After the Second Playthrough, the CP-Less Female Lead Kneels and Begs Me for Forgiveness [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 30

In the city of Yuzhou, there was virtually no one who did not know of the Pei family.

The Pei were the local wealthiest clan, possessing a vast estate and great influence. Master Pei and Madam Pei had been a devoted couple since their youth, remaining deeply in love to this day. Master Pei had never taken a concubine, and the two had been blessed with two daughters.

The eldest daughter, Pei Ming, was scouted by an old Taoist priest in her youth and taken away to practice cultivation and mystic arts; she remained away from home for most of the year.

The second daughter was wooden and dull by nature, and her eye color was unlike that of an ordinary person.

Consequently, the folk of Yuzhou often said that whoever could marry a daughter of the Pei family would essentially ascend to heaven in a single bound.

The Wang family of Yuzhou held exactly such an ambition. While the Wangs were considered wealthy by local standards, there was still a significant gap between them and the Pei family. Master Wang had long set his sights on the Pei.

His original target was the eldest daughter, but Pei Ming appeared to be a formidable and difficult person to deal with. Thus, he shifted his focus to the second daughter.

He instructed his youngest son to make contact with her, but after a long period of effort, there had been no progress. He was on the verge of giving up when he unexpectedly received a letter from the Pei family.

After reading the letter, Master Wang stroked his beard.

He asked Madam Wang beside him, “I feel like something is wrong. This is far too rushed.”

Madam Wang patted his shoulder. “What’s wrong with that? Even if we don’t get the Pei family’s entire fortune, at least we’ve secured a wife for Chen’er.” Ever since “that incident” occurred, virtually every young woman in Yuzhou had been avoiding their son.

“And if you ask me,” she continued, “the Pei assets will eventually fall to the two daughters anyway. It’s quite likely Pei Xi will get more. After all, Pei Ming is always away and surely isn’t close to Pei Qing and his wife.”

Master Wang pondered this. His wife’s words made sense. For years, no scandals had ever emerged from the Pei household.

They were known for being loving to their family and kind to others.

Furthermore, when Yuzhou faced hardships, the Pei family would offer a helping hand. Pei Qing’s reputation in the city was exceptionally good—save for recent rumors about him taking a concubine and being utterly infatuated with her.

Thinking of his youngest son, Master Wang said, “But the Pei family couldn’t possibly be ignorant of Chen’er’s past actions. You think this…” He was well aware of his son’s true character.

Madam Wang interrupted him: “Perhaps that Xi girl was moved by Chen’er’s persistence. Once she enters our home, we’ll just have to keep a close eye on Chen’er.”

Master Wang asked, “Then shall we bring the betrothal gifts and visit them tomorrow?”

Madam Wang nodded. “To avoid any complications from a delay.”

The following day, the Wang couple arrived at the Pei residence with their youngest son, Wang Chen.

The great gates of the Pei mansion slowly swung open, and Madam Pei, dressed impeccably, stood at the entrance to greet them personally.

“Oh, please, come in quickly!” Madam Pei showed extraordinary warmth as she led them into the main hall.

The servants carrying the betrothal gifts followed behind. Once they were seated, servants poured tea for everyone. The gifts were displayed in the center of the hall.

Madam Wang gave a meaningful look to Wang Chen, who was spacing out beside her.

Wang Chen immediately understood. He bowed to Madam Pei and said, “Junior Wang Chen pays his respects to Auntie Pei.”

Madam Pei nodded with a smile and went straight to the point: “The letter yesterday made my intentions very clear.”

“I wish to betroth Xi’er to you. I wonder if you are willing?”

Upon hearing this, Wang Chen nodded repeatedly. “Of course, I am certainly willing! I have long been infatuated with Sister Xi. Now that I have your word, Auntie, I am naturally beyond willing.”

“We have come today specifically to present the betrothal gifts.”

Though Wang Chen had average features, he possessed a scholarly air, making his words sound quite sincere.

Madam Pei laughed. “Good, good. My Xi’er is also very willing.”

Wang Chen bowed again and handed the list of betrothal gifts to Madam Pei. She opened it and scanned it quickly, appearing quite satisfied.

At this point, Master Wang spoke up.

“Umm, Madam Pei, why do we not see Master Pei?”

As soon as he asked, he saw Madam Pei’s expression change. Sorrow clouded her brow.

Madam Pei was a beauty; even nearing forty, she remained elegant, possessing a grace refined by the years—at least on the surface.

She sighed mournfully. “My husband has been bedridden with illness lately and truly cannot receive you, Master Wang. Please do not take offense.”

Madam Pei spoke with such sincerity and acted so convincingly—coupled with the recent rumors among local physicians about Pei Qing—that the Wang couple believed her almost entirely.

The Wangs exchanged a look, each harboring their own private thoughts.

Madam Wang changed the subject: “By the way, why haven’t we seen Xi’er?”

Madam Pei replied, “The girl might be out playing somewhere. I’ll send someone to call for her.”

Madam Wang waved her hand hurriedly. “No need, no need. Let Xi’er play.”

However, Madam Pei had already summoned a servant: “Go look for the Second Miss.”

The maid replied, “Yes, Ma’am.”

Madam Pei turned back to Madam Wang and said, “It’s time to call you ‘In-law’ now. Come, let us pick an auspicious date for Chen’er and Xi’er.”

At that moment, Pei Xi was in Shao Xibei’s courtyard.

She had gone to see Pei Qing today; he lay on his bed unconscious, with Pei Ming keeping watch beside him. Without Pei Qing’s orders, this courtyard could now be entered and exited freely.

However, almost no one ever came.

With Master Pei bedridden, Madam Pei was the one in charge, and virtually every servant knew she disliked the concubine in the side courtyard. Thus, no one wanted to provoke her. Besides, that person was a stranger to them—whether she lived or died was none of their concern.

So, no one came to this remote courtyard, except for Pei Xi.

As usual, Pei Xi carried the food container to Shao Xibei’s room. She arranged the dishes one by one and sat quietly, watching Shao Xibei.

Today, Shao Xibei felt even more exhausted. Looking at the few light dishes on the table, she had no appetite at all.

She took a couple of bites, swallowed slowly, and said, “Xiao Xi, I don’t want to eat.”

Pei Xi asked, “Is it not good?”

Shao Xibei shook her head. “No, I just don’t have much of an appetite today.”

Pei Xi didn’t know what to say to that.

Shao Xibei wiped her mouth and stood up. She went to the door and opened it. The sunlight poured in, making her pale skin look almost transparent, as if she might melt into the light.

Facing the sun, Shao Xibei stretched, feeling her bones let out a series of crisp cracks.

Her long curly hair had never been tied up since she arrived here; it always hung loose over her shoulders, and it was the same today. The clothes Pei Qing sent were all white, made of high-quality silk. To be honest, Shao Xibei liked them; they were very comfortable.

She walked to the center of the courtyard, and Pei Xi followed her.

“How beautiful,” Shao Xibei remarked, looking at Pei Xi.

Pei Xi looked back at her. “Yes, it’s very good.” She enjoyed being with this person; even just standing in the courtyard soaking up the sun felt right.

Shao Xibei reached out and pulled a strand of her own hair. “Xiao Xi, look at how curly my hair is. It’s different from everyone else’s. Isn’t it strange?”

Pei Xi replied very seriously, “It’s not strange at all… it’s very beautiful.” After the compliment, her ears felt a bit hot; it was her first time being so blunt with praise.

Shao Xibei smiled. “So, you see, being special isn’t a bad thing.”

Before Pei Xi could process those words, Shao Xibei continued, “By the way, I should be able to go out now, shouldn’t I?”

Pei Xi nodded.

Pei Qing was unconscious and had no energy to manage this place.

Shao Xibei patted her thin cheeks. “Then can I go see what’s outside the courtyard?”

Pei Xi hesitated. “But your body…”

Shao Xibei waved it off dismissively. “It’s fine, it’s fine. These are just old ailments. I won’t die just yet.”

Pei Xi fell silent. She realized she didn’t like how this person was always talking about death.

“Can your illness… be cured?” Pei Xi asked.

Shao Xibei tilted her head and thought for a moment. Her mind was a complete blank; she didn’t even know what illness she had.

Nevertheless, she replied with a smile, “Perhaps.” Having said that, she reached out and took hold of Pei Xi’s wrist.

“Let’s go. I’ve been here for so long, yet I haven’t even gone out to see the place.” As she spoke, her voice took on a slightly aggrieved tone.

Looking at this woman who was taller than her, older than her, and technically her stepmother in status, Pei Xi’s heart softened inexplicably. She said, “If you feel unwell, you must tell me.”

Shao Xibei joked, “Haha, yes, yes, yes, I will definitely tell ‘Lord Xi’.” She really was like a little adult.

And so, Shao Xibei pulled Pei Xi out of the small courtyard where she had lived for nearly a month.

Opening the courtyard gate revealed a lush bamboo forest. Pei Xi pointed to a small path nearby: “Go this way.”

Shao Xibei turned and followed the path out. After walking a short distance, they emerged from the bamboo grove.

Only upon stepping out did she realize how dilapidated the small courtyard she had stayed in truly was. Looking around out here, clusters of flowers were in full bloom everywhere; at a glance, it felt like being submerged in a sea of blossoms.

Exquisite rockeries stood in the middle of a pond, with an occasional red koi leaping out of the clear water. Though the path was paved with pebbles, it looked perfectly smooth. There was even a bridge constructed over the pond.

Everywhere revealed a sense of meticulous arrangement.

Pei Xi took the initiative to introduce, “This is the garden.”

Shao Xibei nodded and continued forward along the path.

The Pei family was small and did not employ many servants. This garden was pruned regularly at specific intervals, so people were rarely seen here on ordinary days.

As the two walked, Shao Xibei suddenly saw someone running toward them from a distance.

The person ran closer, and upon spotting Pei Xi, their movements became even swifter. As they ran, they shouted, “Second Miss! Second Miss, so you’re here! I’ve been looking everywhere for you—Madam wants you to go to the main hall!”

It was a young girl, about twelve or thirteen years old, with her hair tied in two buns and a somewhat round face.

Appearing exhausted from running, she reached the two of them and immediately leaned her hands on her knees, panting heavily. Once she caught her breath and straightened up, she looked up only to realize that someone else was standing beside the Second Miss.

The maid was stunned. As she looked closer, she couldn’t help but take a sharp breath. Being young and unable to hide her feelings, she let out an exclamation: “What a beautiful person!” Realizing her slip of the tongue, she quickly lowered her head.

Shao Xibei laughed, “Haha, Xiao Xi, this girl is quite interesting.”

Pei Xi only gave a low “Mhm.” She didn’t like Shao Xibei speaking about others that way.

Pei Xi asked the maid, “Xiao Zhu, what does Mother want with me?”

Xiao Zhu kept her head down. “Second Miss, it seems like people from that Wang family have arrived.”

Pei Xi’s fingers trembled. She said, “I understand. You go back first; I will be there shortly.”

Xiao Zhu nodded. Thinking she was being subtle when she was actually being quite blatant, she stole a glance at Shao Xibei, bowed, and ran off.

Pei Xi said to Shao Xibei, “I’m sorry, I can’t accompany you anymore.”

Shao Xibei narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. She asked, “Can I go with you?”

Pei Xi was stunned. “I…”

Shao Xibei didn’t wait for her answer. “Alright, it’s settled. Let’s go, let’s go.”

Since Shao Xibei had put it that way, Pei Xi had no intention of resisting. She led Shao Xibei toward the main hall.

Along the way, the servants they encountered either bowed to Pei Xi or took secret glances at Shao Xibei behind her. Pei Xi could hear the servants whispering.

“So beautiful… Is she a friend of the Second Miss?”

“Probably not. The age difference seems a bit large; she looks more like a friend of the Eldest Miss.”

“I’ve never seen anyone so good-looking. Her hair is even curly. I heard people from the Western Regions have curly hair; do you think she’s from there?”

“She looks like the immortals described in storybooks.”

Whether male or female voices, almost all were praising Shao Xibei.

At that moment, Pei Xi realized the vast chasm that existed between the two of them. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it the difference between clouds and mud. A wave of dejection suddenly flooded her heart, but her outward expression remained unchanged.

Shao Xibei also heard the voices praising her, but she seemed accustomed to it and felt nothing at all. Instead, she was quite interested in what was about to happen next.

The Pei mansion was large—at least Shao Xibei thought so. It took nearly the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn to walk from the garden to the so-called main hall.

Before they even drew near, they heard sounds of laughter and joy coming from inside.

“Oh, my dear in-law, you certainly know how to pick a day. This is a wonderful date.”

Pei Xi stepped up and knocked on the door: “Mother, I’m here.”

Madam Pei’s voice came from within: “Come in.”

A servant opened the door, and Pei Xi walked in slowly, with Shao Xibei following behind her. Seeing this, a servant tried to block the way, but Pei Xi reached out and stopped them. No matter how silent or detached from worldly affairs Pei Xi usually was, her status was still there. Seeing this, the servant did not block them further.

Madam Pei was originally discussing wedding arrangements with Madam Wang. When Pei Xi entered, she didn’t even look up as she spoke, “Xi’er, you’ve arrived.”

Hearing her voice, Wang Chen immediately put on a smile and turned his head toward the door.

It was well-known that he had been pursuing Pei Xi in a vague manner. Aside from his parents’ instructions, he had his own motives. He had once caught a clear glimpse of Pei Xi’s face—she was truly a beauty. Especially those unique eyes; they would surely look beautiful when she cried. Just thinking about it, a surge of sadistic desire rose within Wang Chen.

He wondered how many rounds a frame like Pei Xi’s could withstand his “torment.”

Wang Chen’s inner thoughts were dark and disgusting, but his outward appearance was somewhat deceptive; he looked like nothing more than an honest, slightly frail, and ordinary young man.

However, when Wang Chen looked over, he met Shao Xibei’s cold eyes.

His entire body felt as if it had fallen into an ice cellar. I’m going to die.

Wang Chen immediately withdrew his gaze, not daring to look toward Pei Xi again; he hadn’t even clearly seen what Shao Xibei looked like.

Shao Xibei frowned and stared at Wang Chen for a long while before looking away. Was something wrong with her eyes again? Why did she see a black aura inside this man’s body?

The moment she entered, she had sensed a massive amount of malice. Even if it wasn’t directed at her, it made her very uncomfortable. This inexplicable feeling caused her to lock her gaze on the honest-looking young man.

She was certain in her heart that the malice came from this man. Perhaps that aura inside him was the malice. Having actually captured a ghost before, Shao Xibei felt this theory wasn’t impossible.

Aside from Shao Xibei and Wang Chen, no one noticed this brief exchange of looks.

Madam Pei was wondering why Pei Xi hadn’t come forward yet, but just as she was about to speak, she heard a series of coughs.

“Cough… cough, cough.”

Madam Pei’s eyes snapped wide. She looked up instantly and stared straight ahead.

“Pei Xi, why did you bring this person here?” Madam Pei was startled, but more than that, she was furious.

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