Chapter 82

“Does he still come to the corner gate these days?” Nianxi carefully pondered; when it came to that battle in the northern frontier in her past life, no one would know more about it than Pei Jian. But since her rebirth, she had never thought of having anything to do with Pei Jian again. As a result, when she wanted to seek him out now, she didn’t know where to begin.

Aunt Wang cautiously looked up, stealing a glance at the young lady’s expression. She secretly thought to herself: the sun must have risen from the west today. Out loud, she respectfully said, “Every three or five days, he’ll surely come by.”

Nianxi was momentarily stunned upon hearing this. She hadn’t really held much hope.

Pei Jian was a man of great pride. The way she had spoken to him back then was so final and resolute that he shouldn’t have returned anymore. She had even considered sending someone to Pei Jian’s residence to invite him for a talk, never expecting that he would still visit the corner gate.

Having spent decades navigating the intricacies of the inner courtyard, Aunt Wang had some skill in reading people’s minds. Thus, without waiting for Nianxi to speak, she continued: “Even when the young lady went to the autumn hunt, he still came as usual. Each time he visited, it was already late evening, looking like he had just finished his government duties. Lord Pei is cautious; no one has ever seen him. He doesn’t linger much—he just stands briefly, leaves a box, and goes.”

Nianxi asked, “What box?”

Aunt Wang took out a square pear blossom wood box from her bosom and handed it over. “This servant brought one; the young lady will understand once she sees it.”

Nianxi took it and opened it. Inside was a pair of gold-threaded amber earrings. The craftsmanship was intricate and exquisite—the style was exactly what Nianxi would like at first glance. She remembered the conversation between Cousin Mu and the server at the Treasure Pavilion that day, and her heart was moved. “There are many, aren’t there?”

“Lord Pei always comes bearing gifts.”

“All earrings?” Nianxi’s question was blunt.

Aunt Wang didn’t dare to claim she hadn’t seen them; she could only reply, “Not just earrings. There are earrings, dangling ornaments, and pendants featuring various gemstones, pearls, and gold or silver materials in various designs.” As she spoke, she knelt on the ground. “This servant wouldn’t dare embezzle; I’ve carefully stored every pair of earrings. It’s just that the young lady wouldn’t allow me to mention Lord Pei, so I’ve kept them with me all this time. Today, upon hearing your summons, I brought one for you to inspect.”

Nianxi, knowing Aunt Wang’s character, didn’t say much. She told her to retrieve the rest of the items and rewarded her with a string of coins. “Next time he comes, let me know.”

Aunt Wang was both delighted and puzzled, thinking that Pei Jian’s persistence had finally moved the young lady’s heart. She readily agreed.

After Aunt Wang left, Nianxi looked at the pile of earrings on the table and felt a sense of melancholy.

At that time, she didn’t know that Pei Jian had feelings for Cousin Xu. She had thought her marriage to Pei Jian was one of mutual affection. She pitied Pei Jian, who had lost his parents at a young age and had wanted to give him a warm home. Between the two of them, she was always the one to take the initiative. From childhood to adulthood, she had a great deal of love and was willing to give it all to make up for his deficiencies.

In their youthful indulgence, he was fierce and insatiable on the bed, often delighting in licking her earlobes, watching her tremble and succumb to passion. Nianxi had thought this was how a steady, reticent man expressed his love.

Unfortunately, it was not.

A man’s love can take many forms, but he only has one heart.

And Pei Jian’s heart was never with her.

So he allowed the rumors to spread unchecked just to bring his newly widowed cousin back to his residence, and even intended to make Xu Wanxin’s child his legitimate heir.

Was there resentment? In truth, there always had been.

Back when their feelings for each other were strong, he had made solemn vows, promising to grow old together with her. But why did he trample on her sincere heart again and again for the sake of another woman?

It wasn’t until the moment of her death that she suddenly realized, lamenting her foolishness, that in this world, no one was more deserving of her love than herself.

To love others, one must first love oneself.

In this lifetime, she would never be so foolish again.

The two maidservants were also stunned by the dazzling array of earrings and murmured, “With so many styles, how long will it take for the young lady to wear them all?”

Compared to Lan Zhi, Xing Yue was more tactful. Observing Nianxi’s expression, she asked, “Which pair does the young lady fancy? Shall I help you try one on?”

Nianxi shook her head lightly and said softly, “No need, just store them all in the third cabinet.”

The two maidservants exchanged glances. The third cabinet signified that these luxurious and exquisite earrings would never see the light of day and would merely collect dust in a corner. The young lady didn’t like a single pair.

The maidservants responded affirmatively and began to pack up all the earrings.

Coincidentally, that very day, Aunt Wang came to report that Pei Jian had arrived. When Nianxi went to see him, she found him holding a Treasure Pavilion box in his hand.

Seeing her, Pei Jian gave a low chuckle and said, “What special day is today?”

“You’re actually willing to see me.”