MFURCC -Chapter 83 Bringing Them Together

Changlong Temple was a long way off. Even at the fastest pace, it would take two hours by carriage to arrive.

After such a bumpy ride, one’s whole body would ache.

Nanny Jiang had long considered this. She had laid two thick layers of bedding inside the carriage and prepared a bolster pillow for Liuzheng. There were also fruits and pastries stored inside, ensuring she wouldn’t go hungry on the road.

Liuzheng smiled the moment she stepped into the carriage and saw everything.

Anyone unaware of the situation might think she was heading out for an autumn outing.

Fortunately, the Madam had already left. If she had seen this, who knew what sarcastic remarks she would have made?

“Nanny, there’s really no need to go to so much trouble,” Liuzheng said.

“What trouble is this? If you’re jolted and hurt, that would be real trouble.”

Liuzheng had wanted to explain that she had endured far greater hardships at the border. Sitting in a carriage for two hours was nothing to her.

But the words stopped at her lips.

Back then, hardship had been unavoidable. Now that she no longer needed to suffer, why endure it for nothing?

She had struggled at the frontier for nine years—didn’t she deserve to enjoy some comfort?

Besides, this was Nanny Jiang’s heartfelt care. Liuzheng couldn’t bear to dampen her goodwill.

So she said no more. After a soft, “You’ve worked hard, Nanny,” she settled down steadily in her seat.

Aside from Nanny Jiang, Liuzheng also brought Yuliu and Bao Qin along on this trip to Changlong Temple.

Without Bao Qin, no one would do her hair.

Yuliu, meanwhile, had other arrangements.

Pan Hong and two of his men accompanied them as well—all trusted subordinates.

Liuzheng shared a carriage with Nanny Jiang, while Yuliu and Bao Qin rode in the donkey cart behind them.

After a while, feeling bored, Liuzheng had the two come down from the donkey cart and join her in the carriage. Chatting and laughing together, the journey passed in the blink of an eye.

Just as they were about to reach the foot of the mountain, Pan Hong rode up and knocked on the window frame.

“Miss, there’s a carriage ahead that seems to have broken down. Judging from the emblem, it belongs to the Minister of Justice’s household.”

Liuzheng’s eyelids twitched.

The Minister of Justice… Pei Yunlian.

Pei Yunlian was one of Prince Su’s people, though he kept it well hidden. Liuzheng had only learned of it years after her death, when she had become a wandering ghost.

Before that, she and the other nobles in the capital had believed Pei Yunlian to be politically neutral.

“Go take a look. See what’s happened and whether they need help,” Liuzheng said.

Since they were on the same side, it was only natural to lend a hand.

“Yes!”

Pan Hong spurred his horse forward.

Liuzheng’s carriage waited in place.

Before long, Pan Hong returned.

“It is indeed Minister Pei and Madam Pei.”

He explained that today Madam Pei had come to Changlong Temple to fulfill a vow on behalf of Pei Yunlian, but unfortunately, their wheel had broken.

“Their guards have gone to nearby households to borrow a carriage. But Madam Pei says they must arrive before a certain hour to fulfill the vow. I’m afraid they won’t make it in time…”

Liuzheng nodded.

“I’ll go take a look.”

Nanny Jiang had just lifted the curtain to prepare a footstool when Liuzheng had already jumped down lightly from the carriage and walked toward Pei Yunlian.

Pei Yunlian, as Minister of Justice, held the rank of Senior Second Grade. Liuzheng stepped forward and saluted him.

“Your subordinate Liuzheng greets Lord Pei.”

Pei Yunlian was visibly surprised to see her. His clear eyes studied her briefly before he returned the courtesy with a smile.

“So it’s General Ruan. I had thought just now it was some young lady from another household.” He turned to his mother and introduced her, “This is the Zhaoyong General.”

Madam Pei’s eyes widened in shock.

“Y-you are General Ruan?”

She had imagined the famed female general to be large and rough like a man…

Instead, Liuzheng was slender and willowy, her waist delicate enough to encircle with one hand, her features breathtakingly beautiful.

“Madam Pei, greetings.”

Madam Pei came to her senses at once, her smile dazzling.

“Forgive my rudeness, General Ruan. You are simply too striking—I was momentarily stunned.”

Liuzheng smiled gracefully, thanking her for the compliment before saying, “I heard your carriage has broken down. If you don’t mind, I’m also heading to Changlong Temple. Why not allow me to give you a ride?”

Pei Yunlian was about to express his thanks when his mother readily agreed.

“That would be wonderful! We’re going to fulfill a vow today—we mustn’t miss the hour. I’m afraid we’ll trouble you, General Ruan.”

“No trouble at all. Shall we set off then?”

“Yes, yes!”

She turned and glared at her son. “What are you standing there for? Get in! General Ruan is being kind—we mustn’t disappoint her.”

Pei Yunlian noticed the donkey cart behind the carriage and said, “Mother may take the carriage. I’ll ride in the donkey cart.”

Men and women should keep proper distance. Moreover… Prince Su’s feelings toward Ruan Liuzheng…

His health was already frail—he did not wish to die even sooner.

“I’m sorry to trouble Lord Pei,” Liuzheng said.

“It is already fortunate not to have to walk.”

He bowed slightly.

Liuzheng quickly stepped aside to avoid accepting such courtesy. Her current rank did not permit her to receive a bow from him.

Pei Yunlian smiled and went to the donkey cart.

Madam Pei, seeing Liuzheng’s propriety, smiled even more brightly.

The two stepped onto the carriage with the help of the footstool.

Inside, the carriage had been rearranged. Yuliu and Bao Qin stepped down to walk alongside, while Nanny Jiang remained to attend to the two ladies.

Soon they resumed their journey.

Madam Pei was especially warm, taking Liuzheng’s hand and inquiring about her situation.

“How old is General Ruan?”

“Twenty-three.”

Liuzheng had enlisted in place of her brother at fourteen and spent nine years at the frontier—she was now twenty-three.

Fortunately, in Great Jin, marriage age tended to be later. Twenty-three was not considered too old.

Madam Pei was even more satisfied.

Twenty-three—just the right age for childbearing.

“Are you married, General Ruan?”

The question felt oddly familiar to Liuzheng, as though someone had asked her the same before—but she couldn’t recall who.

“No.”

She added, “My foundations are still shallow. I have no such plans for now.”

Madam Pei was slightly disappointed but quickly perked up again.

She asked about Liuzheng’s interests.

Upon hearing that she loved martial training and was unskilled in incense-burning, embroidery, poetry, and painting, Madam Pei did not mind in the least—in fact, she seemed even more pleased.

“Practicing martial arts is good. It strengthens the body. Unlike Yunlian… he’s been frail since childhood.”

To her, poetry and painting meant little. What mattered was health.

Though Liuzheng looked slender, her wrists were strong—clearly she was robust.

Unlike certain delicate young ladies in the capital who looked as though a breeze might topple them, making her worry whether they would live long.

“Are you also going to Changlong Temple to fulfill a vow?” Madam Pei asked.

Liuzheng shook her head. “My elder brother’s leg ailment has long defied treatment. I came with my grandmother to pray for him. I was delayed by matters and set off separately.”

“I see. So Old Madam Ruan is at the temple. Once we arrive, do take me to see her.”

“Of course.”

Madam Pei hardly stopped talking the entire way.

At first, Liuzheng simply thought her naturally enthusiastic. Gradually, however, she discerned the meaning behind it.

Madam Pei had taken a liking to her.

Liuzheng had never considered marriage. Her great vengeance remained unfulfilled—she had no heart for such matters.

But if it were Pei Yunlian… it might not be impossible.

His health was poor. Likely he could not perform marital relations—she would not have to endure childbirth.

And he would not live long.

Her future life would remain free.

Furthermore, the Pei household was simple. Lord Pei had died early; the older generation was long gone. Only Pei Yunlian and Madam Pei remained in the residence.

Madam Pei was straightforward—they would likely get along.

Pei Yunlian himself was gentle, without bad habits. If she must marry one day, he was indeed a good choice.

Moreover, though he was Prince Su’s man, the court believed him neutral. Marrying him would be safe.

After weighing everything, Liuzheng found him an excellent candidate.

Thus, upon sensing Madam Pei’s intentions, not only did she not resist, she became even more patient in conversation.

Whether it succeeded or not was secondary—building goodwill was never wrong.

Soon they arrived at Changlong Temple.

Liuzheng alighted first, then turned and helped Madam Pei down.

When Pei Yunlian stepped down from the donkey cart behind them, he saw both his mother and Liuzheng smiling brightly.

His steps faltered.

No way…

“Yunlian!”

Madam Pei beckoned him over.

“I must first see the abbot. You accompany Yaoyao to greet Old Madam Ruan. She and your late grandmother were dear friends. Offer my greetings and tell her I will send an invitation for tea another day.”

She was openly matchmaking, giving the two a chance to speak.

Pei Yunlian’s already frail body now looked as if it might collapse.

“Mother, I’ll go with you to see the abbot first. We can visit Old Madam Ruan together afterward.”

“Why so many words? Just go when I tell you!”

She gave him a push forward, then left with her maid, abandoning him there.

Pei Yunlian stood awkwardly and forced a dry smile at Liuzheng.

“My mother is always so impetuous. I hope General Ruan will not take offense.”

Liuzheng curved her lips in a faint smile. “Madam Pei is quite charming. I feel a great affinity with her.”

Pei Yunlian suddenly felt a chill.

He forced himself to steady his spirit. “General Ruan, where is Old Madam now? I’ll trouble you to lead the way.”

There was an inexplicable distance in his tone.

Liuzheng was puzzled.

Why?

Could it be… he had seen through his mother’s intentions and had no interest in her?

Liuzheng gave a self-mocking smile.

She had finally thought she’d found a suitable candidate, only to discover he had no such intention.

If so, she would not dwell on it.

Composed and generous, she led the way.

“At this hour, my grandmother should have finished her meal. She always sits a while after lunch to aid digestion before her nap. I’ll take you there. If she’s already asleep, there’s no need for you to wait—I can pass on Madam Pei’s message.”

“Very well.” He spoke sparingly now, not another word more.

They walked in silence to the rear courtyard of the temple.

After inquiring, Liuzheng learned that her grandmother had already gone to rest.

She was about to step out and inform Pei Yunlian that he needn’t trouble himself further—

When she saw the Madam speaking with him.