Climbing on the Sparrow Branch – CH 715

Chapter 715: Warmth

Pei Que calmly put down his teacup. Although he had saved Li Xing’s life, they had no prior relationship, and he couldn’t openly express the debt of gratitude. Facing Li Xing, Pei Que wasn’t as relaxed as he was with Li Ji.

“Your Highness, is there anything else you need today?”

“No,” Li Xing replied.

“It’s late. Your Highness should stay at the manor tonight, lest the mountain roads become difficult to traverse.” The difficult roads were one thing; the people lying in ambush along the way were the real danger.

For safety’s sake, Li Xing had no choice but to stay the night. “Thank you, Brother Pei.”

Pei Que smiled faintly, called for Lin Feng to arrange guest rooms, and walked outside with Li Xing.

The silver moon hung high in the sky like a plate. The winter night was exceptionally quiet, devoid of cicadas and birdsong; only the soft footsteps of a few people could be heard.

“Brother Pei seems to have a good relationship with Li Ji. Years ago, that kid Li Ji often visited the Pei family. Back then, he seemed just mischievous, but now he’s become the little tyrant of the capital.” Li Xing glanced at Pei Que’s profile before quickly looking away. “If you see Li Ji again, try to advise him. Now that his grandfather has passed away, there’s no elder in his family who can reason with him. If he continues to offend people so recklessly, he’ll likely face retaliation later.”

Living in the capital, the most prosperous place, you would find all kinds of people and all kinds of ways of life.

Pei Que was arrogant in the capital before, but that was because his family gave him confidence, and he was also ambitious; no one dared to touch him.

But Li Ji’s roots weren’t in the capital, and he didn’t have any powerful backers. If he offended anyone, retaliation was a possibility.

Li Xing’s words, ostensibly out of concern for Li Ji, were primarily an attempt to ascertain the relationship between Pei Que and Li Ji. Li Ji was a prince, while Pei Que currently held no official position. For a commoner to dare to advise a prince, their relationship must be incredibly close.

“Your Highness is too kind,” Pei Que said with a slight smile. “Prince Yongning is a dragon among men, with members of the imperial clan backing him. I’m merely an acquaintance of his and wouldn’t dare to overstep my bounds. If Your Highness is truly worried, you would be very suitable to advise Prince Yongning.” After all, Li Xing was Li Ji’s cousin; their relationship should be closer.

Li Xing was Li Ji’s nominal cousin. Both he and Li Ji had come to the capital, and it was unclear whether they were friends or foes; he certainly wouldn’t try to persuade Li Ji.

With a faint smile, the two reached the door of a guest room, where Li Xing bid farewell to Pei Que.

Pei Que watched Li Xing close the door before turning and leaving.

Lin Feng, following his master, whispered, “Master, someone has already been sent to the capital.”

Pei Que hummed in agreement. Seeing Lin Feng’s hesitant expression, he smiled and patted Lin Feng’s shoulder. “Li Xing isn’t Li Da. Although neither of them has a powerful mother, Li Da was a calculating person. His calculations were often invisible until danger struck. But Li Xing’s different. The old Li Xing never had any ambition for power. He knew his own limitations; he only started plotting now because he has a slight chance. You can see through his probing. You should be glad he tested me; it means he isn’t completely stupid.”

Pei Que preferred associating with smart people rather than fools.

“If Master understands, then I understand too,” Lin Feng said with a sigh of relief.

“Go and rest. Li Xing has achieved his goal; he won’t make any further moves.” Pei Que slowly opened his door, gave Lin Feng his instructions, and then went inside.

On the bed, An Zhi was fast asleep; nestled in her arms was their daughter, leaving no room for Pei Que.

He tiptoed over and slowly picked up his daughter.

Seeing An Zhi stir, Pei Que quickly said, “It’s me.”

An Zhi opened one eye and saw Pei Que holding her daughter. “Where are you taking Yue’er?” she asked.

“Let her sleep with the wet nurse,” Pei Que smiled. “Madam, please sleep well. I’ll be right back.”

An Zhi clicked her tongue softly, wanting to say it wasn’t necessary, but Pei Que had already left with her daughter.

Not long after, Pei Que returned. He quickly got into bed, contentedly embracing An Zhi, his chin nuzzling against her neck. “Madam, you’re so cold. Let me warm you up.”