth uncle I’ll come too.”
Pei Xingyu was stunned, momentarily speechless, doubting he heard correctly.
Cheng Xianzhang did play polo, but mostly for practice. He was not one to seek the spotlight, playing only with acquaintances or under the emperor’s or court’s organization. He rarely joined casual gatherings.
Pei Xingyu ran through possible reasons in his mind but could only guess that Cheng cared deeply about Zheng Boru and Yu Ying’s marriage talks.
He asked, “Is it because of Minister Zheng?”
The Ministry of Justice and the Censorate often collaborated but also competed fiercely.
For example, last year, the Ministry of Justice investigated a major case, only for the Censorate to reject it and demand a retrial; earlier this year, the Censorate impeached Minister of Works Yang Hu for embezzlement of palace funds, but the Ministry of Justice dismissed it after investigation, calling the Censorate’s accusations baseless and hasty. The case ended with the emperor mediating—Yang Hu was acquitted but lost his authority as Deputy Prime Minister.
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Now, there was a vacancy for Deputy Prime Minister. Both Zheng Boru and Cheng Xianzhang were popular candidates. Zheng had seniority, while Cheng was riding a wave of success. The emperor had not shown preference, so guesses ran wild below. Between the two departments and men, undercurrents flowed, each vying against the other.
Pei Xingyu believed no man wanted his ex-wife to marry his rival.
Cheng Xianzhang said nothing.
Pei Xingyu ceased questioning and cheerfully agreed, “I’ll tell my fourth uncle. If you go, he’ll be thrilled—he’ll think he’s very honored.”
...
Yu Ying loved attending banquets, palace dinners, tea parties, and polo matches. She never tired of it—both for the fun and the chance to show off her new accessories, makeup, or polo skills.
Though startled by the rumors about Cheng Xianzhang, after many days she had let it go. Early that morning, she dressed in a narrow-sleeved ruqun, donned leather boots, led her horse, and carried her treasured polo mallet to the Pei family polo grounds.
Unexpectedly, she ran into Cheng Xianzhang there.
From afar, she spotted a familiar figure speaking with Pei’s fourth uncle.
Had Cheng Xianzhang become so close to the Peis? He even came to support them in everything?
Since the marriage was truly broken off, she felt awkward facing Cheng Xianzhang.
Fortunately, her second sister Yu Xuan saw her and immediately came over, pulling her along. “You’re here? When did you get this outfit? It looks so heroic and beautiful.”
Yu Ying said, “Want me to give you one? I have the same fabric.”
Yu Xuan shook her head. “No, I rarely play polo these days. I just came to see you and take the children out.”
As they spoke, they entered the long corridor beside the polo field—a raised viewing stand where the cool breeze made for pleasant spectating.
Once seated inside, safe from Cheng Xianzhang’s sight, Yu Ying whispered, “Why did he come?”
Yu Xuan, reading her expression, replied, “Isn’t your uncle close to him? Probably invited him.”
“Have you heard about that matter?” Yu Xuan asked.
Yu Ying sighed, “Of course. His mother even came to our house.”
Yu Xuan was shocked. “She came looking for trouble at our place?”
“Kind of, but mother says it has nothing to do with us, and she can’t do anything about it.”
Before Yu Xuan could ask more, Yu Ying quickly said, “I didn’t spread those rumors later on. I never thought it would get so outrageous!”
Yu Xuan said, “Your brother-in-law says the impeachment claims are nonsense. The Censorate did impeach County Magistrate Zou, but that was last year.”
Just then, Pei Xingzang approached from nearby, accompanied by Zheng Boru. They immediately stopped discussing Cheng Xianzhang.
Zheng Boru wore a blue round-collared robe layered with a moon-white half-sleeve shirt, tied with black wrist guards and a leather belt. He looked spirited and handsome, seeming five or six years younger.
Pei Xingzang called out, “Ying mei!” Yu Xuan rose respectfully, addressing him as Lord Zheng, but Yu Ying remained seated. Zheng Boru greeted, “Miss Yu San.”
They all sat at the table. Yu Ying summoned a maid who took four bowls of snow crisp mountain cakes from a food box, serving one to each.
“This is from a Western merchant, different from the capital’s taste, with a stronger cheese aroma. Try it,” Yu Ying said.
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Yu Xuan said, “Ladies should eat less cold food.”
Yu Ying looked at her. “Second sister, you sound like mother. You’re no longer the sister you used to be; your heart has aged.”
Yu Xuan laughed, “Fine, I won’t nag you, lest you find me tiresome.”
Zheng Boru chuckled softly and obediently tasted the cake, commenting, “It’s indeed richer than the capital’s.”
“See! I told you!” Yu Ying smiled, her face like a small sun, eyes sparkling with stars.
At that moment, Zheng Boru’s thoughts stirred as if color suddenly appeared in a black-and-white ink painting.
His previous hesitation gradually subsided during these days. He found himself drawn to her, his heartstrings tugged. Last night, he dreamed of riding horses together; this morning, he carefully chose his clothes.
It was amusing—he vaguely felt he had returned to the passionate, carefree youth of over a decade ago.
Just then, a nanny came to call Yu Xuan, “Young madam, Ruige and Xiangge are fighting.”
Yu Xuan groaned, “Those mischievous children, fighting again.” She said to Zheng Boru and Yu Ying, “I’ll go check.”
“Go ahead, little ones are playful, no need to worry,” Zheng Boru said.
Yu Xuan glanced at her husband. “You should go too. Big brother treasures Xiangge, and I’m afraid he might be upset.” She gave a meaningful look to Pei Xingzang.
Pei Xingzang caught her meaning and stood up, “Then I’ll go see as well.”
Zheng Boru nodded, smiling, but when he looked at Yu Ying, he noticed her thoughtful gaze on her sister’s back. Furrowing her brow, she also rose, “I’ll go too.”
Zheng Boru asked, “It’s just children fighting; do we need so many people?”
Yu Ying pouted angrily at him, “You think I don’t know what they’re up to? Leaving me alone with a man here, making me look eager to marry—it’s infuriating!”
“Elders and siblings always think that way. My mother knew I came today and said I need not hurry back,” Zheng Boru said.
This implied Lady Zheng also hoped Zheng Boru would spend more time with Yu Ying. Yu Ying felt better, quietly sitting down, no longer feeling so embarrassed.
Yu Ying said earnestly, “Though my family thinks well of you, my standards are much higher. They’ll never force me.”
“I understand,” Zheng Boru said, then added, “I didn’t come here because my standards are low.”
Was it because she just happened to meet his standards?
Yu Ying was pleased, thinking Zheng Boru was quite a smooth talker.
She asked, “How’s your polo?”
Zheng Boru replied, “Not bad. How about you?”
Yu Ying said, “So-so. No one here is a match for me—it’s boring.”
Zheng Boru rarely saw such a proud woman. Humble modesty was nonexistent in her, yet when she was proud, she had a delicate charm that made listening to her boastfulness quite entertaining.