Qu Fulan had just returned to her room when she heard that people from both the second and third households had gone to Mrs. Pei's courtyard.
Now everyone had to go out, with so many masters around, the maids couldn't leave their sides.
Third-tier maids were running errands outside, while second-tier maids served tea inside.
Mrs. Pei was already seated in the hall, and Heir Pei was meeting the family members.
First, he paid respects to the elders.
"Nephew greets Second Uncle and Aunt."
Heir Pei clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and slightly bowed.
Second Master hurriedly stood up to support him, "No need for formalities, it's good that you're back."
Second Aunt, full of smiles, said, "Mrs. Pei has been looking forward to this day. Just yesterday your uncle mentioned you, and I said according to the schedule you should be back soon, and here you are today. It's been two years since you left, and you've grown a lot during this time. Walking down the street, I might not even recognize you."
Pei Ji'an replied, "Thank you, Second Uncle and Aunt, for your concern. I am deeply grateful."
He also paid the same respects to the couple of the third household.
Third Master also stood up and said there was no need to be formal, then asked about the return journey of the elder brother and sister-in-law.
"Under the imperial command, Father and Mother could not leave the border, so they sent me back to apologize, allowing me to offer some modest help for the Pei family's joyous event."
"No problem, no problem, safeguarding the family and the nation is most imperative. It's already good that you could return."
Third Madam wore a smile but didn't speak.
It was not out of disdain for the Heir, but rather out of fear of saying too much.
Third Madam disliked Heir Pei greatly, perhaps due to his battlefield experience; even with a smile, he seemed ready to administer justice on the spot, intimidating anyone who saw him.
Additionally, he had once witnessed her punishing a servant girl at home without reason, and the expression on his face at that time was something Third Madam remembered for life.
Even though the Heir now appeared refined and courteous, if they met where Mrs. Pei couldn't see, he wouldn't even spare her a glance, showing utter disregard for her as an elder.
Third Madam harbored both dislike and fear towards the Heir.
After greeting the elders, it was time to greet those of the same generation.
Third Young Master Pei was the first to jump out to salute Second Brother: "Second Brother, you didn't send any letter beforehand; at least let me prepare to welcome you back into the city."
"Third Brother, you're too courteous. We're all family; no need for such formalities."
Mr. Pei smiled and said, "The day is late; I see that Second Brother has rushed day and night under the stars and moon, certainly enduring hardships on the road. It would be best to rest early. Now that you're back, will you stay for a long time or...?"
"With the border's affairs settled, my parents remain to guard, fearing a lack of filial duty at home, so they sent me to the capital to stay and properly respect the elders."
"That's good, then when you are well-rested, we brothers should get together."
"Alright."
Subsequently, the young ladies of the house also paid their respects to the Heir.
Third Young Master Pei seemed to remember something and added, "My Second Sister has returned home and is currently staying here. She wanted to see you, but due to her health, it's inconvenient for her to come out. I hope you can understand."
Heir Pei had to inquire, "If she's unwell, she should get more rest. Let her recuperate at ease."
Third Madam, having thought of something, tugged at Third Master's sleeve and gave some subtle signals, but Third Master, with a serious expression, impatiently pulled his sleeve away.
Left with no choice, Third Madam sought help from Mrs. Pei: "Lan is now badly affected by a rash, unable to leave her room all day. I've heard that this time Heir Pei brought many special medicinal herbs back to the capital..."
Mrs. Pei immediately understood and turned to her grandson, "Lan's condition is indeed worrisome. We've consulted numerous doctors and tried countless medicines, all to no avail. They only mentioned that the snow mustard from the border mountains might be effective. Did you bring any of these herbs back?"
All eyes turned to Heir Pei, including Qu Fulan.
If possible, she hoped Heir Pei wouldn't have brought any.
After all, she wasn't yet Mrs. Pei's personal maid.
If the poison were preemptively resolved, and the Second Young Miss acted up, it would be difficult for her to intervene.
Qu Fulan lowered her eyes, contemplating various possibilities.
Meanwhile, she didn't notice the captivated look Hai Yue had towards Heir Pei.
Nor did she notice that when she raised her head, Third Young Master Pei looked her way, his eyes filled with admiration.
"Unfortunately, the soldiers at the border have sustained injuries over the years, so the snow mustard from the snowy mountains has long been used up. It will likely only grow back by next spring."
Heir Pei's words brought Qu Fulan a sigh of relief.
This was for the best; otherwise, with someone like Heir Pei around, it would be very risky to make a move.
Third Madam was very disappointed and secretly angry; such valuable herbs used by lowly soldiers — if they hadn't used them, wouldn't her daughter be saved by now?
However, these thoughts could only be harbored secretly and not spoken aloud.
After exchanging greetings, the people from the second and third households began to leave, wanting to give the grandmother and grandson more private time.
Everyone left, and the maids tidied up and followed.
In the room, only Hua Hao and Yueyuan were left again. They didn't enter the room but waited outside; if Mrs. Pei had any instructions, they would serve immediately.
Pei Ji'an tucked the quilt for his grandmother, then sat beside her.
"Is Grandmother's sleep restful these days?"
"I've been taking medicine to maintain sleep."
"Did the manor's doctors validate the prescription?"
"Rest assured, the doctors in the manor have verified it; it's good."
"Alright, when is it time for Grandmother's medicine? I will assist you before returning."
"There's no hurry. I have set times for medicine, and soon Haitang should deliver it."
"That's just right, as I wanted to meet this Haitang."
Mrs. Pei focused on another matter.
"Now that you're home, your courtyard has been cleaned, but it still lacks some servants. What do you think…?"
Pei Ji'an smiled, "Grandmother needn't worry. I can't stay in the manor for long periods; the Emperor has other tasks for me outside for a while. Servant arrangements can be considered later."
Mrs. Pei was immediately concerned, "What task does the Emperor have for you? Is it dangerous? Will you have to leave the capital again?"
It was merely a casual question of concern, not an intent to pry into secrets.
The Heir lightly replied, "It's not dangerous; it will be completed shortly, after which I'll return to care for Grandmother."
"Very well then, except you'll eventually come back to live, so I'll arrange for the servants."
"Troubling Grandmother with the details."
The grandmother and grandson were talking when Hua Hao's voice rang out from outside, "Mrs. Pei, the medicine has arrived."
Upon finishing, she opened the curtain, and Yueyuan came in carrying the medicine.
Mrs. Pei couldn't help but glance behind her, "Where's that Haitang girl?"
Yueyuan paused for a moment, then said, "She left after delivering the medicine to the door. Does Mrs. Pei need her for something?"
Heir Pei unexpectedly raised his attractive eyebrows.