Gu Qingyan made up his mind to participate in this imperial academy exam.

The village’s preserved fruit business was running smoothly, and with the old village chief around, there was no need for him to worry at all.

After the secret recipe incident, Mama Liu had become the second most popular person in the village. Anyone who dared to spread rumors was quickly shut down by the villagers.

Gu Qingyan felt his family didn’t need his attention and decided he might as well head to Qingzhou Prefecture early to see what was really going on.

Before leaving, the one thing he was most reluctant to part with was the little sapling.

This spoiled little thing drank water with loud gulps every day and liked to rub its leaves against him playfully.

It was like a little puppy, very entertaining.

Though reluctant, there was no way around it. The sapling had grown taller than a person now, and Gu Qingyan certainly couldn’t dig it up and take it along as a potted plant.

Brushing off the black spots on the trunk, Gu Qingyan said, “Stay obedient at home, grow strong and tall. I’ll come back to see you after the exam.”

Gu Shuyan laughed, “Brother, it’s a tree. How could it understand what you’re saying?”

“You’re not a tree, so how do you know it doesn’t understand?” Gu Qingyan was convinced that since it was called a Life Wisdom Tree, it wasn’t an ordinary tree; its powers just hadn’t shown yet.

Gu Shuyan stuck out her tongue and linked her arm through his. “Don’t worry, Brother. I promise I’ll take good care of the sapling. By the time you come back, it’ll definitely be tall and strong.”

“Take care of yourself too. When I return, I’ll check your homework,” Gu Qingyan smiled.

Mama Liu, as usual, was full of worries and practically wanted to stuff the ox cart to the brim.

When the ox cart left the village, its wheel marks were much deeper than usual.

Once outside the village, Gu Qingyan packed the heaviest things into his traveling device and threw them into the system.

There was simply too much weight, which slowed the ox cart down.

Zhang Nian drove the cart while lamenting, “Too bad we won’t meet the master this time. The road feels kind of boring.”

“Then we’ll just travel faster.”

Gu Qingyan also felt bored. Last time, Pei Xuan had accompanied him, but this time it was just the two of them.

Thinking of Pei Xuan, Gu Qingyan felt a deep longing. Since leaving home, he hadn’t dreamed of Pei Xuan once. Every morning waking up brought regret; even five hours of sleep didn’t feel as sweet.

Except for Gu Qingyan and Zhang Cheng, none of the others passed the prefectural exam, showing that Lingchuan County’s literary culture really wasn’t strong.

Zhang Cheng stayed in Qingzhou Prefecture to prepare, so Gu Qingyan had to set out alone.

Without company, it was just nonstop travel, but the ox cart actually moved twice as fast as before.

The black ox huffed and puffed, working tirelessly.

Gu Qingyan grew impatient being inside the carriage, so he sat beside Zhang Nian. They talked and enjoyed the scenery, making the journey less dull.

“Hey—”

Suddenly, Zhang Nian stopped the ox cart.

“Brother Gu, there’s a cart overturned ahead.”

Gu Qingyan looked ahead and saw a dilapidated horse cart somehow completely flipped on its side. The horse lay weakly on the ground, and the driver was groaning.

The door was pinned down, and someone inside couldn’t get out.

“Is everyone okay? Need help?” Gu Qingyan called out loudly.

The other party hurriedly replied, “Young masters, please help! My young master is still inside the cart.”

“We’re coming.”

Gu Qingyan jumped down. Zhang Nian had already gone over and, with great strength, lifted and flipped the entire cart upright in one go.

The driver was startled but kept thanking them, “Thank you, young sir, you’re really strong.”

He looked down, grimacing, “The axle’s broken. What bad luck—I was walking fine, then the cart overturned.”

“Young master, are you alright?” he asked, peering inside.

From inside came a weak voice, “I’m fine, but can we still go?”

“The cart definitely can’t go for now. The axle is completely broken, and there’s no repair shop nearby,” the driver said worriedly.

Before he finished, coughing sounds came from the cart.

A frail figure got out. Though it was July, he was still dressed heavily, seeming very sensitive to the cold.

The young man glanced at Gu Qingyan and said, “I’m Jiang Wan. Thank you both for your help.”

At first glance, Gu Qingyan felt the man was very familiar.

But he had never actually met him before. He raised his hand in greeting, “Gu Qingyan, it was no trouble at all.”

“Master, I’m afraid the cart can’t be used anymore. What should we do now?” the driver fretted.

Jiang Wan coughed lightly, “You two, are you heading to Qingzhou Prefecture? Could you offer us a lift?”

“My master isn’t well. If delayed, we’ll have to sleep outdoors tonight. We can pay for the travel expenses,” the driver quickly added.

Zhang Nian looked at Gu Qingyan.

Gu Qingyan naturally didn’t refuse, “No need for travel expenses. If Master Pei doesn’t mind the simple ox cart, it’s nice to have company on the road.”

“Thank you very much,” Jiang Wan smiled, signaling the driver to move their belongings over.

Zhang Nian wanted to help, “Is that all you have?”

The driver only had a small bundle.

“It’s a short trip, so not much,” he said with a simple smile.

Gu Qingyan moved aside and invited the master and servant to sit inside the cart, while he took the driver’s seat.

Jiang Wan got in smoothly, while the driver mounted the horse and followed alongside.

Looking at the broken cart, Gu Qingyan curiously asked, “You’re just abandoning the cart?”

“It’s broken. We’ll send someone to get it after we return to the city.”

Jiang Wan smiled faintly, eyes resting on Gu Qingyan, “No guests usually ride inside, but the host giving up his seat — Gu Gongzi, why not come in and sit with us?”

Gu Qingyan looked at the people inside.

Jiang Wan was extremely handsome, the kind of handsome that seemed almost feminine. Though young, his chubby cheeks made him look no older than fifteen or sixteen, but he acted like an adult.

It had to be said, good looks easily gained people’s favor.

“Are you sick?” Gu Qingyan asked.

Jiang Wan coughed lightly twice, “Just a slight cold, not contagious.”

“I didn’t mean that,” Gu Qingyan said.

Gu Qingyan explained, “I’ve studied some medical skills for a few days. If you trust me, I might as well take a look for you.”

Jiang Wan was a bit surprised. “Oh, I didn’t expect Young Master Gu to have this skill.”

He smiled and stretched out his wrist.

Gu Qingyan placed his fingers on it, his brow slightly furrowing.

Jiang Wan smiled and asked, “How is it? Is it serious?”

“Wind-cold isn’t severe.”

Gu Qingyan looked up and gave him a bright smile. The next moment, he reversed his hand to press on Jiang Wan’s pulse point, then pushed against his lower back, pinning him to the ground.

“But your brain has a problem and needs treatment.”

“Young Master!” The coachman shouted in alarm and lifted his leg to kick toward the carriage, but Zhang Nian intercepted with a kick that nearly sent the coachman sprawling.

The coachman drew a dagger, about to act, when Gu Qingyan threatened, “Make another move and watch out for your young master’s head.”

He then slapped Jiang Wan hard. “Tell me, who sent you? What do you want?”

Jiang Wan hadn’t even reacted yet before he was knocked down, unable to move.

Once he came to his senses, he got slapped again. Anger and shame flared as he struggled violently. “Let me go, you bastard! How dare you lay hands on me?”

“What’s there to be afraid of? If you don’t explain soon, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

Gu Qingyan sneered and grabbed the flesh on his waist, twisting it hard.

Jiang Wan screamed in pain.

The coachman’s face went pale with fright as he kept shouting, “Young Master Gu, it’s a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding! My young master is a friend of Lord Pei Xuan. I heard Lord Pei mention you before. This time coming to Qingzhou Prefecture, it’s just to make friends.”

Pei Xuan?

Gu Qingyan’s mind shifted, and looking at the miserable man in his hand, he immediately let go.

“Oh, why didn’t you say so earlier? This is just family beating family. Making friends is one thing, but why bother with all these fake tricks? Someone might think you’re setting a trap to rob people on the road.”

Jiang Wan’s face turned pale and then red, his waist still burning with pain. He gritted his teeth and said, “Who wants to be friends with you?”

Gu Qingyan raised an eyebrow. “Then what are you doing on my carriage?”

“I was—”

Jiang Wan had no way to answer.

He certainly couldn’t say he had eavesdropped on Pei Xuan’s subordinates, hurried over to Qingzhou Prefecture full of hope, just to see who could become Pei Xuan’s friend.

Why could others do something Jiang Wan himself couldn’t?

Pei Xuan wasn’t someone who looked down on everyone and ignored them; how come he had friends, and from the countryside no less?

Jiang Wan was full of resentment. “How did you figure it out?”

Gu Qingyan sized him up and smiled. “Your little act was too fake. No matter how fast the carriage runs, it wouldn’t overturn like that. Obviously no practice.”

“And that horse, with such a big accident, if it wasn’t spooked it’d be fine, but it’s just calmly eating grass.”

“Of course, the biggest flaw is on you — you said your face was rosy and you were pretending to be a sick beauty, but you don’t look like it at all.”

Jiang Wan’s face darkened.

Suddenly, he made a move. “That doesn’t count, hit me again.”

Unexpectedly, as soon as he acted, Zhang Nian pinned him down again.

Gu Qingyan stood nearby leisurely and said with a grin, “I’m not the one to fight you. If you want to fight, you have to get past my steward first.”

Zhang Nian chuckled and then held the struggling man tightly.

Jiang Wan lost all face and gave up, burying his head in his clothes.

“You’re bullying me, I can’t face anyone.” Then he started bawling loudly.

Gu Qingyan rubbed his ear. “Oh, crying? Louder, my ears aren’t good, I can’t hear you clearly.”

Jiang Wan raised his flushed face. “It must be a misunderstanding. Where did you get that name card? Show it quickly, or the Pei family won’t let you off.”

“I’ll tell you, the name card you saw is no ordinary thing. It belongs to the famous Killing God, the Living Devil, the heir of the Duke of Shouguo in the Great Zhou Dynasty. If you have the life, you get to use it; if not, you just suffer.”

“If you don’t hand it over, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

Gu Qingyan laughed loudly, patted him while he was still pinned to the ground, and squeezed his chubby cheeks. “Then show me what ruthless really means.”

Jiang Wan was furious and bit out of instinct.

Gu Qingyan quickly pulled back his fingers and mischievously pinched Jiang Wan’s mouth into a pout.

Jiang Wan couldn’t break free or resist, losing strength and collapsing on the ground, allowing Gu Qingyan to squeeze and roll his face as he pleased.

The coachman originally wanted to intervene, but seeing Gu Qingyan wasn’t really using force and was just playing around, chose to turn a blind eye.

Just then, the sound of galloping hooves came from afar.

Gu Qingyan suddenly looked up.

Jiang Wan took the opportunity to break free, rolled to the ground, and scrambled forward crying, “Brother Pei, brother, save me, he’s bullying me.”

Riding quickly toward them was none other than Pei Xuan, accompanied only by Zhang Menghuai.

Jiang Wan, moved to tears, reached out to mount the horse, but the next moment his expression froze.

The horse’s leg didn’t stop and simply stepped over him, heading straight to the ox cart.

Jiang Wan couldn’t believe it and looked utterly aggrieved.

He glanced back and saw Pei Xuan already stopped in front of the ox cart, asking in a gentle voice Jiang Wan had never heard before, “Are you alright?”

And that detestable fellow, who took Pei Xuan’s friend spot and beat Jiang Wan on sight, was now smiling slyly like a fox spirit.

“No problem, Brother Pei, why have you come?”

Gu Qingyan was genuinely happy. He had thought he’d have to wait until next year to see Pei Xuan, but unexpectedly got this pleasant surprise.

What made him even happier was that the dark Pei Xuan had once again turned golden and shining this time they met!

“I came on business.”

Pei Xuan glanced at the carriage and held out his hand. “Want to ride?”

“Of course.”

Gu Qingyan had longed to ride a horse, grabbed Pei Xuan’s hand, and used the momentum to mount.

“Let’s go.” Without waiting for Pei Xuan, Gu Qingyan instinctively called out, and the fine horse obeyed, galloping forward.

“A Nian, I’ll go ahead first. See you in the city.”

Only Gu Qingyan’s voice remained behind.

The people left behind looked at each other in confusion. Zhang Nian was the first to regain composure; he tugged on the black ox’s reins and leisurely continued driving.

Jiang Wan spat several times, trying to clear the dust from his mouth. “They… they…”

Before he could finish, he got slapped again. “Who told you to run out?”

Jiang Wan looked up and saw his older brother. “Brother, I just wanted to see who this Gu Qingyan really is.”

“You’re everywhere. Why are you always so meddlesome? Even the Duke can’t manage Lord Pei’s affairs—what right do you have to interfere?”

Zhang Menghuai looked displeased. He blamed his uncle for insisting on placing Jiang Wan here, but this cousin was a blockhead who chased after Lord Pei all day. If it weren’t for his family’s background, he’d have been kicked out long ago.

This time he was even more severe: “Jiang Wan, I’m telling you, keep causing trouble and I’ll deal with you by military law—even if the Heavenly King himself comes, he’d better get lost.”

Jiang Wan felt both wronged and hurt. “What did I do? I’m being scolded and beaten for nothing.”

Zhang Menghuai kicked him again. “Cause more trouble and I’ll beat you even harder.”

Jiang Wan didn’t dare cry anymore because when his brother said he’d hit, he really meant it—and hard, scarier than a fox spirit.

Meanwhile, Pei Xuan anxiously asked, “Was he scared?”

“I wasn’t scared. He’s probably the one who got scared badly.”

Gu Qingyan recounted what had happened earlier and couldn’t help laughing. “Lord Pei, you wouldn’t believe how funny he looked all puffed up and angry, his cheeks all puffing in and out.”

It was the first time Pei Xuan had heard anyone describe Jiang Wan that way. After all, Jiang Wan’s reputation wasn’t exactly good.

“Jiang Wan’s spoiled at home. He’s always got the young master attitude wherever he goes. If he’s wrong, just hit him and scold him back,” Pei Xuan advised, worried Gu Qingyan might be too nice and get taken advantage of.

“I didn’t feel any malice from him. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have just been a beating—it’d be something much worse.”

Gu Qingyan smiled, imagining Jiang Wan’s miserable, puppy-like expression.

He asked curiously, “It seems like he came looking for me on purpose.”

Pei Xuan chuckled at his grin. “Not playing. Knowing Jiang Wan’s temper, he’s definitely setting a trap—to give you a warning.”

“Lord Pei, why did you come to Qingzhou Prefecture all of a sudden?”

Pei Xuan explained, “Lu Mingxuan, the dean of Hongshan Academy, passed away. The case is unclear and involves high officials at court. The higher-ups sent me here to investigate thoroughly.”

Gu Qingyan immediately brightened. “That’s great!”

He recounted everything that happened twenty-five years ago: “I always felt something was off—maybe there’s a deeper case hidden inside. Lord Pei, you have to find out the truth and give the Hua family justice.”

But after hearing this, Pei Xuan fell silent.

Gu Qingyan sensed something was wrong. “What is it?”

“This case is closed,” Pei Xuan said. “Lu Mingxuan committed suicide out of fear. That’s the end. No further investigation.”

He didn’t say that when the matter worsened and became a political attack on Minister of Personnel Wen Ruliang’s faction, Pei Xuan worried about Gu Qingyan’s involvement and voluntarily took on this mission.

For this, the Duke of Shou even mocked him for a while.

“This is where it stops—not only are the clues cut off with Lu Mingxuan’s death, it’s also the emperor’s will.”

Gu Qingyan frowned.

Soon he sighed, “It’s true—twenty-five years is too long. With Lu Mingxuan dead, those who knew the truth back then are gone. There’s no way to continue the investigation.”

Seeing this, Pei Xuan looked worried and warned, “The court has made a final ruling. Qingyan, you’re still young. Don’t get too deeply involved.”

Gu Qingyan appreciated his concern.

“Lord Pei, I’ll remember that. I’m just a bit emotional. When I become an official, I’ll make sure no such wrongful or tragic cases ever happen again.”

His youthful resolve made Pei Xuan want to praise him.

But then he thought of Gu Qingyan’s reckless behavior—recklessly confronting the Liu family on their turf in Qingzhou Prefecture—and wasn’t sure whether to encourage him.

Pei Xuan smiled wryly, wondering when he himself became so hesitant, afraid the boy might get bullied somewhere out of sight.

Gu Qingyan forced a casual smile. “Thanks to the name card you gave me, otherwise facing something like this, life and death would be uncertain.”

“But I wonder if it caused you trouble, Lord Pei?”

After all, from what Pei Xuan hinted, there were many complicated factors behind this matter.

Pei Xuan laughed, “Very few people in this world can really cause me trouble.”

“Exactly why I recognize you as my brother—just so impressive.” Gu Qingyan turned and gave him a thumbs-up.

Pei Xuan quickly steadied him. “Sit properly.”

Gu Qingyan thought he was moving too much on horseback and might fall, so he straightened up—but kept talking.

“Lord Pei, recently I’ve been doing woodworking and made you lots of gifts. If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve brought them all.”

“You can do that too?” Pei Xuan was a little surprised.

He was holding Gu Qingyan’s hand — delicate, soft, with slender fingers that showed no calluses; these were the hands of a scholar.

Gu Qingyan took something out from his chest: “Look, I made this with my own hands.”

“I didn’t bring the gift I prepared for you, so here’s this for now.”

Pei Xuan took it and saw it was a peanut, plump and round, very nicely made.

In a place Pei Xuan couldn’t see, this boy had been thinking of him all along.

Pei Xuan felt a bittersweet pang in his heart. He knew he shouldn’t give him hope but couldn’t bear to refuse.

He slipped the peanut into his sleeve and said, “Thank you.”

“What are you thanking me for? You gave me so many pearls, I can’t even use them all,” Gu Qingyan waved his hand dismissively.

Pei Xuan silently smiled, fingers rubbing the peanut inside his sleeve. It was warm and smooth — the shine and warmth that Gu Qingyan had brought out in it.

Gu Qingyan was happy too. He noticed right away when they met that Pei Xuan’s color had brightened again!

Last time they met, it was dull and dark; this time it was golden and radiant.

Gu Qingyan liked golden; black always brought him bad omens.

Fortunately, Pei Xuan was back to his golden glow.

Gu Qingyan rubbed his palms together, smiling as he held Pei Xuan’s hand that was gripping the reins.

[You have successfully checked in with Pei Xuan, gaining +10 favor points.]

Gu Qingyan blinked, wondering why this time it didn’t trigger equipment drops but gave favor points instead.

He opened the system—it was the same old interface, no special favor system showing up.

Soon, Gu Qingyan dismissed it as the system glitching and pushed the small incident aside.

“Brother Xia Liu, long time no see.”

Gu Qingyan cheerfully greeted, swung down from his horse, and approached like old pals.

Xia Liu was also happy, full of compliments: “Young Master Gu, long time no see. You’ve really grown taller.”

“Really? That’s great! I knew I was still growing,” Gu Qingyan became even happier.

They had only been apart for a few months, but their warmth was like that of lifelong friends.

However, this friendly scene didn’t sit well with Pei Xuan.

“Qingyan just arrived; let him rest a bit,” Pei Xuan said.

Xia Liu grinned dumbly and immediately stepped aside: “Please, Young Master, come in.”

“I’m not tired, no need to rest,” Gu Qingyan didn’t catch the hint and pulled Xia Liu, asking, “Brother Xia Liu, how long will you stay this time? Can you teach my brother An Nian again? I think he has talent for martial arts. In just a few months, his skills have improved quickly.”

“Of course, it’s no problem at all. Just send him over,” Xia Liu agreed immediately.

Pei Xuan couldn’t help but clear his throat.

Xia Liu glanced at his superior and immediately understood: “Of course, but it still needs his approval.”

Gu Qingyan immediately looked to Pei Xuan with pleading eyes: “Brother Pei, can I? Can I?”

Who could refuse such a look?

Pei Xuan, unable to say no, nodded stiffly: “Sure.”

“Great! I knew Brother Pei was the best — number one in the world, a true brother through thick and thin,” Gu Qingyan laughed.

Xia Liu smiled silently.

He thought his lord was a bit double-faced — cold as the northwest wind to them, but spring breezes to Young Master Gu.

Tsk tsk, some people and some connections are just different.

Still, he liked Young Master Gu — good-looking, well-spoken without airs, and considerate.

When Zhang Menghuai returned with Jiang Wan, he saw the whole room lively in conversation.

He gave a low laugh and called out as he entered, “Young Master Gu, I’m Zhang Menghuai, an errand runner under Lord Pei. Please take care of me from now on.”

Gu Qingyan didn’t know how to respond.

After all, judging by his aura, he didn’t look like a mere errand runner.

Luckily, Pei Xuan explained: “Deputy Inspector Zhang Menghuai from the Department of Judicial Investigation.”

“Greetings, Lord Zhang,” Gu Qingyan jumped, realizing this was a fifth-rank official position.

He couldn’t help but recall Jiang Wan’s words that Pei Xuan was the heir to the Duke of Shouguo.

Though unfamiliar with officialdom, Gu Qingyan knew a duke’s status was extraordinary in the Great Zhou dynasty — no wonder the introduction letter worked so well.

Zhang Menghuai laughed heartily: “Just someone who handles miscellaneous tasks, no real power at all. Young Master Gu, don’t be so formal.”

He could be casual, but Gu Qingyan thought otherwise. Fifth rank? How many years would it take to climb that high?

Zhang Menghuai pulled out the person behind him: “You brat, apologize to Young Master Gu already! At your age, still acting up.”

Jiang Wan looked rebellious, his nose bright red.

Zhang Menghuai slapped him hard: “Hurry up.”

“Yes, sorry. I just wanted to see you, didn’t mean to hurt you,” Jiang Wan sniffled, grumbling.

Zhang Menghuai explained to Gu Qingyan: “My younger brother is useless, always chasing after people. His father forced him on me, said he needed to suffer some hardships to learn a lesson, but who knew he’d mess around like this.”

“Young Master Gu, if he dares to mess up again, just teach him a lesson. If he still won’t listen, tell me. I’ll help you beat him up.”

Gu Qingyan looked at Zhang Menghuai’s rough appearance and then at Jiang Wan’s delicate looks, very surprised: “You two are brothers?”

They didn’t look alike at all.

“Cousins,”

Zhang Menghuai immediately clarified: “If he were my real brother, I’d have beaten him into shape long ago. Cousins are harder to discipline.”

Gu Qingyan thought of that big slap earlier, which didn’t seem very light either.

Zhang Menghuai was about to say more, but Pei Xuan interrupted: “Enough, leave now.”

Without a word, Zhang Menghuai quickly grabbed his brother and left — really grabbed, like holding a little chick.

“My lord, you haven’t seen each other for a long time, have a proper reunion. I’ll prepare food and drink. Tonight, he’ll properly apologize to Young Master Gu.”

The group noisily left, leaving only Gu Qingyan and Pei Xuan alone.