The Powerful Minister I Forcefully Married Won't Warm Up; After Rebirth, I Give Up the Chase - Chapter 56

Although Wen Yuanqiao was three-fifths drunk, his mind was quite clear.

His wife forbade him from drinking too much, especially this month, as he had just recovered from a minor cold. Lady Li had strictly commanded him not to return home drunk. Since he had broken the rule today, his wife would surely be furious.

In truth, being mildly reprimanded by Lady Li wouldn’t bother him much. But anger damages the body, and over time, it would be detrimental to his wife’s health.

Just as he was pondering how to resolve the situation, Wen Yuanqiao luckily found two saviors.

Both Pei Jian and Gu Ci were promising young men. By bringing them into the residence now and conversing with them in the front courtyard, he could use the time to sober up. His wife would then be unaware that he had drunk too much.

He had effortlessly averted a domestic conflict; it was simply perfect.

The only discordant factor, however, was Gu Ci.

Seeing Wen Yuanqiao about to drag them into the Wen Residence, Gu Ci quickly declined: “Uncle, I just came out of the residence, so I won’t go back in. It’s late now, and Shizhang and I will visit another day.”

It’s fine for me; I’ll be the son-in-law of this house sooner or later. But on what grounds should Pei Jian enter?

He was not a family friend, and since it was late, what right did Pei Jian have to enter the Wen Residence?

In Pei Jian’s own words, “Is he worthy?”

Saying this, Gu Ci shook free from Wen Yuanqiao’s grasp.

Wen Yuanqiao, a drunken scholar, was no match for the strength of Gu Ci, a young military officer.

He was so anxious that his eyes widened in exasperation.

This kid, why is he so clueless?

He tightened his grip on Pei Jian’s sleeve on the other side, refusing to let go.

With over ten years of experience interacting in the previous life, Pei Jian instantly understood his father-in-law’s intention after a brief thought.

He allowed Wen Yuanqiao to hold his wrist with peace of mind. Ignoring Gu Ci’s frantic eye signals, he pretended: “Yes, Lord Wen, it’s late, and you’ve been drinking. You should return to your residence to rest early. I will visit you another day.”

For Wen Yuanqiao, resting meant exposure.

Of course, he refused: “You and Jinghe were classmates and lived in the same courtyard at the Imperial Academy. There’s no need to be so formal. Just call me Uncle, like Qingye.”

Pei Jian subtly glanced at Gu Ci, then casually withdrew his gaze, changing his address: “Uncle Wen.”

“I always hear Jinghe mention that your calligraphy and painting are unparalleled, Uncle. I’ve wanted to come and consult you for a long time, but I was afraid of being rude,” Pei Jian spoke as if casually chatting with a close elder, his tone full of warmth and respect. “If you don’t mind, Junior will come especially to pay his respects another day.”

Gu Ci was successfully disgusted by Pei Jian’s facade.

Wen Yuanqiao, however, was extremely pleased.

He was mediocre as an official, but he had considerable attainment in calligraphy and painting.

If Pei Jian were to talk about anything else, Wen Yuanqiao might not be sincere, but when it came to calligraphy and painting, it truly touched Wen Yuanqiao’s heart. He grew even happier, grabbing Pei Jian’s hand and laughing:

“Why put it off until another day? I recently finished a painting, and you can come inside and appreciate it with me.”

Pei Jian hesitated falsely, looking quite troubled: “Will I be disturbing the residence?”

“What disturbance?”

Wen Yuanqiao waved his hand, settling the matter: “You can come to Uncle Wen’s house anytime in the future. I’ll be happy to have you.”

After speaking, he dragged Pei Jian and strode toward the side gate. After two steps, he vaguely remembered Gu Ci and turned back to ask: “Qingye, do you want to join us?”

Gu Ci: …

He knew Pei Jian was sinister, but he hadn’t realized he could be this sinister.

Gu Ci took several deep breaths, trying hard to control his volatile inner self. He forced out a smile: “…Of course. I’d love to admire Uncle’s masterpiece.”

Wen Yuanqiao stroked his beard against the moonlit sky and burst into hearty laughter, feeling satisfied.

Yet, in a place the father could not see, Pei Jian’s and Gu Ci’s eyes met. The air was charged with the scorched scent of burning battle.

Wen Qingheng never expected Gu Ci to return, and with his father, no less, followed by… Pei Jian.

Since the night of the Double Seventh Festival, he had not spent any time with Pei Jian.

Wen Qingheng’s feelings towards Pei Jian were very complicated.

He undoubtedly admired Pei Jian’s talent.

It could be said that for any scholar who had studied diligently for over a decade, Pei Jian’s achievement of placing first in all three imperial examinations was an unattainable dream.

Both he and Qin Lang admired Pei Jian’s talent deep down and naturally felt a sense of closeness.

Perhaps if Pei Jian, and not Gu Ci, had met Nian’er first, he might have found it easier to accept.

But there were no “ifs” in this world.

Nian’er and Gu Ci were mutually in love. For Pei Jian to interject now seemed truly lacking in principles.

Qin Lang had a different view: “A man who achieves great things is not bound by trivialities. Shizhang’s actions signify resolute will, unmoved by external factors.”

Wen Qingheng countered: “What if he has a resolute will for your sweetheart?”

Qin Lang stammered twice, unable to argue. He then grew angry from embarrassment: “Can’t you wish me well for once?”

This showed that even in the heart of Qin Lang, an uninvolved bystander, Pei Jian’s feelings for Nianxi were regarded as shameless.

Wen Qingheng had not held back in delivering blows to Pei Jian during their fight last time. Seeing him again now made him feel slightly uneasy.

Gu Ci looked even more resentful.

In the study, only Wen Yuanqiao and Pei Jian had the leisure to discuss calligraphy and painting.

To be precise, only Wen Yuanqiao enthusiastically displayed his newly acquired famous painting to Pei Jian, commenting and pointing things out. Pei Jian merely listened with a smile on the side, occasionally responding or asking a question at key moments, allowing Wen Yuanqiao to continue speaking endlessly.

Gu Ci and Wen Qingheng exchanged glances. Gu Ci, especially, couldn’t get a word in and could only accompany them, listening to Pei Jian’s subtle flattery.

It wasn’t until Nianxi heard about the situation and sent Xing Yue to the front courtyard to deliver a message: “Master, Miss said that Young Master Gu has duty tomorrow and needs to go back early. Please don’t keep him too late.”

Only then did Gu Ci’s expression improve.

The father, Wen Yuanqiao, was still reluctant, but since it was indeed late, he smiled at Gu Ci:

“It truly is a case of ‘a girl’s heart turning outward.’ Qingye, this daughter of mine is not half as good to me, her father, as she is to you.”

Gu Ci quickly stood up, his earlier unhappiness completely vanishing.

Yes, why should I bother arguing with Pei Jian? Nian’er hasn’t given Pei Jian a second thought. What good is it that Uncle admires him?

In the future, they would be family.

Pei Jian was the outsider.

If I worry too much, I will lose my dignity and cause Uncle Wen to dislike me.

“My understanding of calligraphy and painting is only superficial. Tonight, listening to Uncle and Shizhang discuss it was fascinating,” Gu Ci offered a pleasing smile. “If Uncle doesn’t mind, I’d like to ask you to teach me another day.”

Wen Yuanqiao readily agreed to such a compliment: “Nian’er’s handwriting, I taught her myself from a young age.”

Gu Ci repeatedly praised him: “No wonder! Nian’er’s calligraphy has such integrity, unlike typical young ladies in the inner chambers. It turns out the credit belongs to you, Uncle.”

Wen Yuanqiao laughed heartily, humbly stating: “It’s also because the child is diligent.”

Pei Jian, who had been silent all this time, spoke up: “Uncle Wen, I just heard you mention Master Zhonglang. I happen to have a genuine work of his. I will have someone deliver it to you tomorrow morning.”

Wen Yuanqiao was overjoyed, even flattered. Zhou Fang’s surviving Buddhist scroll paintings had always been his heart’s desire, and he had regretted being unable to find a genuine piece.

“How can I take what others love? Just loan it to me for a few days so I can copy and admire it.”

Pei Jian glanced at Gu Ci and did not overly press the point. He told the father: “You can appreciate it slowly. This painting is just an ordinary piece to me, but it will truly realize its value in your hands.”

“Good, good!” Wen Yuanqiao was exceptionally delighted: “You must come to the residence more often in the future. I’ve also collected several heirloom paintings here, which I can discuss with you later.”

Pei Jian immediately showed a grateful expression: “After I finish my duties at the yamen, I’m usually alone. With Uncle’s generosity, I will certainly intrude upon your time.”

Wen Yuanqiao heavily patted Pei Jian’s shoulder, his admiration clear.

“Father, it’s getting late,” Wen Qingheng had to interject a reminder.

He finally understood Qin Lang’s suffering.

He feared that if Pei Jian continued to provoke him, Gu Ci might lose control and punch him. If these two started fighting, the entire study would suffer.

Wen Qingheng still vividly remembered the tragic state of the side room that day.

Wen Yuanqiao was fully satisfied. He waved at Wen Qingheng: “You go and send off Qingye and Shizhang.”

Wen Qingheng: …

A father only cares about his own enjoyment and gives no thought to his son’s plight!