MSW Chapter2

7

The next day.

 

Still drowsy, Mu Peixuan instinctively rolled over, stretching out his long legs. But halfway through the motion, it felt like he’d kicked something. He frowned and opened his eyes in irritation — only for a face to come into view.

 

Mu Peixuan was stunned for a moment. After a few breaths, he finally remembered — he was married now.

 

This was Duan Linzhou.

 

Mu Peixuan rubbed his brow, only to see Duan Linzhou also open his eyes. Their gazes met. Mu Peixuan’s hand paused slightly, but his face remained expressionless.

 

Duan Linzhou spoke in a hoarse voice, “What time is it?”

 

Mu Peixuan replied, “A quarter past Chenshi[mfn]7-9am[/mfn].”

 

Just then, a knock came from outside the door. It was Liu Guang, calling out, “Your Highness, Young Master.”

 

Duan Linzhou glanced at Mu Peixuan and let Liu Guang in. Immediately after, the attendants filed in one after another, all with their eyes lowered. Today was the first day after the two had married, and by tradition, Duan Linzhou was supposed to serve tea to the Old Madam of Marquis Annan Mansion.

 

There was a somewhat awkward atmosphere between the two, nothing like the affectionate intimacy of newlyweds. Duan Linzhou didn’t seem to mind and calmly let Liu Guang assist him with his morning routine. His health wasn’t good, unless something important came up, he had rarely gotten up this early in the past two years. His mind was still a muddled mess, and he kept his eyes closed as Liu Guang helped him rinse his mouth and get dressed.

 

Mu Peixuan cast a sidelong glance at Duan Linzhou, his gaze landing on Liu Guang’s hands as he fastened the waist sash. Duan Linzhou was slender, his waist barely a handful.

 

Liu Guang was someone of moderate appearance.

 

Mu Peixuan’s eyes drifted over the youth’s delicate features again. Duan Linzhou seemed to trust this close attendant of his quite a bit, his eyes remained closed, letting the servant tend to him however he pleased. Watching his drowsy appearance, Mu Peixuan said blandly, “If you can’t get up, then don’t.”

 

Duan Linzhou was slow to react. It took him a while before he opened his eyes to look at Mu Peixuan. Mu Peixuan didn’t show the slightest hint of a pleasant expression, he looked like someone who was owed money. But Duan Linzhou’s eyes held a trace of a smile, and some of his sleepiness faded as he said, “Not today. I have to go serve tea to the Old Madam.”

 

Only then did Mu Peixuan remember that part.

 

Tsk.

 

The new bride have to serve tea.

 

Mu Peixuan felt an indescribable sense of discomfort and awkwardness.

 

By the time the two arrived at Rong’an Courtyard, the Old Madam Zhang and the Marquis Annan, Mu Peizhi, were already there. Mu Peizhi was already married to a kunze, the legitimate daughter of the Deputy Commander of Qinnan Circuit. The two had been married for eight years and had two sons.

 

Duan Linzhou observed all the proper courtesies, bowing and serving tea to everyone present. Seeing this, the Old Madam Zhang visibly relaxed, her expression softening slightly. She presented Duan Linzhou with a finely crafted pendant of top-grade mutton-fat white jade.

 

Duan Linzhou smiled and said, “Thank you, Mother.”

 

The word “Mother” came smoothly from his lips. Mu Peixuan glanced at him, while the Old Madam Zhang turned to Mu Peixuan and said, “Xuan’er, now that you two are married, you should start reining in that temper. No more fooling around.”

 

Mu Peixuan responded absentmindedly.

 

Mu Peizhi, on the other hand, was polite to Duan Linzhou, calling him “younger brother’s wife” and saying that from now on, they were all one family.

 

Duan Linzhou responded with a gentle smile, “Yes.”

 

Mu Peixuan keenly caught the flicker in Mu Peizhi’s gaze. Narrowing his eyes, he looked at the two of them thoughtfully, but before he could make sense of it, he met Duan Linzhou’s bright, smiling eyes.

 

Mu Peixuan turned his face away expressionlessly.

 

The two had breakfast in Rong’an Courtyard. Before they left, the Old Madam Zhang told Duan Linzhou that if there was nothing important, he needn’t come to pay his respects every day.

 

Duan Linzhou naturally agreed.

 

By the time the two left Rong’an Courtyard, the sun was already high, and the snow had stopped. But after falling for a full day and night, the world was now blanketed in a thick layer of white.

 

The servants of Marquis Annan Mansion were busy sweeping snow and clearing the paths. The cold was especially biting as the snow began to melt. Duan Linzhou was wrapped in a thick, snow-white fur cloak, the soft fox fur brushing against his chin, making his already fair skin appear even paler.

 

Perhaps because he was meeting the old madam today, his lips had been lightly tinted with lip rouge, just as they had been the day before, adding a touch of vividness to his face. Mu Peixuan suddenly recalled the image of Duan Linzhou this morning, applying the lip rouge in front of the mirror, and for a moment, he was lost in thought.

 

Duan Linzhou’s fingers were long and slender, like jade, and as he traced his fingertip across the lip rouge, it added a touch of allure. His lips were also pale, almost without color, but their shape was beautiful — not too thin, not too full. Once tinted, they regained a touch of vitality, like the red plum blossoms slowly unfurling outside the window.

 

Duan Linzhou, whether intentionally or not, turned his head and asked Mu Peixuan, “How does it look?”

 

Mu Peixuan, caught off guard, stiffly replied, “What do you mean, ‘how’?”

 

He mocked, “You, a zhongyong, trying to learn from the kunze to apply rouge and powder, but you can’t even make it look pretty.”

 

Duan Linzhou, however, had a good temper and wasn’t offended. He sighed, “I’ve been plagued with illness for so long; naturally, I don’t have the same complexion as kunze.”

 

Mu Peixuan was momentarily taken aback.

 

Duan Linzhou smiled again. “This lip rouge is a new batch made by Yanzhi Niang. What do you think?” He gently smudged the rouge on his lips, and Liu Guang handed him a handkerchief. As he wiped, a faint red spread across the white handkerchief. “She said it’s a bit more moisturizing than the ones sold outside.”

 

Moisturizing — Mu Peixuan fixed his gaze on his lips for a moment, but all he saw was a sickly pale face paired with the deep crimson lips. He couldn’t tell anything about it being moisturizing at all.

 

Duan Linzhou seemed to sense something and shook his head helplessly. “Xiao Junwang, how do you expect to win a kunze’s favor like this…”

 

Mu Peixuan coldly retorted, “I don’t need to win anyone’s favor.”

 

Duan Linzhou paused for a moment, then chuckled, “Your Highness, this is just a bit of fun.”

 

Mu Peixuan sneered, “Is playing with these things your idea of fun?”

 

Duan Linzhou toyed with the delicate little box and said, “Naturally, I have to check out the items being sold in the shop.”

 

Mu Peixuan widened his eyes, utterly perplexed. “You’re even in the business of rouge and powder?”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled, “Just a little dabbling.”

 

“I have a younger sister at home who likes these things, so I opened a shop to keep her entertained.”

 

Mu Peixuan was left speechless.

 

The two walked together for a moment, but suddenly, Mu Peixuan instructed the young attendant following him, “Fen Mo, go prepare the horse.”

 

Having said that, he didn’t bother with Duan Linzhou anymore and stepped onto another path that had already been cleared.

 

Duan Linzhou stopped in his tracks, holding the hand warmer in his hands, and his gaze lingered on Mu Peixuan’s retreating figure for a long time.

 

8

Mu Peixuan had been appointed as a deputy commander at the Biannan Garrison. The garrison’s military camp was located outside Ruizhou City, and he rode there with Fen Mo.

 

When Mu Peixuan arrived, everyone at the camp stared wide-eyed in surprise.

 

“Xiao Junwang, didn’t Lord Commander grant you leave? Why are you here today?”

 

Mu Peixuan had always loved running to the camp since he was young. The people at the camp, mostly soldiers, had become familiar with him over time, so they no longer paid much attention to his status as a prince.

 

Mu Peixuan dismounted from his horse, tossed his cloak to Fen Mo, and casually said, “I’m fine. Why would I need leave for?”

 

Xu Ying, the Qianhu[mfn]Thousand Households, a military rank.[/mfn] of the garrison, in his twenties, was on good terms with Mu Peixuan. Upon hearing this, he widened his eyes in surprise and remarked, “My Xiao Junwang, wasn’t yesterday your wedding? Everyone says newlyweds are like glue, inseparable. Yet here you are, leaving so early and leaving your spouse behind…”

 

Mu Peixuan tugged at the corner of his mouth, his expression cold. “So what if I’m married?” He raised his foot and kicked Xu Ying, saying, “It’s Laozi[mfn]I, used in an arrogant way.[/mfn] who got married, not you all. Stop staring at me and go back to your training!”

 

Xu Ying jumped back, clutching his backside, and with a cheeky grin, he said, “I remember when Jiang Zheng got married, he practically begged for a month off, and when he came back to the camp, he appears as if someone had stolen his soul. Xiao Junwang, both of you were married, so why’s it so different with you?”

 

Mu Peixuan said, “Go get married yourself, and you’ll know.”

 

Xu Ying made a face, looking distressed.

 

Mu Peixuan responded with a cold tone, “No way. Don’t tell me there’s still someone who’s been pining for people for two years and still hasn’t had the guts to propose.”

 

Xu Ying looked even more miserable, grumbling, “Just wait. I’ll finish reading the Four Books first…”

 

Mu Peixuan interrupted him, “You’ve been saying that for half a year now, and you still haven’t even finished learning all the characters in Meng Zi.”

 

Xu Ying: “……”

 

Mu Peixuan let out a breath, finally releasing the frustration that had been building up inside him.

 

After a while, Xu Ying stuck close again, grinning, “Tell Gege the truth, how does it feel to be married? I’ve heard that Boss Duan is as rich as Tao Bai, with enough wealth slipping through his fingers, it’s more than our ten years of salary combined.”

 

Mu Peixuan glanced at him and said, “That’s for you.”

 

He was a prince, with his own land and stipend, so of course, he couldn’t be compared to a mere Qianhu.

 

Xu Ying sucked in a breath, feeling like slapping himself. He sighed and said, “Xiao Junwang, did you swallow a firecracker or something? You didn’t even leave any face for your brother.”

 

Mu Peixuan remained silent.

 

The two of them walked inside together. The camp was vast, and after the snowfall, the world was covered in a layer of white.

 

Xu Ying nudged Mu Peixuan with his elbow and whispered, “Is Boss Duan’s health really as bad as the rumors say?”

 

Mu Peixuan’s mind flashed with the image of Duan Linzhou’s pale face and frail body, and he remained noncommittal. Xu Ying continued, “Having a weak body isn’t such a big deal. I have a cousin who was like that when she was little, she would take three steps and then stop, so delicate she seemed like a flower, ready to fall over with just a breeze. My uncle had an old imperial physician examine her, prescribed some medicine, and after a few years of care, she got much better. She got married two years ago and even had a big, healthy baby boy.”

 

He chattered on, “Anyway, neither you nor Boss Duan are short on silver. If you take good care of him, maybe he’ll get better over time.”

 

Mu Peixuan, hearing him call Duan Linzhou ‘Boss Duan’ over and over, felt his brow twitch. His voice turned cold as he said, “Xu Ying.”

 

“—Eh!” Xu Ying felt a chill run down his neck. Seeing the look in Mu Peixuan’s eyes, he immediately fell silent. After a few moments, he muttered, “I was just thinking about you.”

 

Mu Peixuan went to the Biannan Military Camp, while Duan Linzhou stayed in the Marquis Annan Mansion. The cold was especially biting as the snow melted, but the room was warm with plenty of charcoal burning. Duan Linzhou, who was sensitive to the cold, was still wrapped in a thick cloak. One hand held an account book, and he flipped through the pages one by one.

 

Liu Guang spoke softly, “Young Master, rest your eyes for a moment.”

 

Duan Linzhou casually replied, “How is everything in the mansion?”

 

Liuguang responded, “Wen Xin sent word that everything is as usual.”

 

Duan Linzhou tapped his fingers lightly on the account book in his hand, then picked up the tea that had been kept warm nearby and took a sip. After a moment, he seemed to remember something and asked, “Has His Highness returned?”

 

Liu Guang pressed her lips together and replied, “No.”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled faintly and murmured to himself, “Of course, he’s probably still holding onto his frustration.”

 

“Mu Peixuan probably never imagined someone would force him into marriage, let alone with a zhongyong he doesn’t like.”

 

Liu Guang hesitated before asking, “Then what about the return visit in a couple of days?”

 

Duan Linzhou replied indifferently, “Prepare some of what Xiao Qi likes, and follow the usual procedures for everything else.”

 

Liu Guang spoke softly, “What about His Highness…”

 

Duan Linzhou thought for a moment before saying, “No need to inform him.”

 

Given Mu Peixuan’s temperament, even if he did know, he probably wouldn’t return with him anyway.

 

Mu Peixuan didn’t return that night, which was expected, and Duan Linzhou wasn’t upset by it either.

 

The two had little chance to meet. Mu Peixuan, not wanting to see Duan Linzhou, simply stopped returning to Marquis Annan’s mansion. For several days, he stayed at the military camp. When Xu Ying saw this, he clicked his tongue and said, “He’s still Boss Duan, after all. You can’t just ignore him like that.”

 

Mu Peixuan lifted his eyelids and muttered a dismissive “Get lost.”

 

Xu Ying immediately took the hint and left.

 

That day, however, the weather was perfect. The sky was clear and blue, the sun shining brightly, driving away the chill of winter. Mu Peixuan went with some familiar faces from the military camp to Weixiang Lou in Ruizhou City for a meal. To his surprise, as soon as he entered, he ran into Duan Linzhou.

 

9

Weixiang Lou wasn’t the largest eating house in Ruizhou City, but the head chef’s skills were top-notch. He was capable of preparing authentic dishes from various cuisines, and many people had tried to hire him away, only to face repeated failures.

 

Mu Peixuan and his group were regulars at Weixiang Lou, so as soon as the doorman spotted Mu Peixuan, his eyes lit up. He quickly greeted them and led them inside.

 

It was around noon, and the eating house was bustling with customers. Mu Peixuan and Xu Ying were discussing what to order when Mu Peixuan’s gaze casually swept across the room, only to freeze. He spotted Duan Linzhou.

 

Today, Duan Linzhou wore a sky-blue long robe, his hair tied up with a jade hairpin. He had his hands tucked into his sleeves, and a soft, white fur collar adorned his neck, giving him a refined and elegant look. His face, however, carried an unmistakable pallor, with lips lacking any color, an obvious sign of someone who had been suffering from a long-term illness.

 

Duan Linzhou also saw him, his eyebrows slightly raised, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

 

For some reason, when Mu Peixuan saw Duan Linzhou, an unprecedented feeling of guilt rose within him, and his jaw tightened.

 

Xu Ying had also attended the wedding banquet that day, and as soon as he saw Duan Linzhou, he recognized him. His scalp tingled with tension, for he knew that Mu Peixuan had been staying at the military camp these past few days.

 

Xu Ying subconsciously touched his nose and glanced at Mu Peixuan.

 

Duan Linzhou seemed unaware of the strange atmosphere. He smiled at Mu Peixuan and called out, “Fujun[mfn]Husband[/mfn].”

 

As soon as those two words left his mouth, Mu Peixuan’s scalp went numb.

 

Mu Peixuan: “……”

 

His expression was odd, and he seemed stunned for quite a while, unable to snap out of it. Xu Ying, worried the atmosphere between the two would become awkward, quickly laughed and said, “Boss Duan, what a coincidence, what a coincidence.”

 

“Xiao Junwang was planning to head back, but today—” He reached out and pulled another round-faced young man beside him over. “It happens to be the birthday of Li Qianhu from our military camp, so we dragged Xiao Junwang along, isn’t that right?”

 

He shot a look at Li Qianhu, who quickly nodded and said, “Exactly, exactly. Please don’t take offense, Boss Duan… no, I mean Junwang Fei[mfn]Princess Consort[/mfn].”

 

Duan Linzhou chuckled and said, “It’s no bother.”

 

He turned his head and instructed the shopkeeper beside him, “Go arrange a private room for His Highness and the other lords.”

 

Only then did the group notice the shopkeeper, who had been standing half a step behind Duan Linzhou the entire time. They exchanged glances and finally realized that this Weixiang Lou was actually Duan Linzhou’s eating house.

 

Xu Ying glanced at Mu Peixuan, who remained silent at the side, hesitated for a moment, then braced himself and said, “May I ask if Boss… Junwang Fei has eaten yet? If not, how about eating together?”

 

Duan Linzhou replied, “Sure.”

 

Xu Ying: “……”

 

And so the group took seats in a private room at Weixiang Lou. Likely because Duan Linzhou was the owner, the attendants were especially diligent, bringing dish after dish to the table like a flowing stream. In just a short while, the table was filled with delicacies.

 

Duan Linzhou had been a merchant for over ten years and was smooth and tactful in all directions. Since he genuinely wanted to get along, the soldiers from the military camp couldn’t resist his charm either. In no time, they were warmly calling him “Boss Duan,” acting as if they’d known him for years and were speaking from the heart.

 

Duan Linzhou wore a smile as he drank a cup of wine with the others, then set his cup down.

 

Seated beside him was Mu Peixuan. Ever since they had entered the eating house and Duan Linzhou had called him “Fujun,” Mu Peixuan had worn a sour expression and hadn’t spoken a word since.

 

Duan Linzhou lowered his voice and asked Mu Peixuan, “Was the food not to your taste today?”

 

Mu Peixuan said, “What are you doing here?”

 

Duan Linzhou replied, “I went back to the Duan Mansion and came over to eat something.”

 

Mu Peixuan started, “Back to the Duan Mansion—” He stopped mid-sentence, then looked up and met Duan Linzhou’s eyes. Suddenly, he remembered that today was the third day since their wedding, and according to tradition, it was the day for Duan Linzhou to return to his family after marriage.

 

Mu Peixuan pressed his lips together, while Duan Linzhou seemed oblivious. He picked up a piece of fish and placed it into Mu Peixuan’s bowl, saying, “Have a taste. The fish was just pulled from beneath the ice, it’s still fresh.

 

Mu Peixuan looked at the piece of fish in front of him. Whether it was deliberate or not, Duan Linzhou had just served it to him, and he happened to be fond of fish.

 

Mu Peixuan’s mind was still occupied with Duan Linzhou’s return visit. If Duan Linzhou had directly asked him to accompany him back to the Duan family, Mu Peixuan would have refused without hesitation. But Duan Linzhou had said nothing, going back alone, leaving so early. Mu Peixuan couldn’t help but wonder why he left so early, not even staying for a meal. Did someone in the Duan family give him a hard time?

 

In that brief moment, Mu Peixuan felt a sense of discomfort, tinged with a little guilt.