102 Volume 4: Old Friends Reunite

Upon entering the Wu Manor, Ye and Shi Ji dropped their disguises. Since the guards hadn't announced anyone important was coming in, the servants weren't prepared for Duke Lin "The Fair" Ye showing up, much less one of the Princes.

Usually they'd just nod if it was the Duke, but this time he dragged a Prince along with him so they didn't dare be disrespectful. Since no one recognized him, it must mean he was the reclusive Third Prince. His character was somewhat of a mystery preventing them from relaxing as they would with the Fourth Prince. Thus the servants found themselves in the awkward position of being in the middle of a task and having to drop whatever they were doing to kowtow to the important guest.

None of the servants blamed the guards for not warning them, except the man on the ladder who now had to scramble down without someone holding onto the ladder. It's not like they didn't know that the only Duke of Lanhua liked to play pranks like this on people. Showing up without any warning, sometimes just for kicks, then running off to bother someone else… the Wu Manor servants knew the Duke's behavior better than most, because he liked to bother the Wu Family on a regular basis. They just quietly complained in their hearts and waited for the storm—the Duke—to pass.

Shi Ji wasn't used to this attention, having spent most of his life living like an eccentric hermit in the Palace. He felt horribly uncomfortable at all the kowtowing. He tried turning his eyes dark again to avoid the attention, but it was too late. Word spread fast and the entire Wu Manor seemed to know who he was after walking only a few feet into the residence.

Ye, however, wasn't bothered at all. He simply kept walking, though whether he knew where he was going or not was anyone's guess. They hadn't gone far when an elderly woman caught up with them, bowing deeply at the waist.

"Third Prince and Duke Lin Ye, this old servant welcomes you both! Hope you can forgive this Manor for the lack of a proper welcome." The slight sheen of sweat and heavy breathing showed the woman had likely run over to them.

Shi Ji responded with a dismissive wave of his hand. Clearing his throat, he asked politely, "We were hoping to see Aunt Pei Zhi, if she's available?"

"Of course Madam is available!" The servant straightened up and smiled. "If acceptable, this old servant will guide you to her?"

"En."

"Hehe, Old Dai, how'd you guess who he was?" Ye asked.

Old Dai squinted at the Duke. Unlike the other servants, she was the Madam's personal maid and had heard all the stories about the Imperial Family directly from her. As a result, she knew that as long as the Emperor or the First Prince weren't involved, there was nothing to be afraid of and so didn't bother hiding her annoyance at the Duke. How many times had she put up with this troublemaker, ah?

"This old servant isn't stupid. Of the four Princes, only one doesn't leave the Palace, and hasn't visited Wu Manor. That would be the Third Prince." She gave a respectful nod to the Prince in question. "Third Prince, it's this old servant's privilege to welcome you. This one heard your Imperial Mother is well again?"

"En."

"Most excellent! For her to be ill so long, grieved Madam's and this old servant's heart greatly. Now that she is better, the whole of Lanhua rejoices with you."

"Thank you."

Shi Ji kept his responses short and brisk through the entire conversation with Old Dai. He wasn't egotistic or gregarious like his other siblings, and because he rarely went out he always felt awkward when he went outside the Palace. So to cover up the fact that he was nervous, he tried to speak as little as possible.

While the Wu Manor was big, it wasn't even half the size of Blue Flower Palace. It took them only a few minutes of walking before they came to the building where Pei Zhi was located. The servants had spread the warning, for they were all politely lined up and ready to bow deeply when the Third Prince and the Duke passed by.

Not a single person paid any attention to Mei Hua. She might as well have been a shadow, but she didn't mind. While everyone was busy focusing on Ye and her son, she'd been looking around with blatant enthusiasm.

The Wu Manor was simple, but lovely. There were neatly trimmed trees, gardens strategically placed here and there for viewing, and large ponds with bridges winding through them. The buildings favored dark, forest colors with light off-white colors only used as accents. As much wood that could be left unpainted without risk of harm from the elements, was left unpainted. This gave the Wu Manor a curious but pleasant feeling of being both elegant and rustic.

Pei Zhi once told her that merchant homes were typically very gaudy, covered in thick bright paint, with gold gilding everywhere possible, and stuffed with as much expensive furniture and decoration as humanly possible. But she, Pei Zhi, disliked this flashy style and preferred something much more simple and clean. It was clear that when this Manor was built, Pei Zhi got the final say in the design.

When they got to the door, Ye motioned Mei Hua to stay just outside. When Mei Hua gave him a puzzled look, he winked at her and smiled impishly. Old Dai went in ahead of them and announced Ye and Shi Ji's arrival. As Mei Hua stood outside and heard the following conversation:

Several voices greeted the Duke and Third Prince respectfully.

Right after, Pei Zhi said in annoyance, "Lin Ye, how many times have I told you not to just waltz in like you own the place?"

"Madam, aren't our families close? Why should I be treated like a guest?"

"Hah, think I don't know you just like to cause me mischief— never mind with you! What's my dear godson doing out and about? I thought he'd vowed to live a monastic lifestyle?"

"Auntie!"

"What, what? If I can't tease you a bit for living like a hermit, who can? Anyway, I barely saw you at that party a few days ago, come close and let me get a good look at you." There was a pause and then, "Goodness, young man, why do you have such huge bags under yours eyes? Did you stay up all night experimenting again?"

"…yes."

"…really?" Her tone was filled with suspicion, but after a moment she moved on, "How is your Mother? I've been holding myself back from visiting, knowing Lord Jin won't want my nosing around until he's gotten his fill."

"She's doing very well Auntie."

"That's good… very good…" The room became silent for a long moment.

Ye cleared his throat and asked to break the silence, "Madam how have the wedding preparations been coming along on your end?"

"As well as can be expected on such short notice. We can have the roads cleared but I'm afraid the decorations will be lacking somewhat."

"Just reuse decorations from the various holidays and festivals thrown throughout the year."

"Well… but this is my godson's wedding after all, and Mei Hua's first time experiencing a wedding. To reuse decorations…" Pei Zhi was muttering unhappily at the thought.

"How about we ask a third party for their opinion?"

"Eh? Third party?" She glanced at Shi Ji.

Ye laughed, "Not my Nephew, what would he know? I brought one more person. They've been waiting outside." The fairy raised his voice, "You can come in now."

Mei Hua immediately entered, a big grin on her face.

Pei Zhi, who'd been drinking tea leisurely, almost dropped her cup when her friend walked through the doors.

"Mei Hua!" She cried out happily, running over to hug her friend. "How on earth did you manage to escape that pesky husband of yours?!"

Mei Hua laughed. "He's sleeping, that's how!"

"Hah, since when did that ever—"

Mei Hua raised an eyebrow, chin up slightly. "Who do you think kept him up?"

Pei Zhi burst out laughing. "You naughty woman! Come on, have a seat, have a seat! Who knows how long I'll have you before he wakes up! Oh, I'm so happy you—"

When Pei Zhi turned around, she froze. She'd completely forgotten that she had daughter-in-laws and grandchildren present. They were all looking at her in stunned amazement. As a Madam of the Wu Family, she'd been cultivating the image of the wise, serious Matriarch for well over twenty years. In a single moment of excitement she'd just turned several people's view of her upside down and sideways. She gave an awkward laugh, cleared her throat, and corrected her posture.

Seeing this, Mei Hua snickered. Pei Zhi immediately elbowed her.

"Ahem, everyone, let me formally introduce you to Mei Hua, previously Lady and now Imperial Queen Consort."

The Wu family members, not to mention the servants, all stiffened in surprise.

"Don't bother bowing, she doesn't like it." Pei Zhi cut them off when she saw some begin to kowtow. "Don't worry about formalities with this silly girl unless the Emperor or the First Prince is around."

Everyone didn't know what to object to first: the fact that the Queen had been called a silly girl or that they'd been told not to show respect. They fearfully glanced at the Queen, only to see her giving them a comforting smile.

"It's fine if you don't bow. I prefer it, really."

Since the Queen herself had said so, they stayed in their positions, whether it was sitting or standing. Of course the Madam had always said the Queen was a good, kind hearted person and not anything like the Emperor. Seeing her now, this seemed to be the truth. Even so, they could only think that the Wu Family was really favored by the Heavens to get away with such blatant disrespect.

"Honesty, what's with that new title of yours?" Pei Zhi complained. "It's so long! Needlessly long!"

"I know…" Mei Hua pouted, "I tried to get Jin and Shuya to change it but…"

"That husband of yours better not expect me to go around calling you by your full title—"

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"If he does, I'll smack him for you."

"Do that, he needs some smacking! They all do! Ah, Mei Hua, my dear friend, your sons… I really failed you…"

"Don't say that!"

"No, no, but it's true. You know I've viewed your children as my own, and I tried to be a good influence but—"

"There, there, it's not your fault they ended up stupid. Between Jin and Ye, how could you compete? That's two against one!"

"…I'm right here you know…" Ye harrumphed, but was ignored.

"Still though… I'm sorry. Especially with what happened concerning Yan Li. I didn't even know what that brat was doing until long after the fact. And now see how it turned out?"

"Don't worry about it, he's an adult with a mind of his own. If he doesn't use it, but instead decides to make simple things complicated… I can only blame him… and Jin…"

"Hahaha, that look! I missed it! But don't be so hard on your husband, alright? Even if he failed in certain areas, aren't all your boys alive and well? And if he could do everything perfectly, wouldn't you feel a bit lonely?"

"…ah well…"

"Aren't I right? Oh, but before I forget who is that Shuya woman? I was really surprised—"

"Right! I've got so much to explain—"

"Ah, before that I should introduce everyone—"

They started talking over each other excitedly, laughing as they did.

Pei Zhi was the Madam of the Manor and had been since she'd moved to Lanhua. The Wu Family had grown in Mei Hua's absence, with Pei Zhi's three sons and two daughters having a total of fourteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

When Mei Hua heard this she didn't bother to hide her jealousy, causing her friend to laugh while trying to comfort her at the same time. Shi Ji had stealthily moved to a corner of the room by then, calmly drinking tea, turning a deaf ear and pretending like he wasn't part of the problem.

The Wu Family had decided to split during the move, with Pei Zhi's oldest son and daughter staying in their ancestral homeland while the other three children followed her and her husband to Lanhua. Wu Tengfei's Mother was still alive but living with his oldest son, while his grandmother had sadly passed away some years prior.

As to why they moved to Lanhua…

When Mei Hua had been attacked and gone into a coma, Jin had shut down the shipping paths through the mountains without a word as to why. Merchants from both sides were stuck at entrances without a way to get in, their products rotting in the sun and their deadlines fast approaching. This naturally caused them to panic. Word was quickly sent to Wu Tengfei, who then personally went to go figure out what was going on.

Pei Zhi had insisted on going with him. The Wu Family was on very good terms with the Mountain Lord and knew his temperament. To kick everyone out and not let anyone in, something catastrophic must have happened. In that Lord's family, the most vulnerable to danger was Mei Hua. Even without any hint before hand, Pei Zhi knew that something horrible had happened to her friend.

It was a good thing Wu Tengfei was soft on his wife and let her tag along, because he'd not likely have found out what was going on until some time later. Even though he was on friendly terms with Lord Jin, it was Pei Zhi who was truly favored because of her friendship with Mei Hua.

Every mountain resident knew how loved Pei Zhi was by their Lady. So when she came along with Wu Tengfei to figure out what had happened, they couldn't bear to keep her in the dark. They sent word to Ye, the fairy with the most influence over the Lord and his sons, to see if something couldn't be done for her.

Since the Wu couple were adults, Ye sent Shi Ji and Lu Shao to explain what had happened. When the Wu couple heard the story, Pei Zhi almost fainted. Wu Tengfei, however, was so furious he felt like coughing up blood. This was an attack on more than just his business, it was an attack on his family and friends. While he didn't have an army, his business contacts were something like an intelligence network. He could find out a lot if Lord Jin would just give him a chance.

Wu Tengfei's offer was a good one and it didn't take much to convince Lord Jin to listen to him. The Wu couple were allowed to come to the Palace, while Tengfei talked to Jin, Pei Zhi went to see Mei Hua.

When Pei Zhi saw her friend so still and cold,no different from the dead, her heart broke. She wept at her friends side, refusing to leave her side, until she finally passed out from exhaustion.

Neither Wu Tengfei or Pei Zhi mentioned the shipping paths being opened. They treated the closure of the mountain as if it wasn't related to them at all. When Lord Jin saw that they weren't greedy, but were putting their livelihood on the line for his wife, he couldn't help being touched. It was very hard to find humans willing to go that far for another person.

He opened the shipping paths again, claiming it would make it easier to get information. As a precaution, fairies were turned into soldiers and the most dangerous of looking beasties began patrolling the borders. While people could go in and out of the mountains, security was so heavy they didn't dare talk unless they were forced into it. Even the most foolish merchant or guard felt how the woods held a quite hostile towards them, the very birds and beasts seeming to glare at them; where before there had been a disdainful apathy.

As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, lodging became a concern. Though Lord Jin liked them both, he absolutely refused to allow them to live in Palace. A temporary campsite was made, which later turned into a semi-permanent one. When Wu Tengfei and Pei Zhi decided they weren't leaving any time soon, they asked Lord Jin if it was alright for them to build something truly permanent and bring in helpers.

The house that was built with Lord Jin's permission, the people who were brought in by the Wu and carefully inspected by the Lord's son and later fairies, were the beginning of the Town of Xifang.