Chapter 6

Nianxi returned home to find her elder brother, Wen Qingheng, eagerly recounting the events of today’s Forum on Classics at Chongming Tower. “Pei Shizhang was truly remarkable! Alone against three on the opposing side, he remained calm under pressure…”

Since it concerned Pei Jian, Nianxi had no desire to listen. She was about to head to her room to freshen up when Madam Li noticed her: “Nian’er, you’re back.”

Nianxi had no choice but to enter the main room and greet her parents and brother.

Wen Qingheng was in high spirits, and their father, who had always appreciated talent, clapped his hands upon hearing about it. “This young man will certainly achieve great things.” He then asked, “Why not invite him to our home for a discussion?”

In her previous life, Nianxi had taken the initiative to persuade them to invite Pei Jian to their home.

Before Wen Qingheng could express regret, Madam Li interjected, “Nian’er is still unmarried. Why invite an unrelated man into our house?”

The father and son immediately fell silent.

“How was the spring outing today? Did anything interesting happen?” Facing her daughter, Madam Li was noticeably more gentle.

Nianxi casually replied, “Not much of interest, but I did come across an intriguing young man.”

Madam Li smiled and asked, “Oh? How so?”

“He’s good-looking and has a pleasant personality.”

“What about his stature? Which family is he from?”

Nianxi had reached the age of marriage. Madam Li, not hoping to align with an influential family, simply wished for her daughter to marry someone she liked and lead a smooth and happy life.

At this moment, the Wen father and son couldn’t care less about Pei Shizhang and were fixated on Nianxi, fearing she might blurt out some nonsense about fancying someone, hitting them right in the heart.

Fortunately, Nianxi had no intention of continuing. She said dismissively, “There isn’t even the slightest sign yet.”

Madam Li wanted to ask further, but Nianxi resorted to being playful and coy, saying, “Mother, I’ve been out all day, and I’m starving. When will the meal be served?”

Madam Li had no choice but to drop the matter.

That night, when Nianxi was about to sleep, the maid Xing Yue asked her, “Miss, didn’t you agree to meet with Young Master Gu during the day? Why didn’t you tell Madam?”

Although times were more open now, the Gu and Wen families were not particularly close and had little interaction. It wasn’t so easy for Gu Ci to arrange a meeting with Nianxi.

Looking at the mirror and the young girl with glossy black hair and radiant features reflected in it, Nianxi spoke with indifference, “If he wants to meet me, he has to figure it out himself. If he can’t even put in that little effort, what’s the point?”

In her previous life, she had wholeheartedly devoted herself to Pei Jian. Even for small outings like this, she always made excuses on her own, never willing to let Pei Jian worry. This time, she decided not to spoil anyone anymore.

It turns out Gu Ci was indeed thoughtful—

On the third day of the Qu Shui Outing, Marquis Xingwu’s household sent an invitation to Nianxi, asking her to visit the manor for flower viewing. The date was set on the Imperial Academy’s day of rest.

The eldest daughter-in-law of Marquis Xingwu was Gu Ci’s elder sister.

Madam Li naturally approved.

On the rest day, Nianxi, dressed in an elegant emerald smoke-patterned gauze skirt, gracefully stood in front of Marquis Xingwu’s residence. Unsurprisingly, she saw Gu Ci waiting at the gate and smiled as she asked: “Have you been waiting long?”

Gu Ci had thought Nianxi would ask him why he was at the gate of Marquis Xingwu’s residence. He had already prepared a response, but she didn’t ask. It seemed like a natural tacit understanding—no words were needed.

“No,” Gu Ci, feeling slightly warm in the face, walked forward and said, “My elder sister is in the flower hall. I’ll take you there.”

The eldest daughter-in-law of Marquis Xingwu was a very kind woman. After the formal visit, she only excused herself, saying she was busy with household affairs: “The peonies in the garden are in full bloom. Xiaoliu brought a horse here today, and it’s tied up in the stable. It’s a rare fine horse—why not go have a look?”

Such attentiveness and thoughtfulness were rare. Nianxi understood that Gu Ci had arranged this.

On the way to the riding arena, Nianxi’s eyes curved into smiles. “Teaching me to ride and arranging all these things—won’t it be exhausting for you?”

Gu Ci, of course, didn’t find it exhausting. But seeing the girl notice his efforts made him even happier. He deliberately lowered his voice, “When I act as your horse-riding instructor, I’m strict. You’d better be careful.”

Hearing this, Nianxi stopped in her tracks with great seriousness. Her clear, dark eyes sparkled like stars reflecting shimmering water. She extended her slender, fair hands in front of Gu Ci and said solemnly, “This student is clumsy. Please be gentle when punishing me, sir.”

Gu Ci lowered his eyes to look at those hands and couldn’t help but laugh first.

The sunlight was bright and clear. A gust of wind passed, and apricot-colored and white petals fluttered down, landing on them.

Only then did Nianxi notice Gu Ci’s outfit that day—a narrow-sleeved, waist-belted attire. The leather belt accentuated his slender waist, and his long legs exuded robust strength as he moved.

A fresh spring day, a renewed young man. Nianxi felt a long-lost sense of joy deep inside.

Life is truly better with a bit of indulgence.

Gu Ci prepared a beautifully charming and docile pony for Nianxi. Its four hooves were white, and its entire body was jet black and shiny—truly exceptional. Still young, it would nuzzle into one’s palm when fed sugar.

“It’s called Ta Xue (Treading Snow).”

Nianxi spent some time getting acquainted with the pony before Gu Ci helped her mount it.

The reins were rough and firm, but Gu Ci, always considerate, had specially prepared gloves for Nianxi.

“My father and brothers have been away for years. At home, it’s just my mother and three elder sisters. Though they are older, they are still women. As the youngest, I often pay attention to these things.”

This was a subtle explanation for his meticulous attention to women’s needs. It also hinted at the simplicity and harmony of his family, devoid of any drama or strife among wives or concubines.

Pei Jian, however, never paid attention to such details. He would never notice whether Nianxi had donned new clothes or changed her hair accessories unless she pointed it out herself. He was too busy—busy reviving the family’s name, seizing power and profit, leaving no time or thought for the small matters of those around him.

Wearing her brand-new deerskin gloves, Nianxi smiled warmly, “Understood, Mr. Gu.”

Gu Ci heard the new form of address and felt as though summer had arrived early. His whole body grew hot, and he couldn’t help but smile.

The ensuing lesson went smoothly.

One was endlessly patient, the other clever and nimble. Within half an hour, Nianxi could walk a few steps slowly in the arena without Gu Ci holding the reins. She was overjoyed, turned around, and waved to Gu Ci. Unexpectedly, the horse suddenly leaped, and Nianxi’s slim figure swayed. Her waist bent gracefully like a willow, forming a gentle arc, and she was about to fall—

Seeing this, Gu Ci strode forward, grabbed the reins, and leaped onto the horse with all his might. His legs tightened around the horse’s belly, forcing it to halt.

In the sudden turn of events, fearing that Nianxi would be thrown to the ground, he exerted all his strength. His arms, as firm as iron, encircled Nianxi’s slender waist.

Nianxi felt pain, and tears involuntarily welled in her eyes as she turned to look at Gu Ci.

Spring sunlight illuminated the girl’s soft cheeks, and her eyes sparkled like fragmented gold, shimmering and rippling. The two were so close that Gu Ci could see that what flickered in her eyes wasn’t tears but an intoxicating light that could make one lose themselves. He dismounted abruptly but seemed to sense something new sprouting in his heart.

“I apologize—it’s entirely my fault,” Gu Ci said with deep regret. “Did it scare you?”

Nianxi was helped off the horse by Gu Ci and shook her head with a smile, “It was my fault for not holding the reins properly. Mr. Gu should punish me.” As she spoke, she extended her palm upward. But it was clear she wasn’t serious—she still had her deerskin gloves on.

Seeing that she was unharmed, Gu Ci felt slightly relieved. He glanced at the hand reaching out to him for the second time and couldn’t resist lightly tapping it.

Even through the gloves, Gu Ci felt a tingling sensation where they touched. It traveled straight to his heart from his fingertips, making it swell and tremble. “This is your first day riding a horse. Let’s stop here for now. Otherwise, your legs might get sore.”

Nianxi obediently followed his suggestion.

The two headed to a pavilion to rest.

Gu Ci had never experienced such an enjoyable and leisurely time. It wasn’t until the maid invited them back to the main hall for tea, gently reminding them that it was getting late, that he realized how quickly time had passed.

It felt as though he and Nianxi had endless things to talk about. He used to think noble young ladies always preferred topics like flowers and powders or music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—subjects that didn’t interest him.

But Nianxi was different. No matter what he said, she could keep up, responding with witty and clever remarks. She never blindly followed his words, which brought Gu Ci immense joy and relaxation.

She was so endearing and lovable. Every expression, every movement—everything she did struck right at his heart!

“She is my true love!”

Returning to the Imperial Academy, Gu Ci couldn’t wait to share this exciting news with his good friend, Pei Jian.