The Powerful Minister I Forcefully Married Won't Warm Up; After Rebirth, I Give Up the Chase - Chapter 5

Pei Jian (courtesy name Pei Shizhang) took center stage at the Debate Stage as he had in his previous life.

He naturally made the acquaintance of the Crown Prince and earned his appreciation.

Everyone, from his fellow students to his teachers, looked at him with admiration and even awe.

Everyone knew that his future, Pei Jian’s future, was limitless.

This was certainly a good thing.

However, a subtle, indescribable sense of loss lingered in Pei Jian’s heart.

Truthfully, he had long forgotten the smug, high-spirited person he once was. After years of turbulent official life, this minor achievement barely stirred a ripple in him.

As for that deep-seated sense of loss, it was probably because, among the cheering crowd, he could no longer find a pair of clear, bright apricot eyes.

I’m just not used to it, Pei Jian told himself.

Yet, walking out of the Chongming Building, he belatedly recalled his previous life: Wen Qingheng’s “younger brother” greatly admired his talent, and Wen Qingheng personally insisted on inviting him over for a visit.

Unable to refuse their warm invitation, he followed the “brothers” to the Wen Manor.

Frankly, his mother-in-law was not a good-tempered wife, but his father-in-law was a rare, good husband. He was always patient, never uttering a sound even when his wife scolded him.

That was the first time Pei Jian had experienced such a vibrant, loving family atmosphere.

Speaking of which, from the very first meeting, his parents-in-law had always treated him well—until they married and Nianxi lost their child.

A sudden wave of listlessness washed over Pei Jian.

In this life, without Nianxi, Wen Qingheng no longer invited him to the Wen Manor.

Pei Jian declined his friends’ dinner invitations and walked back alone.

The school building was quiet; it was a day off, and most of the students had gone home.

Pei Jian sat by himself, waiting for Gu Ci to return.

Before, when he held a high position and was swamped with official duties, he only regretted the lack of time, unable to be in two places at once. Now that he was idle, he knew how long and difficult time could be.

Somehow, Pei Jian thought of Nianxi again.

The Nianxi of his previous life.

He didn’t know how Nianxi filled the long, lonely hours of her days and nights while he was busy.

At this thought, a subtle, lingering, and spreading ache suddenly rose in his chest.

He refused to let himself think any further, stood up, and walked out of the Imperial College (Guo Zi Jian).

The State Duke Zhen Manor

Madam Wang was extremely happy to see him. “Shizhang, have you eaten? You just got back from the Grand Debate, didn’t you? Little Six went to the Winding Stream and is probably running wild; he’s not back yet.”

She then repeatedly called for a maidservant to prepare a meal.

“Why do you look a little thinner again? While studying is important, your health is your foundation. Never presume upon your youth; you must eat well every day.”

The State Duke Zhen, along with his eldest and second sons, were guarding the border. Gu Ci’s three older sisters were already married, and Gu Ci was studying at the Imperial College. The enormous State Duke’s Manor was left with only Madam Wang.

That was why Madam Wang always had a cascade of caring words every time she saw him.

He was just accustomed to it before, but today he couldn’t help but ask, “Madam, were you listening to an opera just now?”

Madam Wang had just dismissed the opera troupe when Pei Jian arrived.

“Nothing to do all day, so I just pass the time,” Madam Wang laughed. “When I was young, I absolutely couldn’t stand listening to opera; I always felt like one show would sing on forever. Later, the children gradually grew up, and the State Duke wasn’t around, that’s when I slowly started to appreciate the flavor of listening to opera.”

“Look at me, what am I telling you all this for? Shizhang, why does your complexion look unwell? Are you not feeling well?”

“I’m fine.”

Listening to Madam Wang speak just now, Pei Jian felt a momentary panic in his heart.

When did Nianxi start listening to opera?

He couldn’t remember.

Pei Jian’s parents passed away when he was very young. For the sake of the clan, his grandfather passed the title of Heir to the State Duke Zheng to the second branch.

After his grandparents passed away one after another, he was also driven out of the main courtyard.

His second aunt was harsh, and though he was the eldest son of the Pei family, he was severely bullied. It was during that time that Madam Wang began to frequently look after him.

He knew from a young age that he had no fallback.

If he didn’t strive, when he came of age, his second uncle would randomly marry him off, and his family would depend on the second branch for survival for the rest of their lives.

The main branch of the Pei family would never see the light of day again.

Therefore, he dared not slack off for a single moment. Studying and becoming an official were the only ways he could change his fate.

Fortunately, he did prove his worth.

Later, he met Nianxi, his wife.

Too much time had passed; he had forgotten the reason he was initially moved by Nianxi.

He only remembered that he had a home after being all alone. An extra pair of chopsticks at dinner, an extra comforter on the bed…

It was only at this moment that Pei Jian realized that he and Nianxi, they hadn’t shared a single dinner together for a long, long time.

When exactly did that start?

Nianxi said she no longer loved him.

When he first heard the word “love,” Pei Jian found it ridiculous.

Who was he?

The youngest Chief Minister (Zaifu) in the history of the Great Xia, about to take over as the Right Prime Minister (You Xiang), holding vast power.

He had to deal with countless state affairs every day; one word, one attitude from him could change the fate of a person, a family, or even an entire kingdom.

The word “love” was too light for a man over thirty.

Too flimsy to carry the weight of experience, too superficial to hold back the years.

But now, Pei Jian knew that Nianxi truly, no longer loved him.

Pei Jian swallowed the bitter gourd in his mouth, feeling the bitterness sink into his heart.

Let it be, he told himself.

He had a predetermined path to follow.

And she would have a more considerate husband to care for and cherish her.

In this life, he chose to live without her.

To let her go.

“Has Uncle Gu sent any letters back recently? Is he returning to the capital soon?”

This was Pei Jian’s main purpose for visiting today.

Just six months later, State Duke Gu and his sons, due to a lapse in defense, would suffer a sudden attack by the Northern Liang. The Northern Liang cavalry would swiftly advance south, conquering dozens of cities in a row.

The common people would be displaced, and the situation would be catastrophic.

The three men of the Gu family would be martyred in the battle to defend the city.

When the news reached the capital, Madam Wang would fall gravely ill.

The court would attempt to prosecute the State Duke Zhen’s Manor for negligence, but Gu Ci would shoulder the entire responsibility, travel far to the border, and fight against the Northern Army—never to return to the Central Plains again in that life.

Later, when Pei Jian became the Left Prime Minister (Zuo Xiang), he reviewed the files many times; the disaster was indeed caused by Gu Chengye’s negligence. Now that he was reborn, he naturally wanted to avoid this devastating tragedy.

Mentioning her husband, the smile in Madam Wang’s eyes deepened. “The State Duke will be back by the end of November at the latest. When he returns this time, he will petition His Majesty to allow him to retire and stay in the capital.”

Just as they were talking, a rush of hurried footsteps came from outside the door.

Madam Wang stopped speaking and jokingly scolded the person outside, “Such a grown man, without an ounce of composure.”

“When Mother sees Shizhang, she naturally finds her son disagreeable.”

As he spoke, Gu Ci entered from outside.

His eyes and eyebrows were full of smiles, making his already outstanding and handsome features even more vibrant. Anyone could see he was in excellent spirits.

“Did you encounter something joyous?”

Madam Wang teased, “Could it be that you’ve met your heart’s desire?”

Unusually, that single sentence made Gu Ci blush.

Madam Wang was even happier and quickly pressed, “Which family’s daughter is it? Have I met her?”

Gu Ci was flustered by the attention and turned to Pei Jian, saying, “I heard on the way back that even the Crown Prince highly praised you at the Grand Debate today. My brother is the best!”

He gave Pei Jian a thumbs-up.

Gu Ci was always generous and knew how difficult Pei Jian’s journey had been. He was sincerely happy to see Pei Jian succeed.

Pei Jian didn’t find it particularly boastworthy.

But seeing that both Madam Wang and Gu Ci were in high spirits, he stopped talking.

He had already decided to let go of Nianxi and move forward toward his predetermined future, and he had resolved never to give his heart away again in this life. But for Gu Ci finding his love, he was full of blessings.

So, he asked, “Returning so late, did you perhaps have dinner at the young lady’s house?”