Volume XIII: Dreaming Back a Thousand Years - Chapter V: The Master of Peony Pavilion

Within the array, Yaoguang cradled Big Head and followed behind the maidservant into an independent courtyard on the eastern side. Stepping through the courtyard gate, one was first greeted by a magnificent stone-carved screen adorned with blooming peonies. Walking around the screen, Yaoguang saw that the courtyard was filled with all sorts of peonies. It was precisely the season for the peonies to be in full bloom, and great clusters of them swayed gently in the breeze, possessing a beauty that could topple cities and kingdoms.

"Peonies before the steps lack the spirit of enchantment, lotus flowers on the terrace possess too little emotion; only the peony is truly of national splendor, when the flowers bloom they stir the capital city. These peonies are blossoming so splendidly." Yaoguang held Big Head, walked up to the blossoms, and gazed at the massive clusters of peonies. For a moment, she fell into a trance, dreaming back a thousand years. The peonies were still as intoxicatingly beautiful as ever, but would Sheng Chuhan now know that one day in the future, he would scour the entire world for peonies just for her? Would he also know that the Phoenix Hall of the Imperial Palace would one day stand empty with people gone and rooms deserted?

A trace of sorrow crossed Yaoguang's features. It turned out that some memories were not truly nonexistent just because one had forgotten them; when recalled inadvertently, they would still disturb one's heart and mind. Those memories, whether forgotten or not, remained right there without ever departing.

"Milady? Milady?" Seeing her lost in thought, the maidservant gently tapped her.

"Ah?" Yaoguang came back to her senses and looked at the maidservant.

"Milady, the Second Young Master has arrived." The maidservant's gaze shifted toward the entrance. Yaoguang followed her line of sight and looked toward the gate. Sheng Chuhan, dressed in white brocade, was standing right in front of the large screen, smiling as he looked at her.

In Sheng Chuhan's eyes, this single glance became eternal. Under the sunlight, before the peonies, that graceful woman in white holding a pink-headed sprite, turning her head to cast a glance at him—that look was breathtakingly alluring. In that moment, tender feelings quietly sprouted; on that day, time stood still and tranquil; in that year, the courtyard was overflowing with peonies.

Yet what Sheng Chuhan did not know was that this single glance laid the foundation for their legendary love spanning dynasties; this glance forged his path of iron hoofs and flying banners; this glance drove him to conquer and rule the world under heaven. And it was also this single glance that left his heart hollowed out for the rest of his life.

"Chuhan pays his respects to Milady. Father sent me to check whether Milady is satisfied with the arrangements." Sheng Chuhan cupped his hands and bowed to Yaoguang.

Yaoguang politely returned the courtesy: "Many thanks to the Duke, and many thanks to the Second Young Master. Everything is wonderful. I am endlessly grateful."

"Milady is too courteous. Please rest first; when the evening banquet arrives, I shall come to invite Milady." After saying this, Sheng Chuhan cupped his fists once more.

"Thank you, Second Young Master, for your trouble." Yaoguang returned the bow.

After Sheng Chuhan departed, Yaoguang, accompanied by the maidservant, took a brief tour of the peony garden. The Peony Pavilion consisted of three tiers of courtyards connected in the middle by covered corridors, with artificial mountains, a lotus pond, and a pavilion on the western side. It could be described as serene, elegant, and marvelous beyond words.

The Peony Pavilion itself served as the main hall. Entering through the doors led first to a formal parlor, further inside was a study, and upstairs lay the boudoir. The entire decoration adopted the gentle style favored by women.

"Who was the original owner of this Peony Pavilion?" Yaoguang asked.

"Replying to Milady, the Peony Pavilion has never had an owner," the maidservant replied.

"And why is that?" Yaoguang asked, though she already knew the truth.

"Because the Master has no daughters. This Peony Pavilion was originally built to be the residence for a daughter. However, Madam never conceived again after giving birth to the Fourth Young Master, so the Peony Pavilion has remained vacant ever since. It has been a lingering sorrow in the hearts of the Master and Madam. Now that Milady has taken up residence here, it can truly be called a great joyous occasion," the maidservant answered.

"So that's how it is. Thank you," Yaoguang said.

"Milady is too kind, this maid wouldn't dare," the maidservant immediately knelt.

"Get up, don't just drop to your knees at every turn." Yaoguang pulled the maidservant up, walked over to the bed, and sat down gently. "Uhm, could you pour me a cup of water?"

"Someone come," the maidservant beckoned toward the doorway. Over a dozen maidservants filed in sequentially, each carrying a tray filled with an array of tea, pastries, and fruits that dazzled the eye. Yaoguang was astonished.

A maidservant handed over a cup of tea. Yaoguang did not stand on ceremony; she took a sip and ate a few pastries, then turned to the maidservant from earlier and asked, "What is your name?"

"This maid is called Ke'er," Ke'er replied.

"Ke'er, I cannot possibly finish all of these treats by myself. Divide them up among everyone," Yaoguang instructed.

"Ah, this maid wouldn't dare." Hearing Yaoguang's words, all the maidservants dropped to their knees with loud thuds, giving Yaoguang quite a start.

"Get up, all of you, get up." Yaoguang hurriedly pulled them to their feet, feeling somewhat abrupt. The mindset under this feudal rule truly was something else. Tonight, Sheng Jin渊 would formally announce her as his adopted daughter and officially install her as the master of the Peony Pavilion, so she could set down rules after today. Otherwise, people would think her frivolous and arrogant. "Sigh, you lot... very well, just put these down and go about your duties."

Ke'er nodded. The maidservants briskly set the items down and filed out one by one.

Yaoguang ate leisurely by herself; she wouldn't have time to fill her stomach tonight. Eating her fill now would save her from suffering later.

Outside the magical array, Jelly lay prone atop the male immortal's head: "Meow-meows are foodies no matter where they go."

"Hahaha." The male immortal laughed heartily, and everyone around joined in.

Inside the Peony Pavilion, Yaoguang rested for a short while before several maidservants entered to help her bathe, change, and style her hair. It took nearly an hour to complete. Yaoguang kept her eyes closed and feigned sleep throughout the entire process—they could fuss all they wanted as long as she cooperated.

"Milady, it is done," Ke'er said.

Yaoguang opened her eyes and was momentarily stunned. Well now—she wore a floating-cloud chignon and peach-blossom makeup, vibrant yet not seductive, fresh and refined. Draped over her was a water-red silk fairy dress with a five-foot-long train consisting of seven layers, yet it felt weightless, crafted entirely from the finest silk and sheer gauze. Such luxurious attire! Yaoguang felt as though she had transformed into a different person. Dressing like this truly looked stunning, though it was somewhat inconvenient for combat back at Heavenly Sword Sect. Yaoguang turned around and picked up Big Head, who was staring at her with a pair of wide, unblinking eyes from the bed. Big Head settled onto Yaoguang's shoulder, wrapping its tiny hands around her neck.

Following behind Ke'er and supported by a maidservant, Yaoguang descended the stairs, where Sheng Chuhan was already waiting in the courtyard.

"Milady, please." Sheng Chuhan stepped aside and made an inviting gesture.

Yaoguang curtsied to Sheng Chuhan and followed him toward the grand banquet hall. As they approached the hall, the sounds of a bustling crowd reached their ears, brimming with lively festivity.

Resting her hand on the maidservant's arm, Yaoguang slowly walked inside. Instantly, everyone's gaze was drawn to her.

Standing beside Sheng Chuhan was a man in green robes wearing a plain crown. His features were upright and his gaze piercing—Liu Chenggong, Sheng Jin渊's military strategist, who would later become Sheng Chuhan's tactician. This man was an extraordinary figure, exceptionally proficient in military strategy, tactical formations, astromancy, divination, poetry, and classical rites.

At that moment, Liu Chenggong's eyes were locked onto Yaoguang. In his gaze, confusion first appeared, followed by astonishment, and then wild delight. He leaned over and whispered a few words into Sheng Jin渊's ear, causing Sheng Jin渊 to startle before breaking into a hearty laugh.

Yaoguang had already drawn near. She curtsied to Sheng Jin渊 and the assembly, respectfully saying, "This humble maiden, Phoenix, pays her respects to the Duke, to Madam, and to all the honored lords."

"Quickly, rise," Sheng Jin渊 smiled. "As everyone already knows, Miss Phoenix is the savior of the Sheng family. My only regret in life has been having no daughters. Today, here, I wish to ask all of you to act as witnesses: from this day forward, Miss Phoenix shall be my adopted daughter and take up residence as the master of the Peony Pavilion."

As soon as Sheng Jin渊's voice fell, a chorus of congratulations erupted.

"Phoenix, how old are you this year?" Madam Sheng spoke up at this moment.

"Replying to Madam, this daughter is twenty this year," Yaoguang replied.

"Chuxue is twenty-three this year, Chuhan twenty-one, while Chuhui and Chuyu have not yet reached adulthood. Husband, according to her age, Phoenix should be the third eldest in the family," Madam Sheng smiled.

Sheng Jin渊 nodded in strong agreement. "I wonder what Phoenix thinks of this?"

"This humble maiden, Phoenix, is deeply favored by the Duke and feels endlessly grateful. This daughter pays her respects to Father and Mother." With these words, Yaoguang bowed deeply. A maidservant brought forward tea, and Yaoguang presented the cup before rising. "This younger sister greets Eldest Brother and Second Brother." She then bowed toward Sheng Chuhui and Sheng Chuyu: "Greetings, Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother."

Another wave of mutual congratulations and formal greetings ensued.

In that fleeting instant, Yaoguang caught distinct expressions in the eyes of the four young men: Sheng Chuxue's eyes held gratification, Sheng Chuhan's joy, Sheng Chuhui's disdain, and Sheng Chuyu's amusement.

"Duke, this young lady is extraordinary," Liu Chenggong spoke up at this point.

"How so?" Sheng Jin渊 asked.

"This young lady has a wondrous bone structure, and her entire aura carries a purple radiance. Observing her physiognomy, she is no mortal being. Forgive my boldness, but Miss Phoenix has descended from the heavens as an immortal being. To the Duke, she is not merely a savior and an adopted daughter, but a noble benefactor. With Miss Phoenix here, she will lead the Sheng family to soar to unprecedented heights." After saying this, Liu Chenggong looked at Yaoguang with glowing eyes, his face full of praise.

"Sir flatters me too much; this humble maiden is undeserving of such praise," Yaoguang curtsied to Liu Chenggong.

Liu Chenggong hastily waved his hands: "Milady, this subordinate cannot bear your bow; you are a noble person of great fortune."

"Sir is too modest. With your boundless talents and equal standing among all the lords as Father's right-hand men, how could I, a mere woman, dare to treat you with disrespect?" Yaoguang rose and replied softly.

The hall was filled with sounds of praise, and Sheng Jin渊 grinned from ear to ear. Inadvertently, Yaoguang cast a grateful glance at Liu Chenggong. His words had not been false, but because of them, her status within the Sheng family became even more prestigious.

"May I ask, Milady, is the creature on your shoulder a sprite?" Liu Chenggong asked, looking at Big Head on Yaoguang's shoulder.

"Sir is correct, it is indeed," Yaoguang nodded.

"Sprites are born from the spiritual essence of heaven, earth, sun, and moon. They are rarely encountered, let alone willing to interact with humans. Milady is truly an immortal, and this sprite is also no ordinary creature. Congratulations, Milady," Liu Chenggong cupped his fists.

"Thank you, Sir," Yaoguang replied politely.

Big Head clutched Yaoguang's neck, staring with a pair of watery, wide eyes, remaining completely silent. Inwardly, Big Head was on the verge of a breakdown—it was hungry...

After another round of polite pleasantries, the banquet officially commenced. Naturally, Yaoguang had to offer toasts. After three rounds of drinks, everyone in the hall was slightly intoxicated, leaving only Yaoguang and Madam sober—Madam had only tasted her wine lightly, while Yaoguang was simply immune to drunkenness.

Able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, Yaoguang once again astonished everyone—what an extraordinary woman! As for Big Head, it sat on Yaoguang's shoulder simply eating away. Yaoguang navigated the social interactions with effortless grace, while Big Head gorged itself heartily upon her shoulder.

The banquet concluded amidst clinking goblets and joyous laughter. Yaoguang returned to the Peony Pavilion.

Big Head let out a massive yawn. Yaoguang placed Big Head on the bed and walked outside, where all the servants, maids, and attendants of the Peony Pavilion were standing.

"Everyone, today, thanks to the Duke's profound favor, I have taken up residence in the Peony Garden. From now on, I am the Duke's daughter, the master of the Peony Pavilion, and naturally your mistress. Today, I am setting down rules for the Peony Pavilion. First, from now on, none of you need to kneel when seeing me. Second, when there are no outsiders in the Peony Pavilion, you do not need to walk on eggshells. Third, from now on in the Peony Pavilion, whatever I eat, you eat as well. Preparing so much food only to have it left over is such a waste." Yaoguang looked over the crowd and added, "One final thing: remember, loyalty. Very well, all of you go get some rest."

"Thank you, Milady." The crowd was just about to drop to their knees when they caught Yaoguang's murderous glare, forcing themselves to remain upright. Yaoguang nodded in satisfaction, and the servants withdrew.

Ke'er followed Yaoguang back into the room.

Before long, a maidservant brought in a late-night snack. Yaoguang pulled Ke'er down to sit and eat with her: "Ke'er, join me. You didn't get to eat at the banquet."

Ke'er looked at Yaoguang with immense gratitude, unable to utter a single word for a long time. The Duke's family was already generous enough, but this newly arrived young mistress was simply beyond kind. Not needing to kneel—she had never heard of such a thing in her entire life!

"Why are you just standing there dazed? If you don't eat, the dishes will get cold." Yaoguang had already picked up her chopsticks.

Tears welled up in Ke'er's eyes. She hurriedly wiped them away with her handkerchief and began to eat.

"Why are you being so constrained? If you go hungry tonight, you'll be the one suffering," Yaoguang said as she tucked in heartily.

Ke'er nodded and began to eat as well. This was the happiest meal Ke'er had ever eaten in all her years.

When it was time to sleep, Ke'er was stubbornly forced by Yaoguang to sleep on the daybed nearby. Yaoguang reasoned righteously: "Sleeping on the floor—aren't you afraid of catching a chill? Pass my words down: from now on, whoever stands night watch must sleep on the daybed. If I ever see anyone sleeping on the floor again, they'll be sent to sleep in the outdoor pavilion."

That night, everyone in the Peony Pavilion, including the guards on duty, spent a sleepless night, all whispering among themselves: was the new young mistress some kind of living bodhisattva...?