Chapter 9

Pei Jian is unwavering when it comes to achieving his predetermined goals. Regardless of the obstacles or difficulties ahead, and regardless of the required methods or strategies, he has always managed to achieve his objectives. But recently, he faced repeated setbacks when it came to Gu Ci.

He once hinted, “Since last year, the Northern Liang region has suffered consecutive droughts, along with plagues of locusts, hailstorms, and a significant reduction in livestock. By this winter, half the population will starve to death.”

This is the fundamental reason for the Northern Liang army’s southward plundering.

However, Gu Ci replied, “Isn’t that perfect? We can take advantage of their weakness to annihilate them in one fell swoop, and my father and elder brother won’t have to guard the border all year round.”

“The Liang ruler is old and frail. I’ve heard that the Crown Prince of Northern Liang is an advocate of war, and his cavalry is unparalleled in bravery and skill.”

In those days, the Northern Liang Iron Cavalry crossed the border over the corpses of Gu Chengye and his two generals, shocking the entire court.

“Hu Yantuo?” Gu Ci, who was well-acquainted with the Northern Frontier, remarked, “I’ve heard that the Liang ruler favors his youngest son, and the Crown Prince’s position may not be secure. Besides, that cavalry hasn’t encountered my father and brother; otherwise, their banner would have been destroyed long ago.”

Pei Jian patiently tried to persuade again, “Since there’s a potential threat, why not plan ahead? Perhaps Uncle could submit a memorial, suggesting that the Western Border Administrative Office move northward and arrange more reinforcements on both flanks…”

Gu Ci waved his hand dismissively, “These matters are for my father to decide. Enough of this; I’m heading to the martial arts training ground. In two days, there’s the martial arts examination. I’ve promised her I will seize the championship in one go.”

Pei Jian: …

Gu Ci has been acting a bit crazy lately. With his skills, passing the martial arts examination isn’t an issue. But for the sake of “her,” he’s been immersed day and night in the training ground. Not only that, but in his free time, he laughs foolishly, daydreams, sighs occasionally, blushes when alone—completely ridiculous.

Serious matters? Not a chance.

Qin Lang often teased him about his little cousin, and Gu Ci always listened with great delight.

Even Wen Qingheng, who rarely talks about others behind their backs, remarked, “He’s fallen for it this time—it’s unlikely to end without a marriage.”

Pei Jian refrained from commenting.

Was Gu Ci ever this erratic in his past life? Pei Jian couldn’t remember.

Gu Ci was born as a favored child of the heavens—his family background, appearance, and talent were all exceptional. He was the dream of many young women in the capital. His future was originally expected to be smooth and prosperous. At that time, however, Pei Jian was preoccupied with preparing for the palace examinations and striving for his own future. He had no time to focus on a friend whose life was already so complete.

Moreover, he had Wen Nianxi, who occupied much of his heart and mind.

Nianxi…

Since his rebirth, Pei Jian has been avoiding opportunities to meet Nianxi.

Wen Qingheng had invited him several times to visit the Wen family residence as a guest, but he had politely declined with other excuses. He neither wished nor dared to cause unnecessary trouble—He was afraid that Nianxi would fall for him at first sight all over again.

Pei Jian had already made up his mind. On some future day, when Nianxi marries her husband, he will gracefully present a congratulatory gift in the name of her brother’s schoolmate. He would protect her from afar or provide her husband with opportunities in his career, ensuring her a lifetime free of worries. Unlike Gu Ci, who recklessly and immaturely expressed his love, he believed this was how a mature and composed man should act.

Pei Jian found his friend’s naivety and shallowness exasperating. From then on, he devoted himself entirely to greater ambitions and paid even less attention to Gu Ci, let alone the identity of “her.”

On this day, it was the third round of the martial arts examination essay discussion.

Nianxi had arranged to meet Wang Muyi at a teahouse. Even as the two sat in a quiet corner, they could hear discussions about the martial arts examination.

“Gu Ci ranked first in the first two rounds of the martial arts competition, especially in horseback archery,” Wang Muyi said to Nianxi. “Now, everyone says he’s like a celestial star descended to earth.”

Nianxi was unaware of this. “Really?”

Wang Muyi exclaimed in surprise, “You’re not concerned about it?”

Back when the heir participated in the martial arts examination, Wang Muyi had visited every temple in the capital, big and small, offering prayers. In the days leading up to the martial arts competition, she was distracted and couldn’t eat or sleep well. Yet, Nianxi still had the leisure to invite her out for tea.

Nianxi took a leisurely sip of her fragrant drink and said, “Whether I care or not doesn’t change the outcome.”

Pei Jian may have achieved top honors in all three levels of the imperial examination, but it didn’t make him any less dull and indifferent. Besides, she had long outgrown the age of worrying over others.

Wang Muyi couldn’t help but ask, “Do you not like Gu Ci?”

“Why would you say that!” Nianxi turned to her cousin and said, “Gu Ci is wonderful.”

Of course, she liked Gu Ci.

Gu Ci was like a blazing sun—vibrant, passionate, full of life, radiant, and utterly sincere. He never hid his affection or care for those he cherished. He also has a pleasingly handsome face. Being around him, one always feels cared for and valued. Compared to the immature and ignorant young men around, Gu Ci is truly a shining presence.

“But I can’t help but feel…” Wang Muyi hesitated, pondering how to put it, and then said, “You don’t seem that invested in him.”

Not that fond of him either.

Nianxi, her head bent as she studied the teahouse’s fragrant drink menu, didn’t even look up. “I’ve only known him for just over a month; how can it compare to the deep love you share with the heir?”

Wang Muyi, newly married and teased by her, blushed slightly and exclaimed, “Stop talking about me! I’ve heard that the Young General Gu has someone he’s particularly fond of in his heart. For this girl, he’s been training day and night in the martial arts arena only to take the top spot and fulfill his promise!”

“Don’t tell me you don’t know who this girl is?”

Nianxi never feigned coyness, just as she treated Pei Jian in her previous life and as she does now with Gu Ci. Smiling, she said cheerfully, “Then I’ll have to pick out a good congratulatory gift for him.”

Today, Nianxi had arranged to meet her cousin, Wang Muyi, to scout out the fragrant drink shops in the Western Market. Since her rebirth, she had been financially strained, unable to even replace a simple undergarment made of coarse linen. However, the cost of opening a shop was too high, and Nianxi didn’t have enough money, so she considered pulling her cousin in as a partner. But just as she was beginning to bring up the topic, Wang Muyi suddenly let out a surprised “Oh?”

Following her gaze, Nianxi looked out and saw Pei Jian and Xu Wanxin walking slowly along the alley below.

The Western Market was bustling with carriages and people. They couldn’t see clearly from their vantage point on the second floor by the window despite the elevated position. Yet, even through the noisy crowds, the man’s demeanor was steady and cold, while the woman appeared gentle and serene. Walking side by side, they created a uniquely captivating scene. The two entered a street-side restaurant.

“They truly are a match made in heaven,” Wang Muyi sighed softly. “Since Pei Jian’s parents passed away and the engagement between the two families was annulled, how many years have passed? Who would’ve thought that these two would find their way back together? It must be fate.”

Fate?

Nianxi’s smile remained unchanged, but she couldn’t help wondering—did her wrongful death in her past life come as divine punishment for having forcibly separated two lovers?