Young widow in her boudoir

In the afternoon at Dali Temple, the sun was bright and scorching, the time when people are most prone to drowsiness and lethargy. Before the drums were sounded to signal the start of the court session, the minor officials on duty in the corridors were able to steal a few moments of leisure.

Pei Zhiheng sat in the duty room, with Zhang's petition spread out on the desk.

Now, Xie Rutang's reputation and Xie Huai's life and future are all in his hands.

Temple Master Yan Wenzhao pushed open the door and walked in, only to see him studying Xie Huai's case again. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "What's wrong? Are you really taking it to heart?"

"Are you not used to it being without Madam Shen today?"

He had heard that when the widow from the Shen family was invited in last time, she was as frail as a willow in the wind, and she was almost frightened to tears during the interrogation.

Yan Wenzhao's eyes held a meaningful smile.

That day, out of curiosity, he intended to observe from the interrogation room. However, as soon as he arrived at the door, he witnessed Pei Zhiheng, who had previously appeared aloof and distant, pressing the widow's petite and alluring body against the wall while uttering cold and threatening words to her.

The young widow's eyes were filled with tears, and her pink lips were almost bitten raw.

When Pei Zhiheng saw him, he simply said coldly, "This is a family matter, please excuse yourself, Brother Yan."

Pei Zhiheng silently stepped forward, completely blocking Xie Rutang's view, as if afraid of being looked at by him.

Yan Wenzhao raised an eyebrow, never expecting that he would actually have such a taste.

No wonder Minister Pei hasn't taken any concubines all these years; it turns out he has a thing for married women.

Yan Wenzhao's eyes lit up, as if he had discovered a huge secret.

Ever since they entered the Dali Temple together and began working with Pei Zhiheng, a newly appointed third-ranked scholar, Yan Wenzhao had always felt depressed.

He himself was a prodigy who achieved fame at a young age and was renowned for his talent, but he was unfortunately overshadowed by Pei Zhiheng in every aspect, including literary talent, case-solving skills, and temperament.

This was already infuriating enough, but Pei Zhiheng's temperament was even more unmatched by others. He was strict to the point of being obsessive. Not only did he not get close to women, but he was also so self-disciplined that he was completely devoid of any worldly concerns. Apart from holding court, judging cases, and apprehending criminals, he had no other pastimes in a day.

For the past two years, Yan Wenzhao had been harboring a deep sense of resentment, hoping every day to find some fault with Pei Zhiheng so that he could find some solace and ease the dissatisfaction in his heart.

Yan Wenzhao was even more agitated than the person involved.

Widows are wonderful; widows are alluring, charming, and captivating.

Regardless of the circumstances, coveting another man's wife ultimately tainted the moon-like Pei Zhiheng, stripping him of his divine nature.

Yan Wenzhao pondered, tapping his fingers on the table. "What, do you really have feelings for that widow in the Shen family? And what about Yin Qinrong? What do you think?"

Hearing his sarcasm, Pei Zhiheng remained indifferent. He glanced at him coldly from his official chair and said, "The Court of Judicial Review is in charge of criminal cases throughout the country. Thousands of lives are at the mercy of the pen. How can you have time to seek pleasure?"

Yan Wenzhao couldn't understand for a moment how Minister Pei viewed Xie Rutang, this widow.

Yan Wenzhao knew perfectly well that Pei Zhiheng could never forget the Crown Princess. After all, his childhood friendship with Yin Qinrong was something that no one else could easily replace.

When Yin Qinrong came to the Dali Temple to plead with Pei Zhiheng last time, he still helped her.

Even now, Yan Wenzhao still can't tell whether Pei Zhiheng sees Yin Qinrong as a younger sister or as a lover he can't have.

Yan Wenzhao sighed inwardly. Although Yin Qinrong had married into the Eastern Palace, she had long occupied the most important place in Pei Zhiheng's heart, and other women could never truly enter Pei Zhiheng's heart.

That makes sense. Pei Zhiheng's affair with that woman from the Shen family was merely a passing fancy; how could he possibly be entangled with a widow and invite trouble upon himself? The Pei family, a prominent clan, values ​​reputation and dignity above all else.

……

As the evening light faded from the eaves and dusk settled, Pei Zhiheng returned to Su Xue Residence.

After he entered the room, Hongyao and Zhulan quickly stepped forward, took the official hat he had just taken off, and then told the maid to serve the dishes. The two of them then stood by his side to serve him his dinner.

The room was furnished solemnly, just like the man's naturally indifferent and desireless nature.

Even during meals, the air was heavy with silence, and the two maids dared not utter a single idle word, for the rules of Su Xue Ju were extremely strict.

After finishing his meal, Pei Zhiheng went to take a bath. Hongyao quietly placed his clean clothes on the rack and then left.

Only Zhu Lan remained there, unwilling to leave. She gazed longingly at Pei Zhiheng, hoping that her master would keep her there to serve him during his bath.

Pei Zhiheng didn't say a word.

Zhu Lan had no choice but to leave in disappointment. She knew her master's rules; if she insisted on staying, she wouldn't have to stay at Su Xue Residence.

But she also knew in her heart that Pei Zhiheng had rejected her. Perhaps her pride was hurt, Zhu Lan's eyes reddened, and she ran to the servants' room to cry.

After everyone left, Pei Zhiheng took a bath, and the surroundings fell into complete silence, with only the rising steam in the air.

The man's thin, cold skin was washed by water, and his dark eyes were slightly closed, perhaps thinking of the scene he had seen in the Green Wutong Courtyard last night.

Thoughts are easily distracted, and for no apparent reason, Pei Zhiheng's mind began to replay the scenes from last night.

Xie Rutang, widowed, stayed in her room, took off her clothes, her fragrant shoulders exposed to the air, and looked at erotic pictures. In the dead of night, she slipped her soft hand under her skirt.

Pei Zhiheng even wondered if she would take care of herself again tonight, and couldn't help but frown slightly, feel a tightness in her throat, and her breathing gradually become heavy.

A moment later, Pei Zhiheng emerged from the bathtub with a blank expression.

The steam in the bathhouse had not yet dissipated when he stepped out, quickly tightened his belt, and then ordered someone to summon Hongyao.

Hongyao entered the study, curtsied, and said, "Master, you summoned me here. What are your orders?"

Pei Zhiheng recalled the image of Xie Rutang's hands covered in blisters from cooking for the Shen family earlier that day. "Go and get my box of Jade Skin Cream and deliver it to that person in Cuiwu Courtyard."

Hongyao was stunned and stood there, taken aback by his words.

Did she mishear?

The master did indeed tell her to deliver the Jade Skin Cream to that person in Cuiwu Courtyard…

But... Xie Rutang is Madam Shen! And a famous widow in the capital!

Hongyao was completely bewildered, her expression a mess.

She had no idea when Xie Rutang had gotten involved with her second master, or when she had won his favor.

Besides, it's just delivering ointment to Xie Rutang. Is it really necessary for her, a first-class maid, to go in person? Wouldn't that be too much of a fuss?

Master Pei has always been upright in his conduct, but this time, he seemed to have forgotten that Xie Rutang was a widow, showing no regard whatsoever.

This might ruin Xie Rutang's reputation! If the people in the manor were to see this, and something were to happen...

Pei Zhiheng flipped through the stacks of documents on his desk, his gaze as cold as snow from the highest heavens, making it hard for her to breathe. "What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

Hongyao was secretly surprised, but she lowered her head and dared not say anything more. "Yes, this servant will do it immediately."

She retrieved the small, plain porcelain jar containing the Jade Skin Cream, carefully wrapped it in silk cloth, and then set off for the Green Wutong Courtyard.