Young widow in her boudoir

Xie Rutang's slender white fingers, which were hanging on her knees, curled slightly.

Pei Zhiheng, with his keen insight, saw through her inner thoughts and concerns, and offered a solution. Xie Rutang understood that she should be grateful; since Su Yao and he were not engaged, her fleeting affair with him would not involve Su Yao.

She doesn't need to condemn herself in her heart.

Pei Zhiheng held a high position in the government, and it was beyond her expectations that he would go to such lengths for her. She originally thought that she could only swallow her anger and accept things passively, but the man was willing to take care of her feelings.

Xie Rutang thought that if she knew what was good for her, she should lower her eyes, let her slender neck droop, and then gently and considerately watch him change his clothes, so that he could rest on her rose-scented bed.

Xie Rutang managed a weak smile, though she understood the reasoning behind it all, she just couldn't bring herself to do it.

Pei Zhiheng's concessions were more like acts of charity.

High above.

Xie Rutang believed that she was no different from a man's mistress. The only difference was that he was staying at the Shen family's house, which made things convenient for him. He could come and go as he pleased.

After much deliberation, Xie Rutang could only feign a submissive curtsy and say in a flat tone, "Thank you, Second Master."

Pei Zhiheng did not notice her emotions. In his eyes, Xie Rutang was always gentle and sensible, which was why he felt sorry for her.

As soon as she expressed her gratitude, Pei Zhiheng reached out and grasped her wrist, making her sit with him on a sandalwood armchair. He then encircled her, casually playing with her soft hand. Even though he sat relaxed in her boudoir, he still exuded a commanding aura.

His cold breath brushed against her head. "What did you do in your cousin's room today?"

Xie Rutang was still not used to being in such close contact with him. His hands were cold and large, making her feel tormented at all times.

Unfortunately, Pei Zhiheng was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He enjoyed the sense of accomplishment that came from conquering women. Xie Rutang was a well-bred lady who was also talented in painting. Although she was full of arrogance and disdain, she did not show it on her face.

Xie Rutang then feigned shyness and said, "Sister-in-law took the initiative to ask me to teach her needlework, so I taught her the technique of double-sided embroidery. During the meal, I also heard her chatter about the gossip and trivial matters of the two households. Sister-in-law is an approachable person."

Pei Zhiheng hummed in agreement. Since marrying into the Pei family, Gu Shi had always been well-behaved and a capable daughter-in-law to Pei's mother. He did not object to her contact with Gu Zhifei.

"Your sister-in-law has always been a good person. Since you have caught her eye, it means she values ​​your gentle nature. If you get along well with her in the future, she will naturally take good care of you in the two households."

Pei Zhiheng gently stroked her long hair again, "She asked you to teach her double-sided embroidery, simply hoping to impress her mother and other sisters-in-law and gain some face as a daughter-in-law of a high-ranking family. You should teach her seriously, teach her so that she can show off her skills, and then your sister-in-law will owe you a favor."

Xie Rutang was surprised, not expecting him to tell her these things, and even specifically mentioning Gu Zhifei's daily moods.

She had initially thought he was aloof and taciturn, but she was surprised to find him to be reliable and dependable in private, which made her want to rely on him in the future.

But she quickly dismissed the idea.

Pei Zhiheng moved closer to her neck, his eyelids as white as snow. "Why do you smell so good? What did you put on your body?"

Xie Rutang was stunned, her cheeks flushed with unease. She turned her face away from his sharp jawline and explained, "After my bath, I applied some jasmine balm to wipe my body."

"Don't apply it again."

Xie Rutang felt a sudden, inexplicable stab to his heart.

Pei Zhiheng looked down at her lips and said, "I prefer you without any makeup."

The perfume made from these flower petals was too strong and overpowering. She naturally possessed a delicate and lingering fragrance, which she herself might not even be aware of. Pei Zhiheng's Adam's apple bobbed a few times.

Just as Pei Zhiheng's thin lips were about to come closer to kiss her, Xie Rutang's eyelashes trembled as she closed her eyes. Then the man changed the subject, "In this high-class mansion, there are many social interactions. Make more good connections. Your sister-in-law is highly regarded by your mother. You should know how to use these connections to pave your way and cater to her preferences."

"My cousin-in-law also comes to the Shen family occasionally. The old lady usually trusts her. If she praises you in front of the old lady, it will be more effective than you personally going to Shou'an Hall to pay your respects ten times."

Xie Rutang opened her eyes and saw a hint of mocking amusement in his usually cold and sharp eyes, which remained as deep and unfathomable as she could see, devoid of any desire.

Her face flushed instantly; she had misunderstood. "Second Master's teachings are correct; I understand."

Pei Zhiheng continued talking about the Pei family, rubbing her slender waist and pressing her against his chest, letting her hear the strong beat of his heart. "If you encounter any difficulties in the Shen family in the future, just have your maid come to Su Xue Ju to find Hong Yao. She will help your maid."

Xie Rutang said "yes" in a low voice.

She knew perfectly well that he had come only to seek tenderness, and she also knew what was going to happen between them. But the man and she pretended not to know. When they entered the house, they exchanged pleasantries in a gentle, flowing manner, which was subtle and unobtrusive. But this kind of pre-arrival waiting was particularly difficult to endure, and Xie Rutang's palms were already covered in sweat from nervousness.

Pei Zhiheng still maintained his dignified and gentlemanly appearance, no different from usual.

"Did you apply the ointment?" he asked calmly.

Xie Rutang's fingertips trembled slightly. "I've already applied it."

When he kissed her, Xie Rutang could only wrap her arms around his neck, looking for a place to lean on.

Finally, Xie Rutang felt the man's hand on her waist gradually move upwards, until his fingers reached her clothes, but he still couldn't untie them.

Xie Rutang had no choice but to say, "Second Master, let me do it..."

She unbuttoned her clothes, inviting him to stay at the Green Wutong Courtyard for the night.

The bed curtains were lowered, and when Xie Rutang's hand emerged from under the covers, Pei Zhiheng grabbed her wrist and pulled it back, their fingers intertwined on the bedding.

Tonight, Xie Rutang didn't mention the Crown Princess's hibiscus jade hairpin to him, keeping it to herself.

……

The next day, when Xie Rutang woke up, she was surprised to find that the man had not left Cuiwu Courtyard even after daybreak.

As usual, he left early in the middle of the night, never taking her seriously.

When Xie Rutang woke up, she saw that Pei Zhiheng had changed into an elegant moon-colored long robe and was sitting at his desk looking through a memorial, which was an official document from the Dali Temple to the emperor. He was leisurely browsing through the text.

Pei Zhiheng looked over. "Awake?"

Xie Rutang blushed involuntarily.

According to etiquette, since the Second Master was staying at her place, she should have helped him change his clothes. However, she was too exhausted from being exhausted by his vigorous energy last night, so even though Pei Zhiheng had already gotten up, she was still lying on the bed sleeping in.

If the old lady finds out, she will definitely point her finger at her and scold her for being unruly, for letting him change his own clothes, and for having to do all these things herself.

Pei Zhiheng's voice was very calm, "Since you're up, let's have breakfast together."