Chapter 144

Qin Lang had been following Pei Jian, afraid he might do something foolish.

Seeing that Pei Jian didn’t head directly to Duke Fu’s mansion to challenge Lu Wensheng but instead went to Yiqiao Street, Qin Lang let out a long sigh of relief. “Shizhang has finally grown sensible!”

But, to his dismay, he saw Nianxi sending Lu Wensheng and his son out of the mansion just as he reached the gate.

Oh my, they looked just like a family of three: a clever and obedient child, a calm and tall husband, and a gentle and beautiful wife.

Qin Lang’s heart pounded wildly. He feared that Pei Jian might lose control, rush out, and give the father and son a good beating.

Now a third-rank official, if Pei Jian were to assault someone on the streets publicly, it would surely add another joke for the people of the capital to gossip about over tea.

Fortunately, by Buddha’s grace, Pei Jian restrained himself once more.

When Pei Jian went to speak with his sister, Qin Lang didn’t stay idle. He silently prayed that his sister wouldn’t take a liking to an older man with ‘baggage’ because if she did, not only would someone lose their mind on the spot, but someone far away in the northern borders would also lose theirs.

“What are you doing?

Just as he was racking his brain, wondering which other gods he could pray to, a male voice suddenly sounded near his ear, “Sneaky, what are you up to?”

Qin Lang opened his eyes to see Wen Qingheng standing beside him, staring unblinkingly at the two people not far away.

“That Pei Shizhang scoundrel is pestering my sister again!”

Qin Lang quickly grabbed Wen Qingheng and solemnly warned him, “Are you hoping for a Duke as your brother-in-law? If not, just stay quiet!”

Wen Qingheng instinctively wanted to argue but knew Qin Lang was speaking the truth. Over the past few days, several of his Ministry of Works colleagues had subtly or overtly mocked him, saying his family was climbing the social ladder by attaching themselves to Duke Fu. They implied that his rank-six official position was soon to rise.

Wen Qingheng was generally a mild-tempered person, but this topic struck a nerve. He had lashed out publicly, making it difficult for him to remain in the Ministry of Works. Forced to return home, he also dreaded being nagged by Madam Li to marry. At that moment, he spotted Qin Lang sneaking around the street corner and caught him red-handed.

“Is Gu Ci your brother?” Wen Qingheng joined Qin Lang in sneakily crouching by the wall, his tone disdainful as he said, “He just left, and now you’re already betraying him?”

Qin Lang refused to take the blame and argued logically, “Pei Jian and Gu Ci—they’re like the palm and the back of a hand. Both are flesh. But my sister? There’s only one, and we can’t let some outsider take advantage of her!”

It sounded reasonable enough.

However— “She’s my sister, and it’s not your business to interfere. My sister can marry whomever she likes. Why must it be one of those two?”

Qin Lang immediately responded, “Let’s not talk about the one here right now. The one in the northern borders is still fighting a war. Can you bear the thought of him cutting down enemies while hearing the heartbreaking news that my sister got married? How cruel would that be?”

Wen Qingheng was convinced.

With nothing better to do, Qin Lang nudged Wen Qingheng’s elbow, “Who do you think my sister will choose?”

“Are you that bored?”

“How about a bet? Don’t tell me you’re not curious!”

Wen Qingheng answered without hesitation, “Gu Ci!”

Qin Lang turned to look at him. “So sure? What’s wrong with Shizhang?”

Wen Qingheng replied, “He was a step too late.”

“Then I’ll bet on Pei Jian.”

Qin Lang took an opposing view. “Look at Shizhang’s persistence. Good women can’t resist persistent men. Qingye isn’t around, so it’s possible that Shizhang might win her over. Not to mention, when King Jing forced your sister, how much effort did Shizhang put in behind the scenes? That’s a king we’re talking about—are you unaware?”

Wen Qingheng, not being particularly articulate, was already swayed by Qin Lang’s argument. Soon after, they saw their sister turn and walk back into the mansion, leaving Pei Jian alone where he stood, motionless for a long time.

Even from a distance, the two could feel his desolation and loneliness. It was as if the entire world had abandoned him.

Qin Lang observed this and stressed, “Whatever you do, don’t provoke him, don’t make him angry, and, most importantly, don’t mention my sister—not a single word!”

Wen Qingheng gave him a sidelong glance. “Do you think I’m stupid? Why would I bring up your sister in front of an unrelated man for no reason?”

“And as for you, stop going on about your sister all the time! She’s my sister!”

“My, sister!”

Qin Lang couldn’t be bothered to argue with Wen Qingheng. He’d already composed himself and was ready to comfort his heartbroken friend. But unexpectedly, Pei Jian didn’t show any unusual behavior.

Even though his eyes were extremely red and his dejection was evident even from miles away, he remained as calm as a stagnant pool of water—still and unruffled.

“Let’s go back.”

“Want to grab a drink? Jinghe said he’s treating,” Qin Lang called loudly from behind.

“No.” Pei Jian waved his hand. The setting sun cast its glow on his back, flowing layer by layer over his sky-blue brocade robe until he gradually disappeared at the end of the alley.

Qin Lang and Wen Qingheng exchanged glances.

Wen Qingheng asked, “What do you make of this?”

Qin Lang was just as clueless, so he replied, “You spend all day meeting young ladies—why are you asking me about this?”

Still feeling somewhat sympathetic toward his friend, he added, “Who knows what kind of words my sister said to pierce his heart? She’s a bit too ruthless.”

“What else could it be?”

Upon hearing this, Wen Qingheng immediately snapped, “Speaking so softly, could Pei Jian really back down? Why don’t you talk about how Pei Jian is pestering my sister? It’s men like you that always blame women for everything!”

“Hmph!” Wen Qingheng stormed off in frustration.

Qin Lang: …

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Northern Borders

During the large-scale march, as the troops traversed Lingdao, a massive snowstorm engulfed the ancient paths that had existed for centuries, covering the high plains and ravines nestled among the mountains. Unable to find the way, a single misstep could lead to falling into the abyss. Gu Ci ordered a retreat, halting further pursuit, and they returned to their base.

Gu Ci had faced Norther Liang’s Crown Prince in direct combat not long ago. Under the constant provocation of bloodshed and dismembered remains, a murderous intent consumed him, and he charged forward recklessly, ignoring any fallback plan.

A cold arrow shot from the rear diagonally.

At that moment, Gu Ci still had two fierce enemy generals before him and had no way to evade. Just as it seemed inevitable that he would be struck, Xie Qiu sacrificed himself to shield him.

Gu Ci watched as his personal guard, who had accompanied him for more than a decade, fell before his eyes. The violence and rage within him nearly overwhelmed him. There was no time for grief—he plunged into battle with abandon.

The Liang army suffered a crushing defeat.

Though his vice generals advised against further pursuit, Gu Ci was unwavering. He plunged deep into enemy territory, determined to annihilate the Liang army unit and avenge Xie Qiu.

Yet, fate had other plans.

Upon returning to the base, Gu Ci found himself unable to calm down. Grief and a relentless fury tormented him in waves, leaving him nearly sleepless.

He had not always been a bloodthirsty person.

But earlier, he had ordered the execution of surrendered soldiers by burial; their heads were severed and hung at the city gates as a warning. The blood had frozen into crystals, grotesque and chilling.

Gu Ci demonstrated his exceptional military strategy and capability. In fact, within the entire Northern Garrison, he had gradually taken over his father’s position.

He was a born general destined for warfare.

Today was New Year’s Eve, a time when families lit up their homes and reunited. Yet, Gu Ci felt no warmth. He had declined invitations from both his father and elder brother.

Calmly, Gu Ci stared at the sand table, silently deducing battle strategies, waiting for the heavy snow to cease so he could launch another attack. He intended to use the enemy’s blood to honor his fallen comrade.

His temples throbbed painfully—he knew it was because his nerves were too tense. Over the past month, he had lost too many comrades; it seemed that every moment, someone was falling beside him.

Until Xie Qiu died, too.

Gu Ci let out a long sigh, suppressing his violent, bloodthirsty emotions and forcing himself to appear calm.

The sound of commotion came from outside. Gu Ci frowned deeply, unable to suppress his irritation, and was about to reprimand them when a personal guard reported at the door, “My lord, I’ve brought your dinner. And there’s a box sent from the capital, addressed to you.”

Irritated, Gu Ci massaged his brows. He hadn’t eaten since the morning, yet his body didn’t feel the slightest hunger.

If he didn’t eat, his father and brother would nag him again.

“Bring it in.”

Tonight’s dinner was much more lavish than usual, but Gu Ci had no appetite.

After the guard left, he casually picked up the box nearby and opened it. Inside lay a chubby rabbit lantern, dressed in a flowing wide-sleeved immortal-style gown, quietly resting.