Chapter 17

Nianxi and Gu Ci finished their prayers and went to explore the back mountain together, leaving Pei Jian behind.

After they left, Pei Jian entered the main hall of Taiqing Temple alone and summoned the young Taoist boy for questioning.

“Does the devout believer want a spiritual talisman?” The young Taoist boy, with a respectful demeanor, led Pei Jian towards the side hall, saying, “This talisman was personally drawn by Master Zhang and has been offered before the Three Pure Ones. The believer needs to offer some incense and can collect it after forty-nine days.”

Pei Jian stopped, “Is there none available now? I can offer more incense.”

His expression was cold and stern, his jaw clenched, and an oppressive aura emanated from him. He frowned at the young Taoist boy in front of him.

The young Taoist boy shivered under his gaze and stammered, “N-no, it’s not possible. This talisman was personally drawn by the Taoist master, Master Zhang, and must be offered for forty-nine days before it takes effect. Right now, it’s unavailable.”

In his past life, what he lost wasn’t just a piece of talisman paper but also an intention he had never realized.

Pei Jian withdrew his gaze, responded coldly, and turned to leave.

After making sure Pei Jian had left and wouldn’t return, the young Taoist boy dared to complain to his senior brother, “He was so scary! That man looks so good, but when he stares at you, it’s like he will eat you!”

Seeing how frightened the younger brother was, the senior brother comforted him, “That believer may have encountered some misfortune. Let it go, and don’t overthink. There are many people here today—focus on your work.”

The young Taoist boy pouted. He hadn’t told his senior brother that just moments earlier, the man stood outside the hall and stared at a female believer for a long time—he saw it all.

That female believer was particularly beautiful, with a gentle disposition. Even as a monk, he couldn’t help but sneak a few more glances. But no matter what, the female believer had a male companion by her side, equally graceful and imposing. The two looked perfectly matched.

The young Taoist boy secretly thought that if he were the female believer, he wouldn’t choose that frightening man either!

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Gu Ci escorted Nianxi home. All along the way, he walked very slowly. He hoped to spend as much time with Nian Xi as he could.

But even the longest road has an end.

At the entrance of the Wen residence on Yiqiao Street, Gu Ci tried to make conversation. “Does your leg still hurt?”

Today, Nianxi had ridden a horse—not Ta Xue, but Gu Ci’s horse. Seeing her torn between fear and longing, Gu Ci led the horse around for her.

Nianxi shook her head. “It doesn’t hurt.”

“Then… what would you like to eat? I noticed you didn’t eat much at lunch. How about I bring you some old duck soup from Ruyi Zhai?”

“No need, we have dinner at home.”

“Then what would you like to eat tomorrow? I can bring it after my shift.”

Nianxi smiled helplessly. After spending the whole day outside, she was already a bit tired. But Gu Ci was different—he was full of boundless energy, passionate and restless, radiating a strong, vibrant, and fiery vitality.

It was a youthful and exuberant force that Nianxi found irresistible. So, she beckoned to Gu Ci with her finger and whispered, “Come with me.”

Gu Ci followed her to a side gate on the left of the Wen residence. The gatekeeper, Aunt Wang, quickly opened the door upon seeing her young mistress.

Pointing to Gu Ci, Nianxi instructed Aunt Wang, “If he comes in the future, just go to the backyard to find me.”

Gu Ci had been visiting frequently lately, and even Aunt Wang, a simple servant, knew he was the future son-in-law of the Wen family. Young people in the throes of love, sneaking a meeting—it was nothing unusual.

So, Aunt Wang quickly agreed.

Gu Ci was puzzled until Nianxi led him inside. He saw a small garden beyond the gate, and after crossing it, they reached the hanging flower gate leading to the inner courtyard. Only then did he understand Nianxi’s intentions.

“My brother must have returned,” Nianxi teased. “If he sees you, he might lose his appetite for dinner. Let’s spare him for now and let him focus on tomorrow’s imperial examination.”

“In the future, if you have anything to say, wait for me here in the garden. Aunt Wang’s daughter works in my room, so it won’t be an issue.”

Gu Ci felt like this day was too perfect, like a dream. He opened his mouth to speak, but Nianxi interrupted, “Not today!”

Gu Ci was stunned.

Nianxi smiled again, her voice soft and sweet, carrying the charm and tenderness of a young girl. “My feet are sore from all the walking. I need to go rest.”

Nianxi was acting coy with him. At this moment, Gu Ci could only respond with a silly smile and a nod, unable to muster any other reaction. He had always felt that his affection for Nianxi far exceeded hers for him.

Nianxi was generous, gentle, considerate, and beautiful. She navigated their relationship with ease. Many times, Gu Ci felt that even if someone else were by her side, it would make no difference to her. She was always so calm and composed. But there was nothing to complain about. As a man, it was only natural for him to give more. After all, love was never about fairness. Every response from Nianxi was a delightful surprise—something for him to savor and deeply moved him.

Gu Ci stepped forward, gently taking Nianxi’s hand into his palm. His phoenix-like eyes sparkled brightly. “You go inside first. I’ll leave once you’re gone.”

Nianxi smiled, then walked towards the inner courtyard with her two maids. At the hanging flower gate, she turned back to see Gu Ci still standing there. When he noticed her looking, he waved his hand vigorously, flashing a bright smile. Nianxi laughed along with him. After a few more glances, she finally entered the inner courtyard.

After freshening up and changing into a simple, slightly worn dress, Nianxi greeted her mother in the main hall.

Madam Li looked at her daughter’s porcelain-like face and asked with a smile, “Did you have fun today?”

Nianxi nodded honestly. Being with Gu Ci gave her a sense of freedom and comfort—she felt relaxed and happy.

Madam Li’s smile deepened. “Do you like Gu Family’s Sixth Young Master?”

Nianxi vaguely guessed her mother’s intentions and hesitated before nodding slightly.

Madam Li stopped beating around the bush and said with a smile, “I’ve already spoken with Madam Wang. Once we receive the letter from Duke Zhen, their family will come to propose marriage!”

“I used to worry about their family being military officials, fearing he might go to the battlefield in the future. But Madam Wang assured me that with three men already stationed in the northern border, their Sixth Young Master will never be sent to the front lines.”

Madam Li sighed with a smile, “I don’t wish for you to live a life of great wealth and power. I only hope you can marry into a good family. Although the Gu family is prominent, I can see that Gu Ci is not one of those idle, indulgent young masters. And it’s clear that his feelings for you are genuine…”

The more Madam Li thought about Gu Ci and this marriage, the more satisfied she became. But Nianxi’s heart gradually sank.

Marriage—

For most women in this world, it was security, a promise, a bond to share and cherish. But for her, it was a shackle, a cage, something she feared and wanted to avoid at all costs. She only wanted to enjoy the present and had never considered the future.

These past days had been too joyful. She was completely immersed in the love Gu Ci gave her, forgetting that the premise of this happiness was her parents’ approval and the rules of society.

For Nianxi, being reborn felt like a beautiful dream, allowing her to imagine another possibility for her life. So she indulged herself, even recklessly.

In her subconscious mind, she didn’t truly believe life would offer a second chance. She constantly reminded herself to enjoy the present so this dream wouldn’t end with regrets. But her mother’s words were like a wake-up call, forcing her to realize that everything before her was real and grounded and that her actions carried responsibilities.

Marry Gu Ci?

Nianxi shook her head in her heart. If she were just a young girl who had recently come of age, she might have considered staying with Gu Ci forever, yearning for a happy ending together. But she had experienced a marriage filled with silence and disconnection. Back then, she was even more passionate and persistent than she was now, but the result was deeply disappointing.

Nianxi couldn’t bring herself to believe that love could last forever. She feared stepping once again into that square-shaped cage, shackled by the title of “wife.”

She liked Gu Ci, but she loved herself more. She knew such thoughts were unconventional and startling, but at this stage, Nianxi could not accept forming a marital bond with anyone.

“Mother, actually, I…” Nianxi was just about to come up with an excuse when her maid, Ying Guo, quietly lifted the curtain and gave her a meaningful look.

Ying Guo’s mother happened to be Aunt Wang, the gatekeeper.

Nianxi frowned instinctively. Didn’t she agree with Gu Ci that he wouldn’t come looking for her today?

“Mother, I just remembered that I forgot to bring back the tourmaline beads I specifically requested for you from the Taiqing Temple. Let me go and fetch them.”

With that, she turned to leave.

Madam Li didn’t suspect anything, laughing and teasing from behind, “Do you think I’m a fool? As soon as it’s about something serious, you try to avoid it. Bring the beads back quickly.”

Nianxi hurried out of the main hall, her mind a chaotic mess. She regretted having been so close to Gu Ci.

Her heart wavered and uncertain. Yet when she reached the small garden, the person waiting there wasn’t Gu Ci at all!