Chapter 54

Pei Jian had been in Lan County for almost two months. Finally, he obtained evidence that the county governor, Liu Shao, abused his power for personal gain and amassed wealth through corrupt practices. Liu Shao was a sinister and cunning person who was cautious in his actions. If not for his past life’s two-year confrontation with him, where he personally brought him to justice, it would have been impossible to find the critical evidence so quickly now.

Pei Jian chose to deal with Liu Shao first because he would soon be promoted and gain favor from Prince Jing’s faction, becoming a trusted confidant. By then, handling him would be even more challenging.

In his previous life, Pei Jian was committed to supporting the Crown Prince, and he had no intention of changing his allegiance in this life.

The Crown Prince was benevolent and kind, working harmoniously with him as ruler and subject. Unlike Prince Jing, who was distrustful of subordinates and used thunderous methods, Pei Jian believed that ministers would naturally prefer serving a compassionate ruler.

This was both orthodox and a reflection of Pei Jian’s personal sentiments.

“Sir,” Shen Xi approached and opened a box, revealing its contents, “Top-quality diamonds, each one perfectly polished. Look at this brilliance.”

Pei Jian picked up one diamond and examined it under the daylight. The teardrop-shaped diamond refracted various colors. If crafted into earrings to give to her … Would she be happy?

Walking to the door and gazing at the azure sky, he sighed and muttered to himself, “I’ve been away for so long; it’s time to return home.”

Though there was no one left at home to miss him now.

The sun shone brightly outside, but the morning carried the early chill of autumn. After a long journey, what Pei Jian once endured without difficulty now filled him with an urgency to return home.

He longed to see her. Even if only from afar, just hearing her voice would suffice.

Pei Jian knew that she had now found him tiresome. That day at the corner gate, with Aunt Wang’s reminder, Pei Jian had an epiphany.

It was he who had been wrong all along, repeatedly pushing Nianxi into Gu Ci’s embrace. This was not the time to dwell on past sentiments.

To Nianxi, their former feelings had already been worn away by the arrogant and ignorant Pei Jian of the past. Now that life had given him a fresh start, he was determined to let Nianxi see a completely new version of himself.

What Gu Ci could do, he could do as well—and even better, with more thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

Pei Jian had an inherent aggressiveness to his character, almost predatory. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to eliminate his rivals one by one and rise to the position of chancellor.

Yet, he was fully aware of himself. If he stayed in the capital, watching Nianxi get close to someone else, he would surely lose control. He needed time to settle and regain his composure.

Liu Shao was a perfect target—an opportunity to eliminate a rival while venting his frustrations.

Now, he had calmed down.

Even after thirteen years of companionship with Nianxi, they had ended up as strangers. What reason did Gu Ci have to believe his path would be smooth and untroubled?

What Pei Jian needed to do was to watch them intently, like a tiger eyeing its prey, and wait for his opportunity to strike. Gu Ci wasn’t born a master of love; Pei Jian refused to believe Gu Ci wouldn’t make mistakes.

Pei Jian returned to the capital.

In the twilight of the afternoon, the courtyard was bathed in the magnificent afterglow of the setting sun, reflecting a red hue. A small black cat nestled in the corner of the wall, tussling with a pot of blooming tuberoses. Pei Jian stood silently, observing for a while. After washing up, he deliberately changed into a blue-green long robe.

Nianxi had once urged him to wear brighter colors, saying, “Husband, your skin is fair, so why not wear some bright fabrics? Day in and day out, it’s either black, gray, or blue—you make yourself look several years older. You’re so handsome; what a pity.”

Pei Jian never felt it was a pity. For a man, steadiness and reliability mattered—what was the point of looking good?

Although Nianxi prepared vibrant clothes for him, he never wore them. But now, his perspective had changed.

Nianxi liked dashing men, so he dressed up nicely to meet her.

Pei Jian carefully recalled Gu Ci’s choice of colors for his clothing—moon white, sky blue, light blue—all predominantly pale tones.

Gu Ci’s complexion was much darker than his.

Pei Jian then went to the corner gate.

Aunt Wang greeted him with noticeably more warmth than last time. “Lord, you’ve come. Have you been away from the capital in recent days?”

Pei Jian sighed inwardly, lamenting that even as a high-ranking minister, his comings and goings were so easily discerned by a mere gatekeeper, with his intentions grasped thoroughly.

“How is she doing lately?”

“She is doing well. She co-opened a beverage shop called something like ‘Fusheng’ with the Marquess of Pingyang’s heir’s wife. Business is booming. I’ve heard that many noble ladies in the capital love gathering there. The other day, I heard the Madam mention how capable our young miss is.”

When Aunt Wang spoke of this matter, she wore a proud expression as if sharing in the glory.

Pei Jian fell silent.

In his past life, Nianxi also wanted to open a tea shop to pass the time. What was his response back then?

Pei Jian couldn’t quite remember. He was probably impatient and might not have even let Nianxi finish before interrupting her. He thought Nianxi was just causing him trouble. Clearly, he was already busy enough, with countless matters waiting for him to address outside. Yet Nianxi had to come to him to talk about such trivial things, wasting his time. Wouldn’t it be better to stay home and enjoy life in peace?

At that time, Pei Jian could only see himself in the entire world.

Selfish and indifferent.

Meanwhile, her family—even the servants—spoke of Nianxi opening a shop with such support and pride. Presumably, Gu Ci felt the same way, right?

“Would she agree to see me?” Even though he knew the chances were slim, Pei Jian still wanted to ask.

“I’m afraid not.” Aunt Wang looked troubled, with a hint of sympathy in her expression. “Lord Gu also came. Earlier, I went to the front courtyard and saw him with a face full of joy, talking with the eldest young master about some happy occasion.”

There was one more thing Aunt Wang kept to herself—she had faintly overheard the eldest young master teasing Lord Gu about some good news being near.

“Lord Pei, there are many noble ladies in the capital. Why not consider someone else?”

Pei Jian hadn’t expected Gu Ci to be at the Wen residence. However, Gu Ci was an honored guest who was openly welcomed, whereas he was at the narrow side gate, humbly begging for a shred of compassion.

The flickering flame in Pei Jian’s eyes seemed to stop dancing, and his gaze froze. Earlier, in Lan County, he had been busy day and night. But whenever he found himself unoccupied, his heart felt unbearably empty.

He missed her deeply. The pain of longing—only today did he finally understand it. He had hurried back, dressed in new clothes, knowing that she likely wouldn’t agree to see him. Yet, being a little closer to her filled his heart with joy.

Reality, however, is always cruel.

The osmanthus tree faintly exuded its fragrance. As the wind blew, shadows danced among the trees. He stood beneath the tree for quite a while before slowly walking away.

The crescent moon hung quietly like a hook on the tree branches, emotionless, stretching people’s shadows long.

Pei Jian walked slowly away, the emotions that had been full when he arrived now reduced to utter disappointment. As he reached the gate, he suddenly turned back and said to Aunt Wang, “If there’s a chance, please tell her that I’ve returned.”

A traveler returning from afar—he came to let her know he was safe.

Aunt Wang truly felt some sympathy for him at this moment, but she could only speak the truth. “She doesn’t allow me to mention you.”

Pei Jian nodded expressionlessly. “Understood.” He stepped out of the gate but, as he turned around, came face-to-face with Gu Ci riding by on horseback.