Chapter 159

With Wang Muyi expecting, her mother-in-law, the Marchioness of Pingyang, forbade her from leaving the house, especially during the first three months of pregnancy. This left Nianxi splitting her time between the shop and the Liuji Pavilion.

As for her confrontation with Xu Wanxin, Nianxi had no regrets at all. However, knowing Xu Wanxin’s character, Nianxi doubted she would let things slide so easily. She anticipated retaliation in some form.

Previously, Cousin Mu had stepped in to shield her, but now, as Cousin Mu focused on her pregnancy, Nianxi shared only amusing and lighthearted stories to ease her cousin’s mind, avoiding any mention of trouble.

Yet, days passed in surprising calm.

For the first time, Nianxi began to understand why Pei Jian needed such an entourage when traveling.

Open attacks are easier to dodge than hidden ones; having someone to protect you always brings peace of mind.

By chance, on the day Nianxi visited Duke Zhen’s mansion to see Madam Wang, the latter gifted her two maidservants.

“They’re both trained fighters,” Madam Wang said with a smile. “Each of them can handle three to five men on her own. Take them with you when you go out—it’ll put everyone at ease.”

Nianxi hesitated, asking, “Madam, you…you know about it?”

Madam Wang chuckled. “Who hasn’t had their wild younger days? It’s just a fight—did you suffer any losses?”

Nianxi shook her head. “I was the one doing the hitting.”

Satisfied, Madam Wang advised, “Then take these two with you over the next few days. Don’t let them leave your side.”

Nianxi wished she could find a hole to crawl into. She had no idea how Madam Wang had learned about her fight. The fierceness of her actions back then now felt unbearably embarrassing. After all, she was supposed to be a gentle, kind, and elegant lady—how could she have been so domineering as to get into a physical altercation?

It was mortifying.

Madam Wang noticed her discomfort and smiled to ease the tension. “You’re not someone who acts on impulse,” she said. “There must have been a reason for the fight.”

Nianxi nodded and replied honestly, “I didn’t hit her out of impulse—it was a decision I made after careful consideration.”

Madam Wang was thoroughly amused by Nianxi’s earnest demeanor, laughing heartily.

After Gu Ci went off to the battlefield, Nianxi frequently visited the mansion, and Madam Wang genuinely grew fond of her.

At this moment, holding Nianxi close, Madam Wang offered her full support: “Yes, that’s good—don’t make things hard on yourself. If anything happens, don’t worry. You have me and the Gu family backing you.”

Gu Chengye and his son fought several remarkable battles on the front lines. Especially Gu Ci, who had left as a minor officer and now, as the Deputy Commander of the entire army, seemed poised to secure his place as a marquis or even a prime minister after another decisive victory against the Liang forces. Even the Crown Prince’s recent grand ceremony at Mount Tai to pray and offer sacrifices to heaven and ancestors included recognition of the Gu family’s contributions in defending the realm.

Duke Zhen’s mansion was once again bustling with activity, its glory restored. Gone were the days of its former desolation.

Nianxi held great respect for Madam Wang, so hearing her so firmly support her actions made her a bit embarrassed.

She wasn’t someone unreasonable.

However—

“I could’ve been more discreet,” Nianxi admitted with a touch of regret. “I’m inexperienced and only aimed where it was visible. My cousin said pinching the waist hurts the most. Next time, I won’t be so obvious.”

Madam Wang laughed so hard this time that tears welled up in her eyes.

After a lighthearted exchange, Madam Wang suddenly remarked, “Actually, those two maidservants were sent by Gu Ci. He’s worried about you.”

Upon hearing this, Nianxi lowered her lashes slightly and softly acknowledged, “I thought as much.”

She had already guessed. Judging by the timeline, Gu Ci must have heard about the situation with King Jing by now. She didn’t write to him. Apart from causing Gu Ci unnecessary worry, it wouldn’t solve anything—he had his own mission and responsibilities. But he would inevitably learn about it through other channels.

Nianxi used to be a very “small” woman. Her heart was filled with love and affection, so when Pei Jian grew increasingly unresponsive to her feelings—feelings that eventually even became entangled with others—she experienced deep pain and despair.

While Pei Jian single-mindedly pursued his career, she failed to keep pace, unlike the majority of noblewomen in the capital who supported their husbands’ meteoric rise. She became the one holding him back.

Back then, Nianxi was kind and sincere but far too vulnerable. Her heart depended entirely on the pity and favor of others.

When Pei Jian forgot her, her heart withered away. Thus, in her second chance at life, she yearned desperately for the feeling of being loved.

And she was fortunate—she met Gu Ci, a passionate man who loved her unreservedly. Through his sincerity, she was healed; his love filled her, nourishing her like rain to parched soil, enabling her to flourish once more.

She regained the capacity to love. But then, Gu Ci also left.

Was it painful? Yes, it was deeply painful.

Yet, beyond the sorrow, she found something else. She learned to accept and be brave. She was no longer the sheltered young lady confined to a square courtyard, spending her days studying beverages or blending fragrances for leisure.

Instead, she had encountered heroines like Lady Chengjing, rescued women like Cui Lian who had been beaten by their husbands, and witnessed many of life’s sufferings. Her life was no longer solely about love and relationships. Though she still longed for them, she would never again let herself be swept away and lose her sense of self.

Whoever she chose to be with, it would be for one reason alone: He is wonderful, and so am I. They were all growing into the best versions of themselves.

Whether it was Nianxi, Gu Ci on the battlefield, Zhou Yanli, or even Pei Jian, each of them was on the journey to becoming a better version of themselves.

“Gu Ci only mentioned sending these two people to you; he didn’t say anything else.” Madam Wang sighed with a smile, “Gu Ci, he’s too soft-hearted.”

Naturally, Madam Wang hoped Nianxi would become a daughter-in-law of their family. But sometimes people couldn’t afford to be too selfish—she understood Gu Ci’s intent.

Hearing this, Nianxi, her almond-shaped eyes gleaming with a gentle beauty reminiscent of Jiangnan’s waterways, gazed out at the clear, pristine sky and softly replied: “Yes, he’s always been soft-hearted.”

Just as they were talking, Pei Jian arrived.

After Gu Ci went to war, Pei Jian would occasionally drop by the mansion, checking if anything needed his help or spending time chatting with Madam Wang. This time, he didn’t expect to find Nianxi there as well.

When she saw him, Nianxi rose to take her leave. Pei Jian, however, had something he wanted to ask her. Without wasting time, he exchanged a few words with Madam Wang, left behind the items he had brought, and swiftly followed Nianxi out.

Before Nianxi could step into the carriage, he stood by the shaft, slightly out of breath, and directly asked: “Did you hit Xu Wanxin?”

Bad news really does travel fast. After all, wasn’t she a gentle and elegant lady?

Nianxi shot him an annoyed glance and retorted, “Are you here to lecture me on behalf of your cousin?”