The Powerful Minister I Forcefully Married Won't Warm Up; After Rebirth, I Give Up the Chase - Chapter 14

That night, fireworks were set off for a long time over East City Mountain.

This was Gu Ci’s romantic gesture for Nian Xi.

He had originally intended to confess his feelings to Nian Xi under the spectacular fireworks display, hoping it would become a beautiful shared memory for them.

However, he had underestimated the hostility and resolve of a sister-obsessed elder brother.

Forget about asking Nian Xi to stay a little longer; barely past noon, Wen Qingheng was already rushing Madam Li to return home.

Gu Ci had no choice but to temporarily put his intentions aside and personally escort them back to the residence.

This action clearly poked Wen Qingheng’s sore spot again; on the road, he found fault with Gu Ci at every turn. Fortunately, Madam Li was kind-hearted, and Nian Xi was gentle.

As a result, Gu Ci was not only not angered but became even more appreciative. “I still have guests at home, so I must return first.”

Nian Xi nodded. After a moment’s thought, she advised, “Tomorrow is your first day on duty; try not to drink too much.”

She had heard Qin Lang shouting about wanting to ply Gu Ci with wine back at the Gu residence, which prompted the warning.

As soon as she spoke, she felt a little inappropriate.

Such a casual, domestic piece of advice sounded especially intimate.

Gu Ci, however, completely loved this kind of treatment. His eyes lit up, his ears immediately turned red, and he hurriedly agreed. He stopped just short of swearing an oath that if he drank one extra cup that day, he would be instantly struck by five thunderbolts.

Nian Xi couldn’t help but smile wryly.

Madam Li had already gone inside, while Wen Qingheng stood there like a grim door god, staring darkly at the two of them.

Gu Ci wanted to say a few more words, but with such a formidable presence looming next to Nian Xi, he could only offer a final instruction before leaving.

Wen Qingheng had been waiting on the side with a mountain of things to say to Nian Xi.

But Nian Xi hadn’t yet recovered from the shock of meeting Pei Jian and the fact that Pei Jian was close friends with Gu Ci. She couldn’t focus, and her replies were distracted. When Wen Qingheng pressed her, she simply claimed a headache and led her two maidservants back to her room.

Wen Qingheng was helpless against his sister, so he turned and went back to the main courtyard.

To his surprise, his mother was even more opinionated than he was. “What is wrong with Gu Liulang? Judging by his family background, character, and capability, you couldn’t find a second like him if you searched the whole capital with a lantern. What are you dissatisfied with?”

“Why should he have told you ahead of time? So you could go and break it up? As a girl’s elder brother, you should wish for your sister’s happiness, instead of causing trouble all day long.”

“What did he lie to you about? He only feared your opposition and interference. I think he’s decisive and has a clear plan.”

Wen Qingheng was speechless.

Wen Qingheng couldn’t control his sister, and he couldn’t win an argument with his mother. He couldn’t afford to offend any of the women, big or small, in his family, so he had to bottle up his anger.

Until he saw the fireworks in the sky—

It turned out that all the effort he and Qin Lang had put in that morning—finding locations, checking arrangements—was all for Gu Ci’s toy to charm his sister!

He couldn’t stand to stay in this house for another second and returned to the Imperial Academy that very night.

Upon entering the courtyard, he saw Pei Jian standing in the middle of the yard, looking up at the fireworks in the eastern sky.

Blocked by the city wall, only a small portion could be seen here.

As for the best view, his own family courtyard was unrivaled in viewing angle. Before he left, even the servants in his house had run out, gasping in admiration.

Wen Qingheng inwardly cursed Gu Ci for being sly and treacherous.

The courtyard was dark all around, illuminated only by the few stars in the sky and the fireworks overhead. Wen Qingheng didn’t see Qin Lang. He nodded to Pei Jian, intending to go back to his room to avoid further irritation.

Just as he stepped onto the stairs, the usually cold and quiet Pei Jian suddenly asked him, “Why are you here so late?”

Wen Qingheng was startled.

Having lived there for nearly two months, he wasn’t well acquainted with Pei Jian. Pei Jian was not boisterous like Qin Lang, nor cheerful and talkative like Gu Ci. He was always coolly reserved, as pure and cold as white snow, radiating a powerful, ‘do not approach’ aura.

Just now, seeing Pei Jian standing alone in the courtyard, the fireworks illuminating his forehead, the shadow deep beneath his brow, he looked as though frost had settled on his features, full of a desolate air. Wen Qingheng hadn’t dared to disturb him.

He had always admired Pei Jian’s talent and felt a desire for closeness. Now that Pei Jian had inquired, he naturally poured out everything.

Besides, he was already miserable.

“It’s all because of my sister,” Wen Qingheng immediately turned, standing beside Pei Jian, and said bitterly, “You saw the situation today. My sister has been completely charmed by Gu Ci.”

“I have to take the examinations, and she’s going to seek a fortune-telling slip, but she insists on inviting Gu Ci along. Isn’t this just stabbing me in the heart?”

“The most infuriating thing is my mother. I tell her about Gu Ci’s misdeeds, but the old lady refuses to listen to a single word and speaks up for Gu Ci at every turn.”

“And these fireworks filling the sky were specially arranged by Gu Ci for my sister! When I left home, she was sitting on the porch watching them with great enthusiasm!”

Wen Qingheng was overwhelmed with worry, fearing for his innocent, lovely sister, but he failed to notice the increasingly cold look on the face of the man beside him.

“While Qingye was wrong to keep it from you, judging by his attitude toward your sister, he seems sincere,” Pei Jian said, with most of his body hidden in the dark night. His voice was clear and cool, like cold jade striking a chime.

“Who wouldn’t like my sister!” Wen Qingheng said self-righteously.

The thought that he and Qin Lang had once joked about Gu Ci’s “little cousin” made him incredibly sick to his stomach.

“Gu Ci knows very well that I am Ni’er’s elder brother, yet he speaks such vulgar nonsense in front of me. His character is despicable!”

Ni’er is still young. All smelly men should just die!

Pei Jian said calmly, “I don’t think Miss Wen is someone who lacks understanding. If you feel it’s inappropriate, why not try persuading her again?”

Wen Qingheng smiled bitterly, “I’ve nearly worn my mouth raw. My sister has had a strong will since childhood.”

Pei Jian looked straight ahead. “Then why not find someone whom you consider to be of upright character and have them guide your sister indirectly?”

Wen Qingheng’s eyes lit up, but then he looked troubled. “That’s a good idea, but who would be suitable to ask?”

Pei Jian suggested, “How about your esteemed father? Master Wen is a knowledgeable gentleman and Miss Wen’s father…”

Wen Qingheng shook his head. “No, no. My father is even more helpless when it comes to Ni’er.”

Pei Jian stopped speaking and looked up at the magnificent, splendid fireworks in the air.

Wen Qingheng belatedly felt a little embarrassed. He had been pouring out his grievances to Pei Jian all evening, and Pei Jian, far from being annoyed, had even offered advice, but he was still being picky.

Setting aside everything else, Pei Jian was truly a good person—cold on the outside but warm on the inside!

Although Gu Ci was his good friend, Pei Jian was not in the least biased.

This showed his high moral character.

Thinking this, a brilliant idea suddenly struck him. “Shizhang, I have an unreasonable request. Could I possibly ask you to come to my house and persuade my sister?”

…

Nian Xi had watched the fireworks until midnight the previous evening, so she woke up somewhat late this morning.

Fortunately, Madam Li doted on her and said that fifteen or sixteen was the age for sleeping in, so she didn’t enforce strict rules of etiquette, nor did she require greetings at fixed times morning and evening.

Nian Xi rose and was getting dressed. While putting on her earrings, she remembered the large box of jewelry from Gu Ci the day before, so she instructed Xingyue, “Tell the gatekeeper to prepare the carriage. We’ll go to the Treasure Pavilion later.”

Since she was running a starchy-water stall, she now had some spare money and naturally wasn’t going to skimp on herself.

But before she could leave, she was stopped by her elder brother right at the entrance.

What was even more surprising was the person accompanying her brother: it was actually Pei Jian!

It truly felt like seeing a ghost.

Nian Xi withdrew her gaze and asked, “Brother, why are you not studying at the Imperial Academy at this hour? Why have you suddenly returned?”

Wen Qingheng waved his hand. “That’s not important.”

It was thanks to Pei Jian, who had a good reputation at the Imperial Academy, that they were able to leave on a study day.

However, his sister certainly didn’t need to know that.

Pei Jian, in his kindness, agreed to his request, probably seeing him look so downcast, and suggested, “Since you want to persuade her, it’s best to do it early. Qingye has already started his duties.”

Wen Qingheng’s heart immediately clenched.

He had almost forgotten this point—

He only got a day off every ten days from the Imperial Academy, so he couldn’t get out, but Gu Ci could enter and exit the Wen residence at any time!

His mother was delighted with the situation, and his father couldn’t win against his mother and sister!

“Have you given careful thought to what I told you yesterday?” Wen Qingheng immediately pulled his sister closer, pleading earnestly, “Everything your brother does is for your own good.”

Nian Xi could never have imagined that her elder brother skipped class simply because of Gu Ci!

She forced herself not to look in Pei Jian’s direction and said helplessly, “Brother, you are prejudiced.”

Wen Qingheng sighed, “You’ve been completely seduced by Gu Ci’s good looks!”

Nian Xi: …

“I know you like handsome young men. Let me tell you, there are many outstanding gentlemen in the capital.”

Wen Qingheng was convinced that Nian Xi was blinded by beauty. He pointed at Pei Jian behind him. “Without looking far, this Gentleman Pei, who shares a room with your brother, is no less handsome or distinguished than Gu Ci!”

Nian Xi: …

Brother, do you even hear yourself!