Pei Lie returned to the royal palace alone. As he reached the bottom of the stairs and was about to inquire, he saw someone sitting on the sofa.
It was Pei Xi.
Hearing the sound, he turned to look at Pei Lie. "You're back. Please, have a seat."
His tone was so calm, as if there had never been any friction between them. Instead, it was as if they were good brothers.
"If you have something to say, say it," Pei Lie clearly had no intention of giving him face, standing a good ten feet away.
Pei Xi sighed, "Big Brother, why are you always so cold to me? Am I not your brother?"
When he first learned that he had a brother, Pei Lie's mood…
There were no fluctuations at all.
A brother he had never met, whom he did not oppress or ostracize, and to whom he treated with politeness, was already the extent of his upbringing and courtesy.
Who would show a private illegitimate child any favor?
But this was under the premise that Pei Xi had not made a move against his Queen Mother.
"Pei Xi, you know what you've done. I don't want to say too much." Pei Lie's gaze was calm and mocking. "Someone like you probably wouldn't cherish our brotherly affection anyway, otherwise, you wouldn't have gone after Pei Ji…"
"Big Brother!" Pei Xi suddenly interrupted, raising a finger to his lips. "Shh, some things cannot be said."
Pei Lie pursed his lips and said coldly, "I have no evidence now, so I won't say it, but Pei Xi, remember this: Heaven sees all that people do."
With that, he turned to leave.
Pei Xi's voice echoed from behind him, "Big Brother, go see Pei Ji tomorrow. I visited him today, and he's awake."
Pei Lie's steps faltered.
A smile flickered in Pei Xi's eyes. "Big Brother must really want to talk to Pei Ji. I told him today that I've become the administrator of Fancheng. He wasn't surprised at all and even congratulated me!"
He chuckled softly, sighing, "Third Brother is truly a lovely person."
"Don't lay a hand on him again," Pei Lie suddenly turned around, gritting his teeth and warning.
"Hm?" Pei Xi blinked. "I didn't do anything."
Pei Lie snorted coldly and turned, striding away.
Upon reaching upstairs, he encountered the King. He stepped aside and bowed slightly. "Father."
The King nodded slightly. "You're back. Where is your brother?"
Pei Lie paused briefly, casting his gaze downstairs. The King walked directly towards the ground floor.
Pei Lie took a deep breath. He had intended to leave, but for some inexplicable reason, he turned and walked towards the staircase.
The living room was empty. He could clearly hear the conversation downstairs.
"Pei Xi, it's so late, why aren't you resting?" The King's voice was gentle and serene, his gaze towards Pei Xi filled with care.
"I just saw Big Brother return, so I came down to greet him," Pei Xi said with a smile.
"Your Big Brother's temperament is like that, he doesn't talk much and is always biting when he does," the King sat opposite Pei Xi, speaking gently. "But he has no ill intentions and is sincere with people. You've only just returned, so he might not be very familiar with you. It will get better once you get to know each other."
Pei Xi nodded obediently, appearing completely different from the influential 'Z' rumored to be him. The King had never thought of him as that person either. "This royal family will be for the four of you brothers. Pei Ji is easy to get along with, open and honest, much like his mother. Pei Lie is gruff on the outside but soft-hearted, and Pei Xing…"
He paused, his expression complicated.
"What is it?"
"If you see him, just avoid interacting with him."
"Why?"
The King hesitated, seemingly reluctant to speak. "In any case, remember my words and don't overthink anything else."
The more he said this, the more curious Pei Xi became. "Father, tell me, what kind of person is Second Brother? That way, when we interact, I won't inadvertently anger him due to misunderstandings."
The King shook his head, looking deeply apprehensive. "Don't ask. Pei Xing won't be returning, and you won't have many chances to meet him."
Seeing that he truly didn't want to talk about it, Pei Xi dropped the matter. He'd find out himself, if necessary. This Pei Xing was the most mysterious in the royal family. Apart from a great deed he performed years ago, he hadn't returned since. Few people had seen him, and those who had were reluctant to speak of him. Pei Xi had tried to inquire with others, but upon hearing his name, everyone seemed unwilling to discuss it. Even exerting authority was useless. This made Pei Xi's heart flutter like a cat's paw; the more mysterious he was, the more curious Pei Xi became.
The King looked at him and suddenly sighed, "Child, you suffered so much in your early years. It was my fault that you endured so much hardship."
"No, Father, it's not your fault." Pei Xi had no complaints. "I can understand why she did that."
The King's expression darkened. Pei Xi poured him a cup of tea and handed it over, saying gently, "Don't blame yourself. It's not your fault. After all, you and my mother met first."
The King held the teacup and nodded slightly. "You're right. I just didn't expect her to seem like someone who wouldn't hold grudges, yet..." He shook his head, unwilling to dwell on this heavy topic.
"Pei Xi, I've already had someone organize all the documents regarding Fancheng's affairs. Take some time to look them over tonight."
"Alright."
"Furthermore, the banquet will continue tomorrow. I will introduce you to the royal relatives and invite members of the major noble families. These people have relatively good relationships with me, and it will be a way to pave the path for your future," the King said earnestly.
"Yes, Father."
Pei Xi's expression remained unchanged, but inwardly, he understood that the King intended to name an heir.
Upstairs, Pei Lie was equally shocked. While he had anticipated his father's favoritism towards Pei Xi, he was still surprised by the extent of it. Who was the person his father mentioned? Had someone harmed Pei Xi?
Suddenly, Pei Xi downstairs seemed to sense something and looked upstairs. Pei Lie quickly turned and hid behind a corner.
Pei Lie didn't continue listening. He went to the Queen Mother's chambers.
"Mother, when will you wake up?" Pei Lie sat by the bedside, holding the Queen Mother's slightly cold fingertips. "You don't know, Father and that Pei Xi are like father and son now. Pei Ji and I seem rather redundant."
The Queen Mother showed no reaction. Pei Lie said softly, "But don't worry, Mother, I will protect my brothers well. Although Pei Xing doesn't need me, I won't let Pei Xi harm them!"
Suddenly, the fingers in his palm twitched slightly. Pei Lie stood up in surprise, his voice trembling slightly. "Mother, you're awake?"
However, the Queen Mother became still again. Pei Lie's surging excitement slowly subsided. He suddenly remembered Shen Qing Qing's words that she would wake in three days. This must be a pre-waking reaction. He placed the Queen Mother's hand back under the covers and returned to his room.
He was still happy. He couldn't sleep for half the night. When the agreed-upon time came, he quietly left and went to the dungeon. The jailer had already opened the back door. "Hurry and come in."
Pei Lie strode inside and took the key from the jailer. As he unlocked the cell, he said, "Leave now if you're going."
Shen Qing Qing stood behind the cell door. "Pei Lie, I can't leave."