Gu Qingyan stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Bai Yu.

The suspicious look in his eyes agitated Bai Yu. He crawled forward two steps and said, “Gu Qingyan, the poison in you has already seeped into your bones. The day of your wedding night will be the day you suddenly drop dead.”

Gu Qingyan’s eyes turned cold. “Empty words—do you think I’d believe that?”

Bai Yu roared, “If you don’t believe me, you’ll regret it when it’s too late! You’re still so young, so talented. Are you really willing to die?”

Gu Qingyan stared coldly at Bai Yu, trying to read his expression and see the truth.

“I—I can prove it.”

“Where’s the evidence?”

Desperate, Bai Yu shouted, knowing this was his last chance: “I know someone who can save you!”

“Who?”

But Bai Yu laughed. “Get me out of here first. Once we leave, I’ll take you to that person.”

Gu Qingyan rolled his eyes right in front of him. “So all this talk—just some vague scare tactics about poison—was to trick me into saving you?”

“If you want to atone for your sins, it’s better to confess everything clearly. That’s the only way to truly repay your crimes.”

Bai Yu shrank back but still chuckled. “Survival of the fittest. I lost—so what? What crime is that?”

Even on the brink of death, he showed no remorse.

Gu Qingyan’s expression darkened. “Bai Yu, stop struggling. You committed unforgivable crimes. Only blood can repay the blood debt and appease the anger of the people in Lingchuan County.”

Bai Yu howled, “Why won’t you believe me? You are poisoned—and you’ve been poisoned for years!”

“I was examined by a doctor when I was rescued. He said I was healthy and strong enough to live to a hundred.”

Gu Qingyan replied calmly. After learning medicine, he had taken his own pulse. His pulse was strong—there was no sign of any poisoning.

“It’s a secret palace poison. It doesn’t act immediately. It lies dormant and only activates on your wedding night—you’ll suddenly drop dead!”

Bai Yu continued to shout, “Just believe me once! There’s only one person in this world who can save you!”

“Even if you’re telling the truth, I’d rather die of the poison than cooperate with someone like you.”

Gu Qingyan sneered and ignored him. Bai Yu kept shouting behind him.

But Gu Qingyan no longer wanted to listen to his nonsense. He strode out of the damp, foul-smelling dungeon.

“Gu Qingyan, you’ll regret this!”

“I’ll be executed soon—you won’t live long either!”

“You’ll be down here with me before long!”

“I’m the only one who can save you! The only one!”

Gu Dashan heard the cursing and rushed over to deliver a vicious kick. “You dare curse my brother even on the brink of death? I’ll beat you to death!”

“Dashan, not so hard. Don’t kill him. He still has to go to the execution ground tomorrow,” said one of the guards, not even trying to stop him.

Outside, Gu Dashan was still fuming. “That dog bastard—should never have come to see him.”

“Brother Yan, are you alright?”

Gu Qingyan shook his head. “Pity we didn’t get any useful clues.”

“The magistrate didn’t expect much anyway. We tortured him, but he still wouldn’t confess—why would he talk just because he saw you?” Gu Dashan sighed.

“Luckily, the case is nearly closed. All those involved in Lingchuan have been arrested. There’s no need to worry too much.”

Gu Qingyan furrowed his brow.

Were those involved only from Lingchuan? Bai Yu had run rampant for over a decade—could the Qingzhou authorities really be completely ignorant?

He calmed his thoughts. Thinking too much was useless. Whatever he could think of, Magistrate Hong surely had already considered. There must be a reason the case ended with Bai Yu.

“Brother Gu, are you alright?” Zhang Nian was anxiously waiting at the entrance and rushed up to meet them.

Gu Qingyan smiled. “I’m fine. He’s locked up—he can’t hurt me.”

“That’s good.” Zhang Nian’s eyes filled with hatred at the mention of Bai Yu. “Tomorrow I’m going to the market to see him beheaded with my own eyes.”

Gu Qingyan could only pat his shoulder in comfort.

On the way home, Bai Yu’s words still left Gu Qingyan feeling uneasy.

“Let’s stop by the medical clinic.”

Zhang Nian looked puzzled. “Are you feeling unwell?”

“The weather’s been dry lately. I heard Mother coughing a bit—I’ll get her something to moisten the lungs,” Gu Qingyan explained.

Zhang Nian didn’t question it and turned the ox-cart around.

When they reached the clinic, Gu Qingyan asked him to wait outside and went in alone.

“Doctor, please check me thoroughly. I want to know if I’ve been poisoned.”

The doctor immediately took it seriously. He checked the pulse on both arms repeatedly.

“I think you’re playing a joke on this old man. Young people these days don’t study—they think of all kinds of nonsense. If you were really poisoned, would you be walking around like this?”

Gu Qingyan gave an awkward smile. “Is there really no poison in the world that doesn’t show symptoms for a while, but then suddenly kills a person—like, on their wedding night?”

“There is.”

The doctor sneered. “But you’d have to be brain-damaged.”

“Go on now, stop wasting space. I’ve never seen someone who goes looking for sickness when they’re healthy.”

Gu Qingyan quickly slipped out.

“Brother Gu, where’s the medicine?”

“I thought—maybe I shouldn’t take random medicine. Let’s just buy some pears instead. Stewed pears are good for the lungs.”

So they went to buy pears. Gu Qingyan tried one and found it sweet, so he bought a big bag.

On the way home, he took his own pulse, checking again and again—still convinced Bai Yu was lying.

He had a great appetite, a strong body, and after leaving the Li family, he could even go up the mountain and fight tigers.

Last time he fought with the Left Guardian, he leapt three feet in the air like a martial arts expert.

Sure, anyone could be poisoned—but he definitely wasn’t.

Gu Qingyan stroked his chin, thinking: people really are afraid of death. Even someone like him, who had already faced death once, was nearly spooked by Bai Yu.

On the day of Bai Yu’s execution, Lingchuan County was practically empty—everyone had gathered at the marketplace.

The people all wanted to see Bai Yu beheaded with their own eyes, to finally avenge their dead loved ones.

Gu Qingyan accompanied Zhang Nian to the scene.

They stood atop a restaurant, looking down at the hastily built execution platform.

When Bai Yu and the other principal criminals were dragged out, the watching crowd showered them with rotten vegetables and curses.

If Magistrate Hong hadn’t been there in person, the furious crowd might’ve lost control.

Only now did Bai Yu finally start to panic.

He struggled, trying to spot Gu Qingyan in the crowd—seeking even the tiniest sliver of hope.

But the executioner lifted him like a chicken and dragged him onto the platform.

Before he could find Gu Qingyan, his head was forced down. His neck was stretched out—he couldn’t move anymore.

“Gu Qingyan! You’ll regret this! You definitely will! When I die, you’ll be joining me soon enough!”

The nearby citizens heard him and grew even angrier.

“This bastard dares curse our young hero even as he dies?”

“Kill him! Kill him!”

The commoners roared with anger.

The executioner looked back at the officials behind him.

Magistrate Hong frowned deeply. As the supervising official of the execution, he did not want any unexpected incidents. After confirming the identity of the condemned, he quickly threw down the death token.

The executioner raised his blade and brought it down cleanly, giving Bai Yu a swift end.

“Father, your son has finally avenged you!”

“Big brother, now you can rest in peace in the afterlife.”

“Father, Mother, Second Sister—remember to report him before the King of Hell. Make sure he never finds peace, even in death.”

The citizens who had once lost their families because of Bai Yu broke down in tears, heads in their hands. A hatred that had built up for ten years was finally released on this day.

Inside the restaurant, Gu Qingyan patted Zhang Nian on the shoulder. “My condolences.”

Zhang Nian harshly wiped away his tears. “Tch. A beast like that isn’t worth my tears.”

“It was too easy for him. Even at death’s door, he was still cursing others. I wish I could behead him all over again.”

Gu Qingyan chuckled lightly. “A cornered dog will jump over a wall—no need to take his words seriously.”

They didn’t linger long at the restaurant and quickly left.

Elsewhere, Magistrate Hong returned to the county office with a gloomy face and remained silent.

“Sir, with Bai Yu and the others punished, you’ve returned peace and justice to the people of Lingchuan County. Why do you still look troubled?”

Magistrate Hong sighed. “I’m afraid I’ll be leaving Lingchuan County.”

“What?”

His subordinate was startled.

Magistrate Hong hadn’t even served a full three-year term yet. Although county officials were generally appointed for three years, many stayed in the same place for ten years or more.

“After the Road to Hell case was resolved, the Prefect praised me several times and hinted at a possible promotion.”

The subordinate didn’t understand. “But Sir, isn’t that a good thing? Don’t tell me you’re reluctant to leave the people of Lingchuan? Truly, you’ve earned their respect. If it weren’t for you, Bai Yu and the others would have continued living freely for years.”

Magistrate Hong hesitated to speak.

In his heart, he felt there was something strange about the whole matter. But now that Bai Yu had been executed, everything was set in stone, and talking more about it would change nothing.

After thinking it over, Magistrate Hong added, “Quietly spread the word. If I really do leave, next year’s county exam will be the last one I oversee. The standards may be more lenient.”

Gu Qingyan heard the news soon after.

“Brother Gu, are you planning to take the exam next year?” Zhang Cheng asked with a smile.

Gu Qingyan nodded. “Of course. I must give it a try.”

Zhang Cheng wholeheartedly agreed. “With your talent, passing the county exam should be easy. But after that, there are still the prefectural and provincial exams. Both are held in Qingzhou Prefecture—far away and very tiring to travel to each time.”

“If you pass the county exam, we can go to Qingzhou together.”

Passing would be ideal, of course.

When Gu Qingyan returned home, he immediately shared the news with his family.

Mama Liu was thrilled when she heard. “Yan-ge, then you must prepare well. Win honor for your ancestors by earning a title!”

She even instructed the two sisters, “From now on, keep quiet around the house so you don’t disturb Yan-ge’s studies.”

Gu Qingyan laughed. “Mother, it’s not that serious. The county exam is relatively easy. I’ve studied for ten years—if I can’t pass the county exam, there’s no point continuing.”

“Don’t say that. When it comes to studying, you can never be too careful.”

Mama Liu saw that he didn’t look particularly happy and added, “Of course, unexpected things can happen. If you pass, that’s wonderful. If not, that’s okay too. You’re still young—you have plenty of time. Just don’t get too nervous.”

Gu Qingyan smiled helplessly. “Mother, I’m not nervous.”

“Then why do you look unhappy?” she asked.

Gu Qingyan sighed. “Magistrate Hong may be leaving. He’s a good official, and I don’t know what kind of person will replace him.”

“That’s out of our hands,” Mama Liu said.

Gu Qingyan thought so too. He wasn’t even a licentiate (xiucai), so he had no say in the imperial court’s appointments.

Still, he worried that a corrupt magistrate might be sent—another predator like Registrar Bai.

Then again, he thought, If that happens, I’m still here. Worst case, I’ll just fight again.

Thanks to Magistrate Hong’s leaked message, the atmosphere in the county school was more intense than ever. Every student knew that this upcoming county exam would be the easiest of their lives.

Passing it would earn them a spot in the prefectural exam and give them the chance to become a tongsheng (recognized student).

Teacher Ma even stopped singling out Gu Qingyan and fully embraced the role of a strict instructor, pushing his students to study from dawn till dusk, enduring every hardship.

Even the school’s traditional New Year break was forcibly shortened by several days.

Battling the wind and snow, Gu Qingyan hurried home—by then, it was already the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month.

Knowing Zhang Nian would be spending the New Year alone, Gu Qingyan had him stay to celebrate with them.

There was Mama Liu, the two sisters, plus Gu Qingyan and Zhang Nian. The house was decorated with spring couplets and paper cutouts on the windows, creating a festive and lively atmosphere.

Since hearing about the county exam, Mama Liu had been focused on making sure the children prepared properly.

But by the 29th, she couldn’t help but feel sorry for them. “I’ve never seen anyone still forced to study on the 29th! It’s barely a few days off for the New Year, and look at that pile of homework! How are you supposed to celebrate?”

Gu Qingyan laughed. “It’s not that much. I’ve scheduled it out—I’ll finish on time.”

Mama Liu was still heartbroken, but there was nothing she could do. She simply added another brazier of charcoal beside him so his fingers wouldn’t freeze.

Finally, New Year’s Eve arrived. Gu Qingyan put away his books and seriously focused on celebrating with his family.

The house was already stocked with a variety of food, and from morning till night, the smell of delicious dishes never left the kitchen.

Gu Qingyan stayed busy all day—helping here and there, though it was unclear whether he was actually helping or just getting in the way.

Zhang Nian was clearly more popular, if only because he didn’t throw an entire pot of meatballs into the fryer at once.

Gu Qingyan objected. “I can cook! You all just never gave me a chance to shine.”

That sent Gu Shuyan into a fit of laughter. “Good thing we didn’t! If we had, we wouldn’t be eating dinner tonight.”

Gu Qingyan cleared his throat and sternly said, “Sounds like someone doesn’t want a red envelope this year.”

With a flourish, he pulled four heavy red envelopes from his coat.

“One for Mother—may you live a long and healthy life.”

Mama Liu’s eyes turned red as she said repeatedly, “I should be the one giving you red envelopes. When have elders ever taken them from the younger generation?”

“This isn’t a red envelope,” he replied. “This is a token of filial piety. I want to honor my mother.”

That made Mama Liu even more emotional, almost to the point of tears.

“One for Qingqing—wishing Second Sister peace and happiness.”

Gu Wangqing accepted it with sincere thanks, her cheeks flushed with joy.

“One for Yanyan—wishing Third Sister everything goes smoothly.”

Gu Shuyan took it with a smile and nestled right up against Gu Qingyan, clearly not wanting to be separated even for a moment.

“One for A-Nian—wishing A-Nian a fresh start in the new year, peace and joy.”

Zhang Nian blushed furiously. “I even got one? Thank you, Brother Gu, I…”

“Just take it,” Gu Qingyan said with a laugh. “It’s New Year’s. Everyone should be happy. Come on, let’s eat.”

“Brother, have some drumstick—it’s from the wild pheasant I stewed. Smells amazing,” Gu Shuyan said, getting up to serve him.

In the blink of an eye, Gu Qingyan’s bowl was overflowing with dishes piled in by his sisters. “Enough, enough, you all eat too.”

After a lively and cheerful meal, Gu Qingyan took Gu Shuyan outside to play. He’d bought a bunch of firecrackers in advance, though unfortunately, fireworks weren’t available yet in this era—so it lacked a bit of festivity.

From behind them, Mama Liu called out, “Put on your coats! Don’t catch a chill!”

But the two kids were already wild with excitement—one moment setting off firecrackers, the next building snowmen in the yard.

At first, Gu Wangqing was still reserved, but once her brother pulled her in, she couldn’t help joining the chaos.

Zhang Nian had been dragged out early on and was already in charge of rolling snowballs.

Laughter filled the courtyard without pause.

Mama Liu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, so she hurried to the kitchen and brewed a big pot of ginger tea, worried the kids might work up a sweat and catch cold during the New Year.

Gu Qingyan didn’t stop until he’d built five snowmen.

“This one is Mom, this is me, this is Second Sister, this is Third Sister, and this one’s Zhang Nian.”

“It really does look like us—just like us!” Gu Shuyan echoed everything her brother said like his little parrot.

Even Gu Wangqing thought the likeness was uncanny. Her cheeks were rosy, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the snowmen, reluctant to leave.

Zhang Nian stared at her snowman, a goofy grin spreading across her face.

“Enough staring—come inside for ginger tea and warm up,” Mama Liu had to call out.

Gu Qingyan winked mischievously at his sisters but still obediently drank down a bellyful of ginger tea.

He had so much that by the time he crawled into bed, his whole body felt warm, and even his burps smelled of brown sugar and ginger.

Lying in the cozy warmth of the blankets, Gu Qingyan felt dizzily happy.

In the past, during New Year’s in the Li family of Qingzhou Prefecture, there had been countless formalities. It was lively, sure—but it always felt fake.

Back then, he often felt like an outsider, like he didn’t belong in that world. But this year was different. This kind of down-to-earth, genuine celebration—he loved it.

Patting his ginger-tea-flavored belly, Gu Qingyan made a firm decision: next year, he’d do it all again. With the check-in system on his side, passing the civil exams would be no problem.

He was destined to become the ultimate male lead!

Click.

Someone quietly opened the door and entered the room.

Gu Qingyan pretended to be fast asleep, not reacting to the stealthy movements.

Soon, a familiar scent approached. Mama Liu gently lifted the corner of his pillow and tucked a red envelope underneath.

It was a tradition in Qingzhou Prefecture—if a red envelope was slipped under a child’s pillow at midnight and they slept on it through the night, they’d have good luck in the coming year.

Mama Liu finished and tucked the blanket around him snugly before quietly leaving the room.

“Hehe.”

Gu Qingyan couldn’t hold back a soft chuckle. Reaching under his pillow, he felt it—it was a thick red envelope, heavy with coins.

He tucked it back in place just as it was, planning to thank Mama Liu properly in the morning.

Suddenly, click—the door opened again.

More sneaky footsteps.

Two more red envelopes were stuffed under his pillow.

“Third Sister, be gentle! Don’t wake up Big Brother.”

“I know, Sis. Put it right here, so it doesn’t stack up.”

After the two girls left, Gu Qingyan couldn’t help but feel helpless. He was supposed to be the big brother, yet his sisters were treating him like a little brother.

He held back a laugh, making sure they didn’t realize he was already awake.

But that wasn’t the end of it. Before long, another round of stealthy footsteps approached.

Zhang Nian too? Bringing New Year’s money?

Gu Qingyan was at a loss. Zhang Nian was just a kid herself—yet here she was, following the lead of Mama Liu and the others.

He didn’t want to blow his cover, so he continued to pretend to be asleep. Secretly, he planned to do the same later—sneak around and slip red envelopes under their pillows.

He had the system anyway—money wasn’t a problem.

Suddenly, Gu Qingyan’s brows furrowed. Something wasn’t right with this scent!

“Who’s there?!”

Gu Qingyan leapt up with a punch.

Smack! His punch hit nothing—and his hand was suddenly caught and held down.

“It’s me.”

The voice sounded both familiar and strange. Just as Gu Qingyan was about to ask who it was, his arm was already tucked back under the blanket.

“Pei Xuan? Brother Pei?” That couldn’t be possible, right?

“It’s me.”

The most impossible thing happened.

Gu Qingyan was so shocked he nearly jumped out of bed.

Just before the New Year, he had still been wondering why, even after sending Mid-Autumn Festival gifts, there was no sign of Pei Xuan. At the time, Pei Xuan had written saying he might come see him before the year ended.

But he waited and waited—so long that even Bai Yu’s body had gone cold—and still there was no sign of Pei Xuan. Even Xia Liu hadn’t shown up again.

Gu Qingyan was pretty disappointed. He had prepared loads of New Year gifts, all just waiting to be given to Pei Xuan to earn favor.

He could only comfort himself with the idea that Pei Xuan was busy and had been delayed by something.

“Brother Pei? What are you doing here? Wait—on New Year’s Eve, why are you at my house?”

In the darkness, Pei Xuan was silent for a moment before answering, “I came because I wanted to.”

Gu Qingyan tried to sit up, but was pushed back down again.

“Don’t get up. I’ll just sit here for a bit and then leave,” Pei Xuan said.

Gu Qingyan sensed something was wrong. Wasn’t Brother Pei supposed to be like a mobile check-in point? Why didn’t he have the check-in mark this time?

This wouldn’t do.

Gu Qingyan struggled hard. “I want to get up and talk to you.”

“No need. Just talk like this.”

“Is that really okay?” Gu Qingyan felt something was definitely off.

It was New Year’s Eve, and the room was pitch dark inside and out. He could only see Pei Xuan’s silhouette. He didn’t understand why Pei Xuan hadn’t lit a lamp.

“I should’ve come earlier, but I got delayed on the way. Here’s your New Year’s gift.”

Pei Xuan took out a small box and, for some reason, stuffed it under Gu Qingyan’s pillow.

The box was tall, and Gu Qingyan felt like his pillow was now puffed up on one side.

His posture right now must be really odd—he was wrapped up tightly and lying with his head uncomfortably high.

Gu Qingyan frowned even harder. “I don’t want a gift—I just want to see Brother Pei with my own eyes.”

In the darkness, Pei Xuan fell silent again.

“Can’t I?” Gu Qingyan said softly. “You came to see me—why can’t I see you?”

His heart skipped a beat. “Are you hurt? Are you afraid I’ll worry if I see it?”

Pei Xuan sighed, and finally lit the oil lamp.

Under the warm, yellow light, Gu Qingyan finally saw him clearly. Pei Xuan wore black traveling clothes, seemingly immune to the cold, and was sitting at his bedside, eyes lowered.

Meeting his clear gaze, Pei Xuan said, “I’m not injured. You can relax now.”

“But…” Something still didn’t feel right.

With the light on, Gu Qingyan finally noticed—it wasn’t that the check-in mark was missing. It had turned black.

From a brilliant golden glow… to pitch black like ink.

How could this be?

He suddenly reached out and grabbed Pei Xuan’s hand. “Brother Pei, are you cold? Do you want to come up and sleep with me for a while?”

Hehe—got him.

Pei Xuan’s expression changed slightly, and he quickly gripped Gu Qingyan’s hand in return.

Gu Qingyan was startled—he almost forgot to check in.

What he didn’t know was that Pei Xuan was in turmoil, caught in a battle of emotions.

This shouldn’t be happening.

Pei Xuan struggled inside. He shouldn’t have come tonight. He knew full well that he could only bring danger to this boy—yet he couldn’t help himself.

If it weren’t for him, Gu Qingyan wouldn’t have been dragged into all that danger. He wouldn’t have run into those Taiping cultists.

He knew Gu Qingyan was innocent and kindhearted. He shouldn’t keep indulging himself just because he craved this purity.

If not for that, this child wouldn’t have sunk deeper and deeper… wouldn’t have even given him a mandarin duck charm—

The charm hanging over his heart gave off a faint warmth, making it impossible for Pei Xuan to ignore his own selfish greed.

Worse still, even knowing he shouldn’t, the moment he heard that invitation, he shamefully felt his heart stir.

“Whoosh!”

Pei Xuan suddenly blew out the oil lamp.

“Brother Pei?” Gu Qingyan asked, puzzled.

Hidden by the darkness, Pei Xuan looked at him with a complicated expression. “Don’t wake your family.”

“You really think of everything, Brother Pei. Come on, lie down here for a bit. It’s warm under the blankets. We can chat properly.”

Gu Qingyan invited him again. “We can sleep foot to foot.”

His mind was full of check-ins as he held tightly to Pei Xuan’s hand.

【Check-in!】

Pei Xuan’s response was even faster than the system’s.

“Alright.”

The blanket lifted, and Pei Xuan truly lay down beside Gu Qingyan in the warm bed.