Chapter 14

That night, fireworks lit up the skies above the mountain in the east city for a long time. This was Gu Ci’s romantic gesture for Nianxi. He had initially planned to confess his feelings under the dazzling fireworks, creating a beautiful memory for them to share in the future. But he underestimated the hostility and determination of an overprotective brother.

Wen Qingheng wouldn’t even let Nianxi stay a little longer—right after noon; he was already urging Madam Li to take her home.

Gu Ci had no choice but to set aside his intentions and personally escort her back to the residence. This act, of course, further irritated Wen Qingheng, who spent the journey nitpicking and glaring at Gu Ci. However, Madam Li was kind, and Nianxi was gentle as always.

Because of this, Gu Ci didn’t feel angered; instead, he cherished the moment even more. “There are guests at my home; I must head back now.”

Nianxi nodded. After thinking for a moment, she added, “Tomorrow is your first day on the job—don’t drink too much.”

Earlier at Gu Ci’s residence, she had overheard Qin Lang loudly declaring his intent to get Gu Ci drunk, which prompted her to offer this advice. The moment she said it, she realized it might have been inappropriate. Such casual words sounded particularly intimate.

Yet Gu Ci was utterly charmed by it. His eyes lit up, his ears turned red, and he eagerly agreed, practically tripping over his words. He was only one step away from swearing an oath that if he had even one extra drink, he’d deserve to be struck by lightning on the spot.

Nianxi couldn’t help but find the situation both amusing and exasperating.

Madam Li had already gone inside, while Wen Qingheng stood like a guardian deity, his expression dark as he glared at the two before him.

Gu Ci wanted to say a few more words, but with such a looming presence nearby, he had no choice but to leave after offering a couple of parting remarks.

Wen Qingheng stayed behind, already brimming with things he wanted to say to Nianxi. However, Nianxi was still reeling from the encounter with Pei Jian and the realization of his close friendship with Gu Ci. Unable to focus, her responses were distracted and absent-minded. When Wen Qingheng grew impatient with her lack of attention, she claimed she had a headache and retreated to her room with two maids.

Unable to do anything about his sister, Wen Qingheng turned and returned to the main courtyard. To his surprise, his mother was far more rational about the situation. “What’s wrong with Gu Ci? In terms of family background, character, and talent, you won’t find a second one like him in the entire capital, even if you search high and low. What exactly do you dislike?”

“If we’d told you earlier, what would you have done? Tried to break them apart? As a brother, shouldn’t you wish for your sister’s happiness instead of stirring up trouble all the time?”

“What did he lie to you about? He was probably just afraid you’d interfere and ruin things. I think he’s sincere and has thought everything through carefully.”

Wen Qingheng: …

Wen Qingheng couldn’t manage his sister, and now he couldn’t argue with his mother either. Surrounded by a household of strong-willed women, he could only bottle up his frustration. That was until he saw the fireworks lighting up the sky—

As it turned out, Qin Lang and Gu Ci had spent half the morning finding the perfect spot and setting things up to amuse Gu Ci’s beloved!

He couldn’t stay in that house a moment longer and returned to the Imperial Academy that very night. Upon entering the courtyard, he saw Pei Jian standing there, gazing at the fireworks lighting up the eastern sky.

The city wall partially obscures the view, allowing only a glimpse of the display. For a proper vantage point, nothing could beat the courtyard of his family’s residence. Before he left, even the household servants had rushed out, exclaiming in awe at the fireworks.

Wen Qingheng inwardly cursed Gu Ci for his cunning.

The courtyard was shrouded in darkness, save for the sparse stars above and the occasional flashes of fireworks. Qin Lang was nowhere to be seen. Wen Qingheng nodded at Pei Jian and planned to head to his room, hoping to avoid further annoyance.

As he stepped onto the stairs, Pei Jian—typically reserved and taciturn—suddenly asked, “What brings you here so late?”

Wen Qingheng froze. Although they had lived in the same courtyard for almost two months, he and Pei Jian were not particularly close. Pei Jian was nothing like Qin Lang’s boisterousness or Gu Ci’s outgoing nature. He was perpetually aloof and composed, like pristine snow on a distant peak, exuding an unapproachable aura.

Earlier, seeing Pei Jian standing alone in the courtyard, the half-lit fireworks casting shadows across his face, his demeanor had been one of utter solitude.

Wen Qingheng hadn’t dared disturb him. He had always admired Pei Jian’s talents, feeling a sense of inherent respect. Now, hearing Pei Jian initiate a conversation, Wen Qingheng couldn’t help but respond eagerly, all the more so because he was already weighed down with his frustrations.

“It’s all because of my sister,” Wen Qingheng turned immediately, standing beside Pei Jian with a bitter expression. “You saw what happened today. My sister has completely fallen under Gu Ci’s spell.”

“I’m busy preparing for the imperial examination, and she could’ve simply gone to the temple to offer incense—but no, she insisted on inviting Gu Ci along. Isn’t that just stabbing me in the heart?”

“What infuriates me most is my mother. I told her all about Gu Ci’s faults, but she didn’t listen to a word and, instead, kept defending him.”

“And then those fireworks—they were specially arranged by Gu Ci for my sister! When I left the house, she was sitting on the veranda, completely captivated by them!”

Wen Qingheng was filled with misery, worried about his sweet and innocent “cabbage,” yet he failed to notice the growing coldness in the man beside him.

“Qingye may have kept it from you, which is wrong, but his feelings for your sister seem genuine,” Pei Jian said, most of his figure hidden in the night’s shadows, his voice calm and as pure as striking cold jade.

“Who wouldn’t like my sister?” Wen Qingheng replied confidently. Just the thought of him and Qin Lang joking about Gu Ci’s “little cousin” before was enough to make his stomach churn.

“Gu Ci knows full well that I’m Nian’er’s brother, yet he dares to speak such nonsense in front of me—what a disgraceful character!”

“Nian’er is still young—those pesky men can all just disappear!”

Pei Jian replied calmly, “I believe Miss Wen is a reasonable person. If you feel uneasy, why not try persuading her again?”

Wen Qingheng smiled bitterly, “I’ve practically worn my tongue out, but my sister has been firm in her decisions since she was a child.”

Pei Jian looked straight ahead. “Then perhaps you could find someone you deem upright and dependable to guide your sister subtly.”

Wen Qingheng’s eyes lit up at the idea but quickly faltered again. “That’s a good suggestion, but who would be suitable?”

Pei Jian offered, “What about your father? Lord Wen is a knowledgeable and virtuous man, and as her father—”

Wen Qingheng shook his head. “No, no, it won’t work. My father is even less able to handle Nian’er.”

Pei Jian said no more, gazing at the sky where the grand fireworks bloomed magnificently.

Wen Qingheng, realizing his own thoughtlessness, felt a bit embarrassed. He had been venting to Pei Jian all evening, yet Pei Jian showed no impatience and even offered thoughtful suggestions. And here he was, nitpicking them.

No matter what, Pei Jian was a good man—cold on the outside but warm on the inside.

Even though Gu Ci was his friend, Pei Jian remained admirably impartial, which spoke volumes about his character.

With that thought, an idea suddenly struck Wen Qingheng. “Shizhang, I have an unreasonable request—would you consider speaking to my sister on my behalf?”

---

Nianxi had stayed up late watching the fireworks the previous night, so she woke up a bit later than usual.

Fortunately, Madam Li adored her and always said that at fifteen or sixteen, it was natural to enjoy sleeping in. She didn’t insist on rigid rules like morning and evening greetings.

As Nianxi got ready in the morning and put on her earrings, she thought of the jewelry box Gu Ci had brought yesterday. She instructed Xing Yue, “Tell the gatekeeper to prepare the carriage. Later, we’re going to the Treasure Pavilion.”

Running her small fermented drink stall, she now had some spare money and was determined not to treat herself poorly. But before she could step out, her brother stopped her in her tracks. Even more unexpected was the person accompanying her brother—it was none other than Pei Jian!

What a shocking sight!

Nianxi withdrew her gaze and asked, “Brother, aren’t you supposed to be at the Imperial Academy? Why have you suddenly returned?”

Wen Qingheng waved it off. “That’s not important.”

Thanks to Pei Jian’s reputation at the Imperial Academy, they had been granted leave on a study day. But, of course, his sister didn’t need to know that.

In his goodwill, Pei Jian had agreed to Wen Qingheng’s request. Likely, he had noticed Wen Qingheng’s troubled demeanor and proposed, “If you’re going to persuade her, the sooner, the better. Qingye has already started his duties.”

Wen Qingheng immediately froze with realization. He had nearly overlooked this—The Imperial Academy had a schedule of one rest day every ten days. While he was restricted from leaving, Gu Ci could freely come and go from the Wen residence!

Not to mention, their mother seemed quite supportive of the situation, while their father could hardly stand up to both his wife and daughter.

“Did you think about what I said yesterday?” Wen Qingheng promptly pulled his sister aside, speaking earnestly. “Everything I’m doing is for your own good.”

Nianxi couldn’t believe it—her elder brother had skipped his studies just for the sake of Gu Ci!

She restrained herself from glancing toward Pei Jian and replied helplessly, “Brother, you’re being biased.”

Wen Qingheng sighed. “You’re letting Gu Ci’s good looks cloud your judgment!”

Nianxi: …

“I know you like handsome young men. Let me tell you, the capital has plenty of outstanding gentlemen,” Wen Qingheng declared with confidence.

He was convinced that Nianxi had been entirely dazzled by Gu Ci’s looks. Gesturing toward Pei Jian standing behind him, he added, “Take Pei Jian, who lives with me, for example—he’s just as good-looking and dignified as Gu Ci, if not more so!”

Nianxi: …

Brother, do you even hear what you’re saying?!