Chapter Twenty-One: The Descent of the Ziwei Star

Pei Shuchen was right. The current political situation in the imperial court is volatile, and with the position of crown prince still vacant, the various princes are all eager to win the favor of the Pei family.

The Imperial Preceptor once prophesied that a "Ziwei Star" would emerge from the Pei residence within a century, and whoever possessed the Ziwei Star would possess the world.

Looking at the household, the elders of the Pei family are all of mediocre caliber. Only Pei Zhi, the legitimate son of Grand Tutor Pei, is intelligent and sensible. Despite his youth, he is already capable of grasping state affairs. He is merely waiting for the opportunity to make his mark on the list of successful candidates, and he is certain to secure the top spot in this year’s spring examinations.

Therefore, as long as Pei Zhi, this Ziwei Star, remains, the Pei residence will not fall.

However, gazing at the smiling man before her, Shen Zhining could not bring herself to feel any joy.

She cares nothing for the rise or fall of the Pei family. She only wishes to quickly resolve her troubles with Young Master Xie and return to Yun'an County as soon as possible, so she might live out a comfortable life with her parents.

Shen Zhining said with a detached air, "That may be so, but it is difficult to guard against thieves within one's own house. Naturally, one must prevent others from harboring improper intentions."

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Pei Shuchen's face.

It vanished as quickly as it had appeared, and those naturally seductive eyes lifted slightly.

"Cousin’s words also make sense," he paused, then added, "If there is truly anyone in this household plotting against you, then I, your cousin, will certainly be the first to intervene."

Shen Zhining remained silent.

Does this second cousin truly not understand her meaning, or is he feigning ignorance?

Yuzhu, meanwhile, was trembling with apprehension.

Even with her typically thick-skinned nature, she could smell the unusual scent of gunpowder between her mistress and the second young master.

Regardless of everything, Pei Shuchen is the legitimate son of the second branch. It might be one thing for her mistress to offend the other cousin, but she saw the second young master as a good person.

Why must her mistress keep him at such a distance?

Seeing the atmosphere between the two grow increasingly silent, Yuzhu hurriedly poured a cup of tea from the pot and placed it on the table.

"Second Young Master, this is Keemun black tea that my mistress brought from Yun'an County. Please, have a taste."

The tea used in the Pei household was always freshly picked Longjing of the season; Pei Shuchen had never tasted this black tea from the land of rain.

He lifted the celadon teacup, bringing it to his nose. The aroma was indeed sweet, fresh, and mellow.

Pei Shuchen smiled lightly. "I had not expected that Cousin, despite your youth, would have such an appreciation for tea. The color of this brew is bright and crimson, which suits your temperament quite well."

Shen Zhining was speechless.

"Since you are going to see the other cousin, and you have already rested for a while in Tingzhu Pavilion, you should be off now. I wouldn't want you to make a wasted trip if he is not in the residence."

Her intention to send him away was already quite obvious.

Pei Shuchen was not annoyed; he simply set down his teacup. "I heard that my elder brother is heading to the Hanlin Academy tomorrow for research. Does Cousin not intend to see him off?"

He behaved with such refined courtesy that it made Shen Zhining appear rather aggressive.

Shen Zhining frowned. She suddenly recalled that the aforementioned Young Master Xie was also studying at the Hanlin Academy. It might not be a bad idea to let Pei Zhi observe that man's character for her.

Thus, she replied, "Since you put it that way, Second Cousin, how could I refuse?"

Throughout the walk to Xiuzhu Pavilion, Shen Zhining remained in low spirits, cold and indifferent the entire way. The man following her did not mind, even offering to help her navigate the uneven paths.

Arriving at the entrance of Xiuzhu Pavilion, Pei Shuchen stepped forward and spoke to Luoxue, who was guarding the door.

"Is my elder brother in his study?"

Luoxue, dressed in black robes, nodded. "The eldest young master has just finished discussing his research with Academician Lin of the Hanlin Academy and is currently organizing ancient texts in his study."

Pei Zhi’s study was never open to outsiders; everyone in the household knew this well.

Pei Shuchen nodded, then stood still.

"Then please trouble yourself to announce us. I shall wait in the courtyard."

He was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe today, his figure tall and slender, his features as if painted. Simply standing there with such elegance was enough to make the countless young maids in the courtyard turn their heads repeatedly.

Shen Zhining cursed inwardly. The two young masters of the Pei family were even more troublesome to deal with than she was.

The scale of Xiuzhu Pavilion was more than three times larger than the courtyards of the other young masters and ladies. Even though Shen Zhining had been here countless times in her previous life, she still marveled at the exquisite layout when stepping inside.

Upon entering, one was met with a tranquil bamboo forest; as the breeze passed through, it rustled softly.

Passing through the forest, one reached an elegant square courtyard featuring a beautifully crafted gazebo adjacent to a clear pond, the water of which shimmered with a jade-like hue.

This scene reminded Shen Zhining of the small pond in the Shen family garden, which housed newborn koi.

It was a pity that this pond was empty, save for a few lonely lotus leaves drifting on the water. Shen Zhining sat in the gazebo, her body gradually growing cold.

Just as she was losing patience, the eldest cousin in his azure robes finally walked out of the study at an unhurried pace.

At the sight of his elder brother, a look of reverence immediately appeared on Pei Shuchen’s face. Since childhood, he had regarded his elder brother as his idol. Among the young men of the noble families today, who could compare to him? Even the notoriously stern Academician Lin of the Hanlin Academy spoke highly of this legitimate son of the Pei family.

And his elder brother was the sole candidate for the top spot in this year’s spring examinations.

In this world, besides his elder brother, there was no one else he admired so deeply.

Pei Shuchen held his hands respectfully before his chest. "Elder brother, I heard that you are going to the Hanlin Academy tomorrow..."

The man in azure robes glanced over and gave a faint, "Mm."

"Elder brother, I am also participating in the Hanlin Academy’s selection next month, but there are still many things I do not understand in my studies. When you return in the evenings, may I come to ask you for guidance?"

Pei Shuchen was so expectant that his fingers were tensed.

The man’s expression remained unchanged, but he gave a slight nod, agreeing to his cousin's request.

Pei Shuchen was overjoyed; it was the first time his elder brother had given him such a prompt answer.

As he followed Pei Zhi toward the main house, he suddenly remembered the cousin he had left behind in the gazebo.

He spoke in a low voice.

"Elder brother, there is one more thing."

"Yes?"

"On my way here, I passed by Tingzhu Pavilion. Cousin heard that you were heading to the Hanlin Academy tomorrow, and she came specifically to see you off."

Pei Zhi’s footsteps faltered, nearly causing the man behind him to bump into him.

Cousin?

He recalled the cousin with the flushed face in the carriage that day, though he had not seen her since the family banquet.

She actually remembered that he was going to the Hanlin Academy... and had come specifically to bid him farewell?

Pei Zhi’s expression shifted slightly.

"Since she is here, please invite her over."

Pei Shuchen acknowledged him and hurried to bring her over from the gazebo.

Shen Zhining was wearing a pale pink top with a chrysanthemum pattern, paired with a pleated Ruyi skirt.

Because she had been dragged over by Pei Shuchen right after waking up, her hair was loose, save for a single jade hairpin securing a relaxed coil on the right side.

As she walked, her skirt hem fluttered softly like blooming petals.

With her delicate features and graceful demeanor, she bowed to the cold, ethereal man before her.

"Cousin."