After the favored concubine remarried, the aloof and powerful minister forcibly took her away.

Chapter 224 The Old Madam Has Gone

Pei Yanzhi returned to the capital and handed over his duties to the newly appointed Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

After the imperial edict conferring the title of marquis on the young emperor arrived, the chief eunuch also conveyed the emperor's oral instructions.

"His Majesty said that from now on, the Marquis of Jian'an may wear a sword into the palace, and by special imperial authority, there will be no restrictions."

For a subject, this was already an immense honor.

Pei Yanzhi bowed and thanked the emperor for his grace, then saw the eunuch produce another imperial edict.

"When His Majesty learned that the Marquis was about to get married, he specially drafted an imperial edict to grant the marriage."

These words startled Pei Yanzhi, but he still knelt down to accept the imperial edict.

If the marriage is arranged by the Emperor, any subsequent desire to divorce or remarry would be considered a violation of the Emperor's decree.

This imperial decree bestowing marriage upon him was more for Xiang Ning than for him.

"Your Majesty, I kowtow to express my gratitude."

The young emperor's decree was delivered, and the chief eunuch saw no need to stay any longer, so he left with his men.

"I've come at an inopportune time."

Han Jun walked over with a smile on his face, holding the hand of Yao Yao, who was already pregnant.

"Lord Pei... oh no, he should be called Marquis Jian'an now."

Seeing his friend now enjoying success in both his official career and love life, Han Jun actually felt a soreness in his teeth.

"The way you're gritting your teeth doesn't sound like you're congratulating me."

Pei Yanzhi placed the imperial edict in Cheng Hua's hand, and then turned around.

Han Jun and Yao Yao followed him into the main hall.

"You really don't plan to go back to the Pei residence?"

After Pei Yanzhi sat down, Han Jun pulled Yao Yao to sit down as well.

As soon as he opened his mouth, Pei Yanzhi chuckled: "I said you wouldn't come to the temple without a reason, so you've come here to give a lecture."

Upon hearing this, Han Jun slowly exhaled: "Yanzhi, the Pei family... the second madam said that the old madam is very ill and I'm afraid she won't make it through this month."

Upon hearing this, Pei Yanzhi frowned, his hand unconsciously gripping the armrest of the chair.

He didn't want to go back to the Pei family, but Old Madam Pei was the one who raised him.

She was seriously ill, and he had no choice but to go back to see her.

"okay, I get it."

Pei Yanzhi lowered his eyes, put down the teacup in his hand, and agreed to Han Jun's words.

Han Jun had some things on his mind, but looking at Pei Yanzhi, he ultimately didn't say them.

"Let's not talk about that anymore. You and Xiang Ning have set your wedding date, right? If you need any help, just let me know."

Pei Yanzhi nodded: "Okay, don't worry. I will definitely keep you busy whenever I need you."

The next day, Pei Yanzhi got up early, tidied himself up briefly, and then took Chenghua out.

On the way to the Pei residence, the streets were still bustling and lively, but Pei Yanzhi had no heart to appreciate them.

The cries of street vendors and the laughter of pedestrians were all as if blocked out by a thin veil.

From afar, the imposing gate of the Pei residence came into view.

The vermilion gate was tightly shut, and the bronze door knocker gleamed coldly in the sunlight.

Chenghua stepped forward and knocked on the door knocker.

The door creaked open slowly, and the doorman was taken aback when he saw Pei Yanzhi. He then greeted him with a broad smile.

"My lord, you're finally back! Please come in, please come in!"

The gatekeeper invited Pei Yanzhi in, and Dong Yan, having received the news, also rushed over.

"Yanzhi is back. Your mother has been waiting for you." Dong Yan was somewhat reserved in front of Pei Yanzhi.

Things are different now than they used to be. Pei Yanzhi is now a prince, a man of noble status.

"I'm going to see my grandmother."

Pei Yanzhi responded calmly, and Dong Yan nodded, leading him to the inner courtyard.

The interior of Ningfuju was filled with a strong medicinal smell.

Madam Pei lay on the bed, her face as pale as paper, her eyes closed, looking extremely haggard.

Hearing footsteps, Old Madam Pei slowly opened her eyes and saw Pei Yanzhi, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

"Yanzhi, my grandson, you've finally returned..."

The voice was faint, yet it was filled with endless longing.

Pei Yan stepped forward and grasped the old lady's hand; those hands were thin and bony, and as cold as frost.

"grandmother."

The old lady shook her head slightly: "Grandma is very happy that you are willing to come back to see her."

As she spoke, a tear slid down her cheek.

She knew why Pei Yanzhi had refused to return to the Pei residence, and it wasn't just because of Xiang Ning.

This is because there are far too many misunderstandings between Pei Yanzhi and the Pei family.

A knot in one's heart that cannot be untied is one that cannot be untied.

Old Madam Pei held Pei Yanzhi's hand tightly, coughing uncontrollably.

“Yanzhi, your grandmother doesn’t have much time left. She’s done her best to wait for you, even though she’s in such poor health.”

"Grandma doesn't ask you to forgive her, but Grandma, can I ask you for a favor?"

Pei Yanzhi looked at Old Madam Pei's somewhat cloudy eyes and hummed in response.

"If the Pei family ever encounters any trouble in the future, I humbly request that you lend them a hand."

Madam Pei withdrew her hand, propped herself up, and bowed to Pei Yanzhi.

The title "Lord Marquis" distanced them, but the expression on Old Madam Pei's face only showed the concern of an elder.

She was trapped in this mansion her whole life, and even in death, she wanted to stay here forever.

Looking back on her life, Madam Pei realized that she had given everything for the Pei family, and even on her deathbed, she still thought about the Pei family.

Pei Yanzhi agreed to what Old Madam Pei said, and the two of them talked for a while before Pei Yanzhi came out of the house.

Dong Yan and the others waited at the door. When Pei Yanzhi came out, she nodded in greeting.

"With the chance to see the Marquis, Mother has no regrets."

"I'm sorry to trouble you with the matters concerning the Pei family, Second Aunt."

The two spoke politely, and Dong Yan didn't say much, but before leaving, she gave Pei Yanzhi a lot of things.

"The Marquis has established a new residence, and there must be many things that he has not yet had time to prepare."

"As your aunt, this is all I can do for you."

She could roughly guess what the old lady had said to Pei Yanzhi.

But once she takes this favor, she can never repay it.

After thanking Dong Yan, Pei Yanzhi returned to the Marquis's residence.

In the days that followed, he would occasionally visit Madam Pei.

Now that things have come to this, the grudges and grievances are hard to explain, and all that remains is this thin layer of family affection.

About half a month later, Pei Yanzhi had just finished his official business when a servant from the Pei residence rushed over.

"My lord, the old lady has passed away..."