The Powerful Minister I Forcefully Married Won't Warm Up; After Rebirth, I Give Up the Chase - Chapter 54

Pei Jian had been in Lanjun for almost two months.

He had finally gathered evidence that Liu Shao, the Prefect of Lanjun, had abused his power for personal gain and amassed illegal wealth from the common people.

Liu Shao was insidious and cunning, operating with extreme caution. Had Pei Jian not spent two years dealing with him in his past life, eventually presiding over his execution, he would not have been able to find the key evidence so quickly now. The reason he chose to target Liu Shao first was that the man was soon to be promoted, gain the favor of the Prince of Jing’s faction, and become the Prince’s confidant.

It would be much more difficult to deal with him then.

In his previous life, Pei Jian had dedicated himself to supporting the Crown Prince, and he had no intention of changing his allegiance in this life either.

The Crown Prince was benevolent and kind, and their relationship was mutually beneficial, unlike the Prince of Jing, who was suspicious of his subordinates and used thunderous methods. Naturally, officials preferred to serve a lenient monarch.

This was both the established path and his private preference.

“My Lord,” Shenxi approached him and uncovered the box for him to see, “These are excellent diamonds; every stone is clear and has been polished. Look at the brilliance.”

Pei Jian picked up a stone and examined it in the daylight. The teardrop-shaped diamond refracted various colors. If it were set into earrings and sent to her…

He wondered if she would be happy?

He stood up and paced to the door, letting out a long sigh towards the azure sky. He spoke to himself, “I’ve been out for so long; it is time to return home.”

Even though no one in his home worried about him now.

The sun shone brightly outside the window, yet the mornings already carried the chill of early autumn. Having previously never felt the hardship of long-distance travel, Pei Jian now felt the urgency of returning home.

He wanted to see her.

Even just a glimpse from afar, or to hear the sound of her voice, would be enough.

Pei Jian knew that she now disliked him.

That day at the side gate, Wang Pozi’s reminder had struck him like a revelation.

All along, he had misunderstood, which was why he had repeatedly pushed Nianxi into Gu Ci’s arms.

Now was not the time to rely on past affection.

Furthermore, as far as Nianxi was concerned, the previous relationship had long been worn down by that arrogant and ignorant Pei Jian.

Since he was starting over, he needed to let Nianxi become acquainted with a completely new version of himself.

Whatever Gu Ci could do, he could do as well—and better, more thoughtfully, and more meticulously than Gu Ci.

There was an inherent strength of possession in Pei Jian’s bones; otherwise, he would not have been able to eliminate rivals and rise to the position of Prime Minister.

However, he also knew himself clearly.

If he stayed in the capital and watched Nianxi being affectionate with another man, he would definitely lose control.

He needed time to settle and calm down.

Liu Shao was an excellent target. He could both eliminate a rival and relieve his pent-up frustration.

Now, he was finally calm.

His thirteen years of companionship with Nianxi had led them to a dead end, so by what right should Gu Ci have a smooth journey?

What he needed to do was keep a watchful eye on them, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Gu Ci was not a born romantic hero. Pei Jian refused to believe that Gu Ci would never make a mistake.

Pei Jian returned to the capital.

In the late afternoon, the courtyard was bathed in the magnificent afterglow of the sunset, reflecting a crimson hue. A small black cat curled up by the wall, wrestling with a pot of blooming tuberose. Pei Jian watched quietly, standing silently for a long time.

After washing up, he specifically changed into a light sky-blue unlined gown.

Nianxi had once told him to wear brighter colors, “My husband’s skin is fair, why don’t you wear some bright fabrics? Black, gray, and blue every day make you look several years older. You are so handsome; what a pity.”

Pei Jian did not think it was a pity at all.

A man should be composed and dependable; what was the need to look good?

He refused to wear any of the bright clothes Nianxi prepared for him.

But now, his perspective had changed.

Nianxi liked handsome men, so he would dress well to see her.

Pei Jian carefully recalled the colors of Gu Ci’s clothing: moonlight white, sky-blue, light blue—mostly pale colors.

Gu Ci’s skin was quite a bit darker than his, after all.

Pei Jian went to the side gate again.

Wang Pozi, upon seeing him, was noticeably more enthusiastic than last time, “Sir, you’ve come. Were you out of the capital these past few days?”

Pei Jian sighed inwardly, thinking that he, the esteemed Prime Minister, was having his movements and thoughts completely figured out by an old gatekeeper.

“Is she doing well recently?”

“The eldest young lady is doing very well. She opened a fragrant drink shop called ‘Fúshēng Bàn Zhǎn’ with the wife of the Marquis of Pingyang’s heir. The business is quite popular, and I hear that many of the capital’s noble wives and young ladies love to gather there. Just the other day, this old servant heard the Mistress mentioning how capable our eldest young lady is.”

When Wang Pozi spoke of this, her expression was one of pride, as if she shared in the honor.

Pei Jian fell silent.

In his previous life, Nianxi had also wanted to open a teahouse to pass the time.

How had he responded then?

Pei Jian could not clearly recall.

It was likely with great impatience, even interrupting Nianxi before she finished speaking.

He had felt that Nianxi was creating trouble for him. He was already busy enough, with a pile of matters outside waiting for him to handle. Yet Nianxi insisted on taking his time with such a trivial matter.

Couldn’t she just stay home and enjoy her leisure?

The Pei Jian of that time only saw himself in the world.

Selfish and indifferent.

And yet, her family, and even her servants, spoke of Nianxi opening the shop with such support and pride.

Presumably, Gu Ci was the same, was he not?

“Will she see me?”

Despite knowing the hope was slim, Pei Jian still wanted to ask.

“I’m afraid not.”

Wang Pozi was full of difficulty, with a hint of sympathy in her eyes, “Master Gu is here too. Just now, this old servant went to the front courtyard and saw Master Gu with a joyous expression, talking about some good news with the Eldest Young Master.”

There was one sentence Wang Pozi kept to herself: she vaguely heard the Eldest Young Master tease Master Gu, saying something about a happy occasion being imminent.

“Master Pei, there are many virtuous ladies in the capital. Perhaps you should look for someone else…”

Pei Jian had not expected Gu Ci to be at the Wen Manor.

Yet Gu Ci was an honored guest, welcomed openly, while he himself was in the narrow side gate, humbly begging for a sliver of pity.

The cluster of flames that seemed to be burning in Pei Jian’s eyes ceased their flicker, and his gaze steadied.

Earlier in Lanjun, he had been busy day and night, but as soon as he had nothing to do and found himself idle, his heart felt empty.

He missed her terribly.

He only learned today the taste of how hard love sickness is to endure.

He rushed back, changed into new clothes, even though he knew she was unlikely to see him. But just being closer to her filled his heart with joy.

Reality is always cruel.

The osmanthus tree subtly emitted its fragrance. A breeze rose, and the tree’s shadow swayed. He stood beneath the tree for a long time before slowly walking away.

The crescent moon, hooked and silent, hung on the treetop branches, indifferent to sorrow or joy, casting his silhouette long and stretched out.

Pei Jian walked out slowly, his earlier sense of emotional fullness giving way to extreme disappointment. When he reached the main gate, he suddenly turned back and said to Wang Pozi, “If you get a chance, just mention to her that I have returned.”

As someone who traveled far, he came to let her know he was safe.

Wang Pozi truly felt some sympathy for him now, but she could only speak the truth, “The young lady does not allow this servant to mention you.”

Pei Jian nodded expressionlessly, “I understand.”

He stepped out the door, but as he turned, he ran directly into Gu Ci, who was riding past on his horse.