Chapter 130

Nianxi declined Pei Jian’s offer. “There are still some things I need to finish. I’ll head back in a while. The carriage is parked by the roadside.”

Pei Jian didn’t say more, nor did he stay and wait as he used to.

Nianxi wouldn’t like it if he did that. She had her sense of proportion—she would return once she finished her tasks. Thus, he left two attendants behind and returned to the capital ahead of her.

There were really only some finishing touches left. Once the porridge station was tidied up, Nianxi and Lu Huai boarded the carriage to return to the city.

After they had both warmed up, Nianxi looked at Lu Huai. “Be sure to drink a bowl of ginger tea when we get back. It’s freezing cold—be careful not to catch a chill.”

Lu Huai originally came to Nianxi to complain about his troubles today. But, seeing the disaster victims braving the heavy snow, he felt that his troubles were insignificant.

Nianxi noticed he wasn’t speaking, so she handed him her hand warmer. “What’s wrong? Are you too cold? I told you to return to the carriage earlier, but you wouldn’t listen.”

Lu Huai refused the hand warmer.

Nianxi’s hands were as cold as ice, so he couldn’t possibly be colder than her.

Leaning against the carriage wall, Lu Xiaoqi imitated Lu Wensheng’s usual demeanor, rubbing his short fingers over his brow with a sigh. “Nianxi, I might be getting a stepmother.”

Nianxi couldn’t help but laugh. The greatest worry of Lu Huai’s life was likely this one matter.

“Your father can’t stay alone forever. This is a good thing.”

Lu Huai’s eyes were dull as he replied dejectedly, “You don’t understand. This woman is no ordinary one—she’s a she-devil! She’s not even afraid of my Little Green!”

Little Green was a snake that Lu Huai kept.

He buried his head in his knees, putting on a sorrowful expression. “Nianxi, I’m afraid I won’t be able to see you anymore in the future.”

Nianxi laughed. “The way you’re saying it, anyone who doesn’t know better might think you’re the one getting married.”

“You’re just a child—how do you have so many thoughts?”

Lu Huai raised his head irritably. “The main point is that she-devil is really fierce!”

“Xiaoqi!” Nianxi’s smile faded. “How can you talk about a woman like that?”

With the standing of the Duke’s mansion, the person matched to it would certainly be a lady from a prominent family. Even if it were just an ordinary woman, she shouldn’t be referred to in such a coarse manner.

Lu Huai glanced at her sideways. “I know, I know. I’m just saying it to you. She’s the daughter of some high-ranking administrative official from a very prestigious family. Even my aunt won’t let me act up around her.”

“In the future, she’ll probably control me strictly and might even resent me for being the legitimate eldest son. Who knows, she might have a maid push me into the water and drown me to get rid of me.”

“Where there’s a stepmother, there’s also a stepfather. Once my father has other children, he might not care about me anymore either.”

The more he spoke, the more dejected he became. After all, he was just a child; no matter how much he overthought, it all boiled down to his fear that his father would stop loving him.

Nianxi’s heart softened. She patted Lu Huai’s shoulder and said gently, “You have the Old Madam and the Empress in the palace to protect you. Who would dare to bully you? Don’t scare yourself with such thoughts anymore.”

Lu Huai had heard these words of reason countless times since he was little and was entirely unmoved.

Nianxi had to take a different approach. “When we were distributing porridge today, did you see those children wearing thin, shabby clothes? Don’t you think they’re pitiful?”

At this, Lu Huai finally lifted his head and replied with conviction, “Don’t use those people to lecture me. I wasn’t born into a family like that. People have different kinds of troubles.”

“You’re right. Even a life of luxury has its own troubles. How old are you this year?”

Lu Huai responded cautiously, “After the New Year, I’ll be six.”

“Six? That makes you a little man standing tall and proud. You were born into a position of honor that those children could never match. But your responsibilities are also far greater than theirs.”

Nianxi did not treat him as just a child. Instead, she looked into his eyes and gently said, “You study and practice writing, and in the future, you will undoubtedly become a government official. Your responsibility is to ensure that such pitiful children are fewer and fewer.”

“You’re someone destined for great things. Yet here you are, jealous of a stepmother and future younger siblings. Aren’t you ashamed?”

Lu Huai was almost stunned into silence. Of course, he knew that one day he would become a high-ranking official, as majestic and respected as his father. But he had no idea what exactly he was meant to do.

Nianxi now told him that his future mission was to ensure those shivering, emaciated children with frostbitten hands would no longer go hungry or cold but instead be well-fed and warmly clothed.

In young Lu Huai’s heart, a sense of conviction began to take root, something akin to faith that he would carry out for the rest of his life.

However, he still felt a bit shy at this moment, though his eyes sparkled brightly. “Do you think I can really do it?” he asked.

Nianxi immediately cheered him on, smiling as she praised, “I’ve never seen a boy as smart as you!”

“You’ll definitely be a role model for your younger siblings!”

Lu Huai, thoroughly delighted by the praise, beamed with joy. In truth, he was now old enough to understand that his father couldn’t remain unmarried forever, but his heart still harbored fear.

But Nianxi told him that when he grows up, he will protect and take care of many people. Right now, he is a little man, and in the future, he will grow into a true man. There’s no need to fear any so-called “she-devil”!

Lu Huai vowed earnestly, “When you have children, I’ll be a role model for them too!”

Hearing this, Nianxi’s smile faltered slightly before returning to normal. She lowered her head, poured herself a cup of tea, and seemed to forget to respond to Lu Huai’s words.

…

At night, the marketplace was as bright as day. Pavilions stood one after another, lanterns hanging in a continuous line. The radiant lights, fragrant herbs, elegant brothels, and lively teahouses created an atmosphere of indulgence and revelry.

As midnight approached, the glow of candles still shimmered.

Here, there was an endless world of joy and indulgence where the sounds of misery and wailing were rarely heard. The emerald curtains were rolled high, and embroidered drapes hung low.

Pei Jian closed his eyes slightly, holding a jade cup as he casually conversed with his colleagues nearby. Square lanterns lit up the corners of the pavilion, casting light on his somewhat tired expression. Unlike his cold and solemn demeanor during the day, the red gauze curtains reflected an unparalleled elegance in the arch of his brows.

Today’s host was Marquis Anjing, Han Lin.

Pei Jian was currently overseeing the investigation of corruption in the salt trade of the Two Huai regions. The case involved countless court officials and vast amounts of gold and silver. The number of people attempting to host Pei Jian and establish connections with him was beyond measure.

Even King Jing, Xiao Xun, had sent invitations multiple times, all of which Pei Jian had politely declined.

Today, as he finally agreed to attend, Han Lin naturally gave the matter his utmost attention. However, certain conversations could only be exchanged after the wine flowed and everyone was at ease.

Pointing to a pretty performer in the room, someone enthusiastically suggested, “Lord Pei has been busy with official duties every day and rarely has any free time. How about letting this head performer help you relax?”

Han Lin gestured to the beauty behind the curtain. “Qing Rong, serve wine to Lord Pei.”

Qin Lang was also seated nearby today.

In the salt trade corruption case, the officials from the Ministry of Revenue were most implicated. Many of Qin Lang’s previous superiors had already been dismissed by Pei Jian, which had, in a way, cleared the path for him.

Now, seeing the performer approach with her gaze like autumn waters and brows resembling spring mountains, her movements carried the composure of a refined lady. Qin Lang couldn’t help but silently admire Han Lin’s cleverness.

Pei Jian, who had always maintained a clean and self-disciplined reputation, was well-known for avoiding involvement with performers and dancers. Even though Qin Lang knew Pei Jian’s feelings for Nianxi, in this day and age, where could one truly find a man who remained pure and untainted?

“Lord Pei.” Qing Rong poured a cup of wine and handed it to Pei Jian with both hands.

A few months ago, Qing Rong had seen Pei Jian once. At that time, he had not yet attained his current status. She only knew of him as a young, promising gentleman with a calm and indifferent demeanor, who kept his distance from performers and dancers. Even amidst the indulgence and revelry of such an environment, his brows carried an air of desolation. His almond-shaped eyes seemed both detached and affectionate.

With just one glance, she could never forget him. Back then, she had already wanted to try and see if she could share a drink with him.

Moments earlier, through her performance of “The Song of the Yue People,” Qing Rong had poured her feelings into her singing. Her subtle admiration and reverence were fully expressed in the line: I adore you, yet you don’t know it.

With her deep, longing eyes directed at him, she refused to believe that her charm could not captivate him.

Pei Jian opened his half-closed eyes. His deep gaze lowered slightly as he looked at the woman before him, graceful and submissive.

Qing Rong once again extended the wine cup forward. “Please, my lord, do me the honor.”

She was used to being admired and pursued by men, who flocked to her eagerly. Seeing Pei Jian look her way now, she was secretly delighted, assuming he would accept. To her surprise, he pushed it away. He didn’t even spare her a single word.

Qing Rong’s limpid eyes, brimming with emotions like autumn waters, carried an unspeakable sorrow. Her heart ached—she couldn’t tell if it was because her pride had been wounded or something else—but a sudden burst of bold determination stirred within her. “Please, my lord, have compassion.”