Chapter 17: A Vow to Grow Old Together with You

For a fleeting moment, Jiang Shiyuan felt that being his sister-in-law was truly a stroke of misfortune. While she was still exhaustedly handling official duties in Hanzhou, her brother had already plotted everything out clearly. The General Pei she remembered was fierce and resolute, bearing the nation’s hardships alone for the people, but now, things seemed somewhat different.

“People change, as they say.”

“Maybe to others, but not to you. I have never schemed against you.”

Perhaps it was the lingering effects of the wine or the sincerity shining through Pei Zisu’s eyes that made her seriously look at her cousin before her. It seemed there was no excuse left to reject his marriage proposal.

Noticing the slight hesitation in her eyes, Pei Zisu's lips curled into a subtle smile before he pressed on, “I, Pei Zisu, wish to solemnize this vow with my cousin—words penned on a grand letter, united in heart and spirit, bound like mandarin ducks.”

How Jiang Shiyuan responded to the Marquis Wen Yuan’s family, she could hardly recall. Yet, amid the haze, this sentence remained vivid in her mind. By the time the wine’s warmth faded considerably, the bright moon hung high outside, serene and peaceful.

She sat by the window, gazing out as the flowers, grass, and trees shimmered with life under the moonlight. No wonder the tales in storybooks spoke of ghosts and spirits “treading the moonlight” or “riding the wind.” Now, she truly understood.

The night was enchanting; if a captivating demon were to appear, it would easily shatter the defenses people held in their hearts, leaving them spellbound.

At this moment, Pei Zisu was that very “demon” in Jiang Shiyuan’s heart.

In truth, she had never harbored any aversion toward this cousin from the Pei family. At most, she felt regret—that he had died young and never started a family.

Though she had been married in a past life, her affection for that heir lasted mere days before his true nature surfaced. Her sincere heart was hurriedly withdrawn before it could be fully offered. Thus, faced with Pei Zisu’s earnest confession now, she found herself somewhat overwhelmed.

Just then, her maid, Liuhua, tiptoed in. Seeing her mistress still awake and lost in thought by the window, she moved to light a lamp and softly asked, “Miss, why aren’t you sleeping yet?”

Jiang Shiyuan glanced back with a faint smile, then beckoned her to sit beside her. “I slept too long while drunk this afternoon but am wide awake now. Don’t light the lamp—the moonlight is just right. Stay with me and talk.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“I still remember when I first arrived at the marquis’s residence—everything was strange to me. Though my grandmother and aunt treated me kindly, I still longed for home, for Xuzhou, for father and mother, for my brother. Thankfully, you stayed by my side. Do you remember when I woke hungry one night, and we sneaked into the kitchen for pastries, almost caught by the night watch? You were terrified but still stood in front to protect me.”

Her eyes brimmed with warmth and nostalgia.

Liuhua, three years her senior, recalled those days well and smiled, “Indeed. In the blink of an eye, I’ve served you in the Western Capital for ten years. Time flies so fast.”

“How is your family? I recall you have a brother.”

“All well. Before the New Year, my brother sent word that he was to marry. I sent him twenty taels of silver through a messenger to honor our sibling bond.”

Jiang Shiyuan had not known this and asked, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I could have arranged for you to visit Xuzhou.”

“At that time, everyone was troubled by my second sister’s affairs, so I dared not mention it. Besides, my brother is not one to cherish his sister. If he truly wanted me to return, he would have said so in his letter. He only mentioned money was tight. Why would I bring myself trouble? With both parents gone, even if I returned, it would be his and his wife’s home. Staying by your side, I feel more at ease.”

Liuhua’s voice carried a trace of sadness, but she quickly restrained it and comforted Jiang Shiyuan instead.

“Miss, don’t be sad. Your kindness has healed much of my bitterness. My brother’s actions no longer hurt me. The more heartbroken I become, the less it pains. But you… this afternoon, when I saw General Pei leave the side chamber with such a gentle expression, I wonder—have you accepted him?”

Her words plunged Jiang Shiyuan into the same puzzlement as before.

She smiled helplessly and spoke honestly, “I didn’t want to marry, but his words this afternoon were truly moving. You know my illness, though seldom flaring, remains a hidden threat. I don’t know how long I have left. If I am selfish this once, to find someone to warm my heart, do you think it’s too much?”

“Not at all. But don’t overthink it, Miss. Although your health was weak before, these years of care have made you no different from others. Since General Pei has known about your illness and still insists on marrying you, his feelings must be genuine. He has never let it weigh on his mind, so you shouldn’t dwell on it either.”

Liuhua’s counsel untied the knot in Jiang Shiyuan’s heart.

Indeed, it was never Pei Zisu who dwelled on her illness—it was herself. Perhaps hearing too many complaints from the Princess of Chunwang’s residence in her past life had made her belittle herself, using it repeatedly as an excuse.

Suddenly enlightened by Liuhua’s casual words, Jiang Shiyuan’s face brightened. She grasped her hand and said, “Liuhua, you truly are my remedy.”

Liuhua was puzzled but seeing the radiant smile on her mistress’s face, she felt joy swell within.

“Don’t worry, Miss. I will always be by your side.”

The two chatted quietly until the late hours, then fell into a deep, peaceful sleep. When Jiang Shiyuan awoke, dawn had broken.

Fortunately, she didn’t need to pay respects to grandmother or aunt, so she lingered in bed without interruption.

A restful night had improved her spirits considerably. After leisurely rising, she chose a cloud-patterned long skirt in watery green lotus hues. Her raven hair was elegantly tied up, revealing a slender jade-like neck. She adorned her hair with two or three gold hairpins set with teardrop-shaped agates, lending her an air of vivacity and sweetness.

When Luoluo applied her makeup, she noticed her mistress looked healthier than usual and smiled, “Miss, shall I use some peach blossom powder? It contains finely ground conch shell dust that, when gently applied, makes the skin glow under sunlight. It would match your outfit perfectly today.”

Though she usually disliked such adornments, today Jiang Shiyuan felt differently. When she finally entered the flower hall for her meal, she astonished everyone—especially Pei Zisu, whose brows curved in admiration.