Nanxing remained silent for a long time.
She felt a strong, almost uncontrollable urge to tell the whole story immediately.
But she didn't know how to start the conversation.
Pei Shen will definitely be very angry. What will he do to me then?
Nanxing couldn't imagine it.
The way he was apologizing so carefully and taking such good care of himself was all just a mirage.
Because all of this is built on lies.
He will feel as guilty as he does now, and he will be just as furious when he learns the truth.
For the first time, Nanxing, who is fearless in the face of death, has been so cowardly.
After returning home, Xiu'er felt increasingly uneasy.
Meng Yulan brought a lot of things, mainly thick winter clothes and quilts, as well as pots and pans for traveling.
Meng Yulan said that we should be prepared to leave the capital, so that we don't have to rush out in a panic when the imperial decree is issued.
After seeing her off, Tang Zhuyun returned and looked at the hundreds of items, some even including an ear pick, and couldn't help but sigh.
--The gap between her and Meng Yulan is so vast that she could never catch up to them in this lifetime.
Tang Zhuyun was packing her things when she noticed Xiu'er standing there in a daze. She couldn't help but smile and say, "You should go back now. Song Jingyang will be leaving in a few days. Spend some more time with him."
She understood all too well the reluctance to part.
Xiu'er shook her head and said, "No, Your Highness, I was thinking about Nanxing."
Are you worried that Pei Shen Nanxing discover Nanxing's fraudulent activities?
In fact, Tang Zhuyun was also worried.
But as a "beneficiary," she felt that it would be too despicable for Nanxing to do that now, so she didn't say anything.
No matter what happens, the Prince's Mansion will always provide Nanxing with a place to stay.
This is something she can do.
"No," Xiu'er bit her lip, "I feel there's something strange about this."
"Um?"
"This servant believes that Pei Shen deliberately bumped into me."
The more she thought about it after she got back, the more it seemed to make sense.
Tang Zhuyun: "Impossible, how could he know about our scheme? Are you, me, Nanxing three people who know about this?"
No one else knew, let alone complained.
"Logically it should be impossible, but the way Pei Shen bumped into me was really strange."
It wasn't that she wanted to shirk responsibility, but looking back now, she realized there was something fishy going on.
Pei Shen did it on purpose, she was sure of it!
Otherwise, logically speaking, to avoid suspicion, he should have walked from the other side of himself. Why would he have passed through the narrow gap between himself and the table?
"Your Highness, don't even think about how he knew," Xiu'er said. "If he knew the truth, wouldn't Nanxing be in big trouble?"
Tang Zhuyun nodded. "They're definitely going to have a big argument."
"Arguing is nothing, I'm just afraid he might hit me."
Tang Zhuyun said, "That can't be."
Would Pei Shen really be so arrogant as to go up against an assassin like Nanxing?
"No, I can't rest easy." Xiu'er was fidgeting. "I have to think of a way to find out what's going on at the Marquis's residence."
"Don't make things worse," Tang Zhuyun hurriedly said. "If we're just overthinking things, and Pei Shen finds out we're gathering information, it might backfire."
"Then what do you suggest we do?"
"I'll go to the Marquis's residence tomorrow," Tang Zhuyun said, "And tell him I'm worried about Nanxing's health and want to check on her."
"Then can't we go today?" Xiu'er asked.
"It's not that we can't, but we feel Pei Shen might not have realized it yet. What's the point of going today if he only realizes it tonight?"
This shouldn't be done too early.
If someone as intelligent as Pei Shen doesn't suspect anything after a night, then he should be considered safe.
Xiu'er muttered to herself, "Then it's actually best to go late at night."
Tang Zhuyun smiled and said, "I know you're worried about Nanxing... Tomorrow morning, we'll go to the Marquis's residence after Pei Shen goes to court."
"Okay!" Xiu'er readily agreed.
Tang Zhuyun urged her again, "Go back and pack Song Jingyang's things. Don't come over for the next few days."
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
Song Jingyang stood pitifully rubbing his hands at the door, clearly waiting for Xiu'er.
Xiu'er glared at him fiercely, but still blushed and took her leave.
"Xiu'er, I have serious business with you," Song Jingyang said with a chuckle.
"What important business?" Xiu'er asked sternly. "I think you're only thinking about that little thing in your pants!"
Song Jingyang: "Yes, I want it all!"
Xiu'er: "..."
He is honest, though.
"I bought a piece of land in the suburbs of Beijing," Song Jingyang said, "And it's part of your dowry. Would you like to come with me to take a look?"
"Why buy land?" Xiu'er asked disdainfully. "We're about to leave the capital; we don't want to be fooled by the estate manager."
Song Jingyang: "Well, I mainly wanted to give you something. You said other things weren't practical... How about I buy you a shop instead?"
"Isn't having too much money a burden?" Xiu'er glared at him. "Where did you get the money?"
"I'm leaving Beijing soon and have received a lot of travel expenses."
"Remember to hand it in next time. Stop wasting money!"
"Hehe, okay!"
But last time, after the two of them had made love, he remembered this incident and gave Xiu'er two hundred taels of silver, which angered Xiu'er so much that she scolded him, saying that he had insulted her.
He's having such a hard time.
But it doesn't matter, whatever my wife says goes, even if she changes her mind three times a day.
The Marquis's residence, late at night.
Nanxing tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.
Pei Shen, who was still too afraid to lie down beside her, touched her forehead and said, "What's wrong? Can't you sleep? I'll talk to you."
As he spoke, he was about to put on his clothes and get up.
At this moment, Nanxing could no longer control himself.
She sat up and looked directly at Pei Shen. "I have something to tell you."
Pei Shen was taken aback, then smiled and said, "There's no need for such formality between us. Just tell me what's on your mind."
"I lied to you," Nanxing blurted out, no longer knowing what she was thinking. "The miscarriage was fake. It was just the last two days of my period, mixed with pigeon blood."
Pei Shen's gaze remained calm.
Nanxing thought, this is the Pei Shen.
Even if Mount Tai collapses before him, he will remain calm and composed.
He must be extremely angry right now, probably wishing he could beat himself up.
In fact, Nanxing would have preferred him to do that.
"I want to sow discord between you and Noble Consort Jia, and make you side with the Prince."
Pei Shen asked, "So, are you helping Prince of Jin, or Consort of the Prince of Jin?"
"I have everything," Nanxing said. "I owe the Xiao Family, and I also thank Her Highness the Princess."
What about me?
Nanxing was heartbroken.
Yes, what about Pei Shen? What exactly are her feelings for Pei Shen?
The lingering regret I've never let go of, the deep love I've never forgotten...
But for her to say she loves me now is nothing short of ironic.
Because of love, there is hurt?
Therefore, she is no longer worthy of saying "I love you".
Compared to Pei Shen loves, what does her love even amount to?
She exiled herself, yet he remained steadfast; she had no more expectations, yet he always believed.
"Little Birdie," Pei Shen pinched Nanxing's chin, forcing her to look up and stare at him with complicated, deep eyes, "What about me? What am I to you?"