Chapter 81

Watching Nianxi surrounded by admiration and her radiant smile glowing, Xu Wanxin couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.

What exactly did Wen Nianxi have that made others like her? Was it her superficial beauty? Her foolish personality? Or perhaps her cooking skills and the two decent drinks she could make?

Xu Wanxin held Nianxi in disdain, but at the same time, she was deeply envious. This malice came naturally to her at first. Before Wen Nianxi arrived in the capital, she had always been the center of attention. With her reputation as a talented woman and her graceful beauty, she was often praised and admired. But once Wen Nianxi arrived, she stole the spotlight that once belonged to Xu Wanxin.

However, that alone wasn’t enough to make her resentful. It was because of her cousin…

Wen Nianxi had taken away all of Pei Jian’s attention.

Many times, outside the Fusheng Banzhan teahouse, when Gu Ci waited on the opposite side of the street and Nianxi walked briskly toward him, none of them noticed Pei Jian standing silently in a hidden corner, watching Nianxi’s departing figure for a long time without moving.

Xu Wanxin once didn’t understand—what was the point of using a strategy of feigned suffering if it wasn’t in front of the person it was meant for? What was the use of performing her deep affection for the air?

Later, she understood.

Pei Jian wasn’t unwilling—he was afraid.

He was afraid of annoying Wen Nianxi and disturbing her. Yet he couldn’t help but think about her. That’s why he came quietly and left just as quietly.

All of Pei Jian’s loneliness and desolation were witnessed only by Xu Wanxin. She was almost moved to tears. Her cold-hearted, indifferent cousin, one day, could actually fall in love like this. He turned out to be a hopeless romantic.

At the same time, she felt a crazed joy. How could her cousin have a perfect love when she herself couldn’t? It would be better if he tasted the bitterness of unattainable love, just as she had.

Clearly, the one most deserving of accompanying him through life was her. And so, she flaunted her association with Xing Yuan all the more boldly. What did it matter if he was a fickle scoundrel, indulging himself in frivolity? She was always pure, naive, and obedient to her cousin’s words. It was her cousin who had told her to find a husband early, which led her to fall into the trap of this libertine.

She was destined to be hurt. What did it matter if her cousin had no feelings for her?

She was such a soft and timid person. She would gain his sympathy and pity when she was hurt deeply enough. After all, she had been the girl Pei Jian’s mother loved most before her passing.

Her cousin wouldn’t ignore her. As long as she could get close to him, breaking the distance between them, it was simply a matter of winning his heart. She was confident she could achieve what she desired. Her cousin now had weaknesses and vulnerabilities; he was no longer an impenetrable fortress. No one was better at this than she was. She would never give up.

With this thought, Xu Wanxin regained her determination.

Looking at Wen Nianxi, surrounded by admirers and smiling radiantly, Xu Wanxin put on a sweet smile of her own: “Enjoy your moment of triumph. Once I win over my cousin, it won’t be too late to deal with you.”

…

At the Treasure Pavilion, Nianxi and Wang Muyi were picking out jewelry.

The days were getting colder, and the lightweight jewelry in their collection no longer felt fresh or suitable to complement the heavier autumn clothing. Wang Muyi had wanted to visit Treasure Pavilion for several days to add some new pieces to her collection, but only today did she finally find the time to come with Nianxi.

“Everyone in the capital seems to have sharp eyes.” Wang Muyi held up a jeweled hairpin with a phoenix and floral patterns, comparing it against her head as she remarked, “Ever since the news of victory from the northern border spread, Duke Zhen’s household has been at the height of their power. Even our small corner has people rushing over to seek favors. Thanks to your good fortune, I’ve basked in some of the reflected glory.”

Nianxi understood what her cousin was referring to.

In the past two days, the entrance of Duke Zhen’s residence had been flooded with carriages and visitors, all coming to pay respects and offer congratulations, making it so crowded it was impassable. Yet, for some reason, the Duke’s residence remained closed, with only the message that the Duke was weary from his journey and avoiding visitors.

These people, unable to curry favor with Duke Zhen directly, sought alternative paths. Knowing Nianxi’s close connection to Gu Ci, they flocked to Fusheng Bnazhan to show support. Now, the private rooms in the shop were fully booked until the beginning of spring next year.

Nianxi could clearly sense that ever since Duke Zhen’s return to the capital, the madams and young ladies she encountered were much more warm and cordial than before.

This was all because the Emperor himself had praised Duke Gu Chengye as the God of War of Great Jing, commending the Gu family’s sons for their loyalty, courage, and unmatched valor. Gu Chengye was further honored with the title of Grand Preceptor and granted additional lands in Henei as a vassal territory. All members of the Gu family received rewards. Duke Zhen’s household basked in unparalleled glory, reaching the zenith of their power and influence. Even ordinary citizens spoke of the Gu family with the utmost reverence. This respect stemmed from the ferocity of the Northern Liang cavalry, known for their strength and formidable forces.

In earlier years, the founding Emperor had gathered 300,000 troops to engage the Northern Liang forces at Baideng Mountain in a decisive battle, only to suffer a devastating defeat. The Emperor was injured in the battle and later died from his wounds. The Khan of Northern Liang even wrote a letter mocking the empress dowager, inviting her to Northern Liang to serve him as a concubine to insult the Jing Dynasty.

In the early days of the Jing Dynasty, its weakened state left it unable to retaliate, forcing it to swallow its pride and pay massive tributes of gold and silver. Over the decades, many princesses were even compelled to marry into the grasslands to establish peace through political alliances.

It could be said that the entire Great Jing nation had been waiting for this victory for a century. Now, the news of the Gu generals annihilating an entire battalion of Liang cavalry was undoubtedly a prelude to triumph.

These days, not only Nianxi but also anyone remotely connected to the Gu family found themselves being celebrated. However, Nianxi chose not to dwell on this topic. She picked up a pair of cloud-shaped gold filigree gemstone hairpins and asked her cousin Wang Muyi, “Do you think these are pretty?”

Wang Muyi nodded. “They’re certainly elegant but have a slightly old-fashioned feel.”

“They’d be perfect for Mother and Aunt. One for each of them—they’re sure to love them,” Nian Xi replied.

“But I earned money, you see.” Wang Muyi laughed. “No, you’ll have to help me pick something better. Otherwise, if you send this hairpiece to my mother, she’ll definitely scold me for being unfilial the next time I visit.”

Nianxi slowly replied, “Aunt’s words aren’t wrong.”

Wang Muyi froze for a moment before reacting and laughingly chastised Nianxi for being sly. The two teased each other for a while before finally choosing a pair of mutton-fat jade bracelets.

Thinking of her mother-in-law and sister-in-law at home, Wang Muyi decided to pick two more items at random. Suddenly, she exclaimed in surprise, “When I came here a while ago, the earrings weren’t that impressive. But after all this time, it’s still just these two styles?”

Treasure Pavilion is the largest jewelry store in the capital, with a second floor designed specifically for female guests. Each room had an attendant on hand to assist.

The female attendant apologized, “Recently, there’s been a special guest in our store who is particularly fond of earrings. They purchased all the new designs we launched.”

Wang Muyi was even more surprised. “Bought all of them?”

The attendant nodded, “Yes, all of them.”

“They must really like earrings,” Wang Muyi said, exchanging a glance with Nianxi and growing increasingly curious. “Is it a lady or a young miss? How old might they be?”

Could it possibly be someone she knew among the noblewomen?

The attendant shook her head and said, “Apologies, madam. The master does not allow us maids to disclose personal matters about the customers.”

Wang Muyi, not the kind of person to press, stopped asking further questions and turned her attention to bracelets and rings.

“By the way, why haven’t we seen Gu Ci recently? He usually clings to you as if one day apart feels like three years. Why has he been so scarce these past couple of days?”

Nianxi didn’t know either. Since Duke Zhen’s return, Gu Ci has become very busy. During this time, apart from asking the servant Xie Qiu to pass along two messages, he never appeared in person. Given his personality, this was indeed out of the ordinary. No one understood Gu Ci’s clinginess better than Nianxi. Lately, for some reason, she always felt anxious, and her nights were restless. She dared not tell anyone and felt increasingly unsettled in her heart.

“It’s probably something going on at the household,” Wang Muyi said as she noticed Nianxi’s expression and tentatively asked, “Did you two fight?”

Given Gu Ci’s usual behavior, he should be waiting outside the Treasure Pavilion right now. Yet, he hadn’t shown up in days—how peculiar!

Not wanting to worry Cousin Muyi, Nianxi smiled and said, “We never fight.”

Wang Muyi gave her a sidelong glance and grumbled, “I shouldn’t have asked.”

Though Nianxi maintained a smile on her face, she was still uneasy inside.

The next morning, when Gu Ci had the day off, he went to the Wen residence as usual. However, he only spoke a few words to Nianxi before rushing back.

Nianxi asked him, “Is something wrong?”

Gu Ci smiled and said, “Everything’s fine. It’s just that my father has returned, and there’s a lot of miscellaneous work to do. That’s why I haven’t had time to accompany you these days.”

Looking at the dark circles under his eyes, Nianxi softly said, “I have Fusheng Banzhan, where people come and go every day, so I’m never lonely. But you… it’s as if you haven’t slept for days, and that worries me.”

Hearing her gentle and soft words, Gu Ci’s heart was filled with even more affection. He stroked her head and comforted her, saying, “It’s just some matters at court… but don’t worry, my father and brothers have often dealt with this. It’ll be fine.”

He refused to elaborate further, and Nianxi couldn’t keep asking. She tilted her head and smiled, “Cousin Muyi told me the other day that Panlou has a new dish that’s really delicious. I didn’t agree to go with her—I’ve been waiting to go with you instead.”

Gu Ci had been burdened with various matters in recent days, leaving his heart heavy. But in this fleeting moment by Nianxi’s side, seeing her gentle smile and hearing her soft voice, even his breathing felt sweet. He smiled and said, “Alright, tomorrow I’ll come to pick you up, and we’ll go eat together.”

However, the next day, Gu Ci only sent Xie Qiu to deliver a message, and he missed the appointment due to some reasons.

Nianxi felt a bit worried and summoned Aunt Wang to ask questions.