Climbing on the Sparrow Branch – CH 565

Chapter 565: Side Flip

After lunch, gifts arrived from the palace.

An Zhi initially thought it would be the same as in previous years, but when the eunuch arrived, she realized it was from the Empress Dowager.

From the moment she entered the room, An Zhi noticed the eunuch was restless; his dark eyes darted around, scrutinizing her.

“Binglu, go see Eunuch Fu off,” An Zhi said.

Youfu smiled and raised his hand, saying, “No need to trouble Miss Binglu; I still have other guests to visit.”

Hearing this, Binglu glanced at her young madam, who nodded slightly. She then took a bag of silver and handed it to Youfu, without saying anything about seeing him out.

But just as she raised her hand, Youfu grasped it, his fingertips lightly touching the back of her hand.

It was a feeling that instantly sent chills down her spine.

Binglu hurriedly withdrew her hand, but Youfu took the opportunity to rub the back of her hand. This time she understood—was this Eunuch Fu clearly taking advantage of her?

An Zhi also noticed Youfu’s little action. The teacup in her hand tilted and shattered on the floor with a “crash,” startling everyone who turned to look.

“Binglu, it’s snowing heavily outside. Eunuch Fu is a highly respected person in the palace. Since he’s so considerate of you, go outside and find the steward to escort him out. We are the hosts; we can’t let our guests leave on their own.” An Zhi gave Binglu a look, and Binglu immediately went out.

Youfu glanced at the broken teacup on the ground, not afraid at all. He was a favorite of the Empress Dowager, and his visit to deliver gifts was at her behest. If she got angry with him, it would be a slap in the Empress Dowager’s face. Then, no matter how noble An Zhi’s status was, she would be in trouble.

Youfu left with a smile. When he left the courtyard, the Pei family’s steward was already waiting respectfully.

“Hmph.” Glancing sideways at the steward, Youfu raised his head disdainfully and walked out of the Pei Mansion.

When Binglu returned to the room, the broken porcelain shards on the floor had already been cleaned up. Hearing her young madam call her, she lowered her head and walked over.

“Did Steward Xin see Youfu out?” An Zhi asked.

Binglu nodded, then hesitated, “Madam, Youfu was sent by the Empress Dowager after all. What if the Empress Dowager comes after us for belittling her?”

An Zhi snorted, “Even if we’re polite to Youfu, the Empress Dowager won’t treat us well. Look at the tonics she sent; the safflower in them can cause miscarriage. Knowing I’m pregnant, she still sent something like that—clearly a provocation. Besides, I only had Steward Xin secretly make things difficult for Youfu. What happens after he leaves the Pei Mansion won’t be our fault.”

While giving Binglu a wink, An Zhi mouthed the name “Xin.” Steward Xin was the Pei family’s person who handled troublesome matters. Because there were always unreasonable people, and the Pei family couldn’t handle everything openly, they could send Steward Xin to do things secretly.

Binglu was still somewhat conflicted, but the thought of Youfu’s groping actions earlier made her feel utterly disgusted.

Youfu had already entered Pei Yu’s house and soon came out, casually tossing his newly received reward to a young eunuch before getting into his carriage, ready to go to the next household.

Inside the carriage was a young eunuch, about ten years old, who eagerly poured tea for Youfu. “Godfather,” he said, “we’ve visited so many households, but the Pei family’s maids are the most beautiful. Each one is as pretty as a fairy, even more alluring than the girls at the brothel.”

Youfu thought of the maids in An Zhi’s room; they were indeed quite attractive. Although he was a eunuch, he still harbored desires as a man. Even if he couldn’t have sex, he still longed for a wife who would serve him tea and water; otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken in several godsons.

“You’ve got a sharp eye, boy,” Youfu said, stroking his smooth chin with a lewd glint in his eyes. “No wonder Pei Que didn’t want the women sent from outside; he’s hiding so many beauties in his house. Let’s wait and see. The Pei family seems prosperous, but what goes up must come down. Besides, the Emperor has half the blood of the Yun family; the Pei family’s demise isn’t far off.”

“Then, I’ll definitely grab that Binglu to be my godmother,” the little eunuch said, bearing a striking resemblance to Youfu, especially their long, narrow eyes.

Youfu glanced at his godson and chuckled, “You’ve got some conscience, boy. But, while Binglu is nice, she’s a bit too old. And that… oh my god… this is…”

Before he could even ask, “What happened?” Youfu’s carriage overturned from the side, and he was thrown, his head hitting the window.

It turned out a tree branch outside had broken under the weight of the snow and landed on the carriage.

At the same time, the horses pulling the carriage were startled and began to gallop at breakneck speed, dragging the overturned carriage. Youfu, jolted inside, lost his support and was thrown from the carriage along with his godson, each skidding several meters across the ground.

Even the thickest winter clothes couldn’t withstand the friction of the rough stone slabs. Youfu’s elbow was rubbed raw, exposing the bone; his shoes were nowhere to be seen; and he had several bumps on his head.

Pei Xin watched this scene from a corner and only left quietly after the other eunuchs had gathered to check on Youfu.

After such an incident, even if Youfu was lucky enough not to break his leg, he would need to rest for ten days to two weeks before he could walk again. Moreover, those who served their masters in the palace not only needed to be perceptive but also had to be handsome.

Pei Xin had just confirmed that Youfu was going to be disfigured. He wondered how much the Empress Dowager liked Youfu and whether she would still want him to stay by her side.

Upon returning to the Pei Mansion, Pei Xin immediately went to report to his madam.

If this had happened shortly after their marriage, or even before, An Zhi might have tolerated it. However, having spent more time with Pei Que, An Zhi’s temperament was beginning to resemble his.

“The Empress Dowager sent me a safflower, and Youfu took advantage of Binglu right in front of me. I made Youfu disfigure himself as a way of retaliating against the Empress Dowager.” An Zhi raised her eyebrows slightly, taking a deep breath to prevent herself from becoming too emotional. “Pei Xin, you just said Youfu also went to the eldest son’s house. Was he there to deliver a reward?”

Pei Xin nodded in affirmation. He had a dark complexion and was usually quiet, often giving the impression of being difficult to talk to. Even when replying, he would only offer a simple word or two.

An Zhi was already familiar with Pei Xin’s way of handling things. “Thank you for your trouble today. Go back and rest.”

After Pei Xin left, An Zhi said to Binglu, “The Empress Dowager really casts a wide net; she even sent rewards to the eldest branch of the family.”

Binglu was pleased to hear that good fortune had brought misfortune, and her tone became more cheerful. “Perhaps she sees that the eldest branch has no connection with our Pei family and wants to take this opportunity to win them over. However, the eldest branch hasn’t been peaceful lately. Ever since Pei Yu and Princess Serlan’s marriage was arranged, the eldest branch’s madam has been relying on herbal medicine to stay afloat.”