Chapter 5

The finest silver-bone charcoal burned in the warm chamber, while servants bustled in and out carrying hot water, busy tending to the patient lying on the bed.

“Physician Li, how is this young gentleman’s health?”

After examining his pulse, Physician Li replied, “His fainting spell was caused by his recent illness. I’ll prescribe some medicine, and he should recover after taking it for seven days.”

“That’s good.”

A gilded incense ball slowly revolved, filling the room with a honey-like fragrance. The incense was made from white-petaled plum blossoms harvested in spring.

“However, this young gentleman’s body requires careful treatment and nourishment.”

Physician Li’s expression turned grave. “If he doesn’t receive proper treatment soon, I’m afraid—”

A barely perceptible shadow crossed Su Changgeng’s face. “I’ll ask him about it when he wakes up. I’ll have to trouble you to oversee his recovery afterward.”

Physician Li nodded. “Of course.”

Pei Ji lay wrapped in a thick brocade quilt, with only half his small face visible. Su Changgeng gently adjusted the quilt and asked, “How long has your young master been ill?”

Xiao Wan was extremely nervous. “Three days.”

“Ever since Young Master went out in the snow to deliver the bookmarks, he’s been ill.”

“Actually, Young Master was almost completely better this morning, but the journey here was so long. We had to keep stopping to rest, and Young Master ended up sweating quite a lot. That’s when his illness returned.”

“Walking?” Su Changgeng’s brows suddenly drew together, and his throat tightened slightly. “You came here on foot?”

Xiao Wan had never encountered such a situation before. Seeing everyone in the room turn to stare at him, he grew increasingly tongue-tied. “Y-yes. We don’t have a carriage.”

“If that’s the case, why didn’t he stay home and recover?” Xiao Yuzhou, who was standing nearby, suddenly asked.

The more Xiao Wan spoke, the more anxious he became. “My young master said a person must keep their word. Since he’d already agreed to attend, he ought to come.”

“It was my fault.” Su Changgeng lowered his eyes, filled with remorse. “Since I invited him, I should have sent a carriage to pick him up.”

Upon hearing this, Steward Su immediately understood the situation.

Xiao Yuzhou asked no further questions, his gaze settling on Pei Ji’s pale lips.

…

By the time Pei Ji woke up, it was already evening. The worry on Xiao Wan’s face finally eased somewhat. He told Pei Ji that the young marquis had been looking after him throughout the past several hours.

“Where are we?”

Pei Ji tilted his head, examining the hand warmer resting near his feet. “Shouldn’t we be at the polo grounds?”

“This is the marquis’s residence’s estate in the western suburbs.” Xiao Wan frowned. “Young Master, you suddenly fainted earlier. I was worried sick!”

Pei Ji smiled and pinched his cheek before beginning to look around.

“This bed is so warm.”

He reached out and stroked the Suzhou-embroidered brocade bedding. “If you hadn’t told me, I would’ve thought we were in the imperial palace.”

The gilded incense ball hanging from the bed-curtain hook was exquisite and luxurious. Pei Ji reached out and poked it. The fragrance alone made him want to sleep forever.

“Younger Brother Pei!”

Upon learning that Pei Ji had awakened, Su Changgeng hurried over.

“Brother Changgeng.”

After resting for so long, Pei Ji had regained some strength. “I’m sorry for causing you trouble.”

Su Changgeng gently shook his head. “I’m the one at fault for not arranging to have you brought here.”

Pei Ji glanced at Xiao Wan, who puffed out his cheeks but didn’t dare say anything.

“I’m already more than happy that Brother Changgeng invited me to the polo match. How could I trouble you to come and pick me up?” Pei Ji spoke cheerfully, secretly glancing toward the tea cabinet. “I’m a little thirsty.”

“Bring some warm water, and fetch Young Master Pei’s medicine.”

Su Changgeng’s voice was deep and gentle as he tucked the quilt around Pei Ji again. “You need to take this medicine for seven days. I’ve already had the remaining doses packed for you. Remember to take them on time when you return home.”

“Understood!”

Pei Ji’s slender, fair fingers gently accepted the medicine that had been left to cool. Suddenly, his nose wrinkled.

He had always hated bitter things, and this medicine smelled so unpleasant that he could hardly imagine swallowing it.

Naturally, he couldn’t act spoiled or deliberately delay taking it in front of Su Changgeng.

But after just a tiny sip, the medicine caught in his throat.

His little face scrunched up like a steamed bun. “It’s so bitter.”

“Chunhua, bring some honeyed dates.”

Looking at those lively, expressive features, Su Changgeng suddenly thought of his younger brother.

Whenever Changxuan had been ill, he’d also needed honeyed dates to help him swallow his medicine.

If Changxuan were still alive, he would probably be around Pei Ji’s age.

“Why don’t you suck on a honeyed date first and drink the medicine afterward?” Su Changgeng smiled as he picked one up with jade chopsticks and fed it to him. “You need to finish all your medicine if you want to recover quickly.”

Pei Ji froze for a moment, a faint mist gathering in his eyes. “Mm-hmm.”

After putting two honeyed dates into his mouth, his cheeks bulged on both sides. Then he tipped his head back, lifted the bowl, and drank all the medicine.

The blue veins beneath the skin of his wrists were faintly visible. Su Changgeng watched him before signaling for the servants to bring in some clothes.

“Younger Brother Pei, your clothes really are too thin.”

There was some hesitation in Su Changgeng’s voice. He was worried his actions might hurt Pei Ji’s pride. After all, Pei Ji’s father was a Court Gentleman. What reason would his son have to accept clothes from someone else?

But after seeing the clothes Pei Ji had been wearing, his heart had ached.

“Younger Brother Pei, these clothes were newly made. Would you be willing to wear them when you return home?”

Seeing an attendant holding a brocade box, Pei Ji, who had another honeyed date in his mouth, immediately brightened. “Are those for me?”

“Mm.” Su Changgeng hesitated. “I know your family must have plenty of thick winter clothes, but I—”

“We don’t have any at home.”

Pei Ji accepted the outfit and couldn’t stop touching its soft satin Read on BaiLianTaleslining. “Brother Changgeng, is this fox fur?”

“Mm.” Su Changgeng’s concerns gradually disappeared, and he smiled gently. “White fox fur is light and warm, and the fabric is blue-green. It suits you very well.”

“I’ll try it on.”

Pei Ji immediately draped the garment over himself and eagerly asked, “Does it look good?”

Su Changgeng smiled. “Yes, it looks good.”

“Brother Changgeng.”

Pei Ji nestled his head into the soft fox fur and slowly looked at Su Changgeng.

Su Changgeng’s gaze remained gentle. “What is it?”

“N-nothing.”

Pei Ji lowered his brows awkwardly and pursed his lips.

Actually, he wanted to give Su Changgeng a hug, but doing so seemed a little too forward.

“No one’s ever given me new clothes before. I really like them.”

Su Changgeng froze. Then tenderness and heartache gradually spread across his face.

“If you don’t mind, Younger Brother Pei, I’ll have someone make a few more outfits for you.”

Pei Ji felt even more embarrassed, like a greedy little freeloader. “Okay!”

That night, the marquis’s household sent someone to inform the Pei residence that Pei Ji would be staying overnight. Concerned about his health, Su Changgeng asked Physician Li to examine him.

Physician Li phrased his diagnosis tactfully, but the gist was that Pei Ji had a small amount of poison in his body.

“How could there be poison?”

Su Changgeng pressed for details. “What kind of poison? How does it affect the body?”

“This poison has a flavor extremely similar to black tea and is commonly mixed into tea. In the early stages, those poisoned will become listless, slow-witted, and forgetful. Later, the poison begins to erode the heart vessels. Even a slight surge of intense emotion can cause the poison to attack the heart and kill them.”

Since the poison had been administered through food or drink, it wasn’t difficult to guess who might be responsible.

Pei Ji felt a lingering chill of fear. He’d heard from Su Changgeng that Physician Li had once served in the Imperial Medical Bureau and encountered many rare and difficult illnesses. An ordinary physician probably wouldn’t have been able to identify this poison.

“Younger Brother Pei.”

Seeing that Pei Ji was deeply troubled, Su Changgeng comforted him. “With Physician Li here, your health will recover. However, we still don’t know who poisoned you, so you must be especially careful from now on. If you’re ever in danger, come to the marquis’s residence and find me.”

“Mm-hmm!”

Pei Ji felt considerably better.

With Su Changgeng’s assurance, he wasn’t nearly as frightened for the time being.

The following day, the marquis’s residence was scheduled to receive the crown prince at the estate. Su Changgeng couldn’t personally escort Pei Ji home, so he entrusted him to Steward Su.

Before Pei Ji boarded the carriage, Su Changgeng said, “Younger Brother, I know life in your household is extremely difficult. If you want to truly improve your circumstances, there’s a way.”

Pei Ji replied, “Please tell me, Brother Changgeng.”

“The imperial examinations.” Su Changgeng looked serious. “Although the imperial court permits appointments through hereditary privilege, there are requirements concerning the official rank of one’s father. Official Pei’s rank is too low to qualify. Even if he’s promoted someday, the privilege would only go to your legitimate elder brother.”

Hearing Su Changgeng say all this, warmth surged through Pei Ji’s heart.

Su Changgeng really was an angel, always thinking of what was best for him.

“If you’re interested in taking the imperial examinations, you can come study at the school in my residence. Tutor Li is knowledgeable, witty, and refined. Studying under him won’t be too tedious.”

“I’ll think about it carefully.”

For an ordinary person, this was an opportunity they could only dream of.

Pei Ji responded with proper sincerity. [bailiantales.com]Even after boarding the carriage, he repeatedly turned around to look back.

“Brother!”

Su Changgeng raised his head. “What is it?”

This time, Pei Ji was a little bolder. He suddenly bent down and gently wrapped his arms around Su Changgeng’s shoulders. “Thank you.”

Su Changgeng lightly patted his back. “There’s no need to be so formal with me, Younger Brother Pei.”

…

Two boxes of exquisite pastries had been prepared for Pei Ji inside the carriage. According to Steward Su, the Winter Solstice had arrived, and these were festive treats that His Majesty had specially bestowed upon important court officials and members of the imperial clan. The boxes contained flower pastries, candied fruits, milk sweets, and jujube rings, all of which children loved.

“Brother Changgeng is so thoughtful.”

Pei Ji had never imagined that he’d get to taste pastries from the imperial palace in this lifetime.

Upon returning to the Pei residence, Pei Zige immediately summoned him for questioning and showed him a rare display of paternal warmth. Just as before, Pei Ji claimed that he’d been ill for two days and hadn’t had much opportunity to speak with the young marquis, much less pay his respects to the Marquis of Pingchang.

Pei Zige was greatly disappointed. He didn’t even invite Pei Ji to stay for dinner before dismissing him.

Before leaving, Pei Ji glanced at Pei Zhao, whose eyes were filled with hatred toward him, and began to suspect that the disappearance of his invitation hadn’t been accidental.

On his way back to his courtyard, he kept thinking about what Su Changgeng had said.

Although being the loyal little follower of powerful ministers was certainly a good arrangement, there were too many uncertainties at present. He needed to make more preparations.

The current dynasty had a rule forbidding concubines’ memorial tablets from entering the ancestral hall. However, if a man became an official, he could establish a lesser branch ancestral shrine and privately enshrine his mother’s memorial tablet there.

If he wanted to honor the original owner’s mother in a legitimate manner, this was the only path available to him.

“Second Young Master.”

A gatekeeper at the Pei residence spotted him and called out, “A Young Master Qian came looking for you yesterday. He left a letter for you.”

“A letter?” Pei Ji accepted it and noticed signs that it had already been opened.

“What happened here?”

The gatekeeper looked around evasively. “The Eldest Young Master thought it was addressed to him, so—”

Pei Ji frowned slightly, vaguely making out a few of the characters.

“Tell the Eldest Young Master that if his eyes are bothering him, he should see a physician.” Pei Ji smiled cheerfully as he held up the letter. “If he becomes the top scholar someday and enters the Department of State Affairs, it would be a serious matter if he misread one of His Majesty’s official documents.”

Pei Zhao was standing right behind him, trembling with rage.

Having been ill for several days, Pei Ji hadn’t yet had the chance to examine the gift Qian Mu had read the original at bailiantales.combrought him. When he finally opened it, he discovered an extraordinarily luxurious necklace made of pure gold.

After just one glance, he hurriedly hid the necklace away.

Fortunately, no one had noticed. This necklace could probably buy an entire luxurious residence.

That night, he slept exceptionally soundly, his dreams filled with visions of a wonderful future.

…

The next day, after drinking his medicine, Pei Ji took some pastries and went to visit Qian Mu. He had already deciphered the writing in the letter. It contained the address of Qian Mu’s temporary residence in the capital.

“Brother Qian, I heard you came looking for me yesterday.”

After being led into the front courtyard by an attendant, Pei Ji immediately spotted Qian Mu leisurely boiling snow to brew tea.

“The scenery here is wonderful. There are mountains and water, and everything is so beautiful and elegant.” The aroma of tea stirred Pei Ji’s appetite. “Brother Qian, is the tea ready?”

“How could the scenery here compare to that of the marquis’s residence?” Qian Mu lazily raised his eyes and glanced at Pei Ji. “I was wondering why Younger Brother Pei hadn’t been home these past few days. So it turns out you went to the marquis’s residence.”

Pei Ji suddenly withdrew the hand he’d been extending toward the tea.

Why did he sound so jealous?

“There’s something you don’t know, Brother Qian.” Pei Ji stared at the plate of grapes and unauthorized copy secretly plucked one. “I’ve been ill these past few days.”

“Yet you still went to a polo match while you were sick.” Qian Mu gently pushed the plate of grapes away, deliberately keeping them out of Pei Ji’s reach.

Pei Ji muttered, “Brother Qian, you’re so stingy. And here I was, thinking about you and missing you.”

Qian Mu finally looked at him properly. “Oh? How so?”

Pei Ji tapped the box of pastries he’d brought. “Brother Qian, these were made in the imperial kitchen. I only had two boxes, and I specially brought one for you to try.”

While Qian Mu wasn’t paying attention, he secretly took another grape. He had no idea what variety it was, but it was juicy and sweet, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.

“The food in Brother Qian’s household must be every bit as good as the food in the imperial palace, but these pastries represent my affection for you and how much I’ve missed you.”

Pei Ji’s mouth was already stuffed with grapes. “Do you understand how I feel?”

Qian Mu’s expression improved somewhat. “At least you have a conscience.”

As an avid reader of the novel, Pei Ji understood the complicated relationships among the four male leads and their official careers. In his youth, Qian Mu had often been exploited by the sons of officials. He was proud and sensitive by nature and had little affection for those marquises and earls who considered themselves superior to others.

After entering official service, he was ostracized by these men, who banded together against him. Yet for the sake of his family’s honor and his father’s expectations, he had no choice but to maintain a superficial friendship with them.

In the world of officialdom, Qian Mu appeared to have countless friends, but in truth, he was extremely lonely.

“Brother Qian.”

Pei Ji lifted his cup of hot tea. “I know you don’t believe in childish notions like exchanging sincerity for sincerity.”

Qian Mu narrowed his eyes. “Hmm?”

“I recently made a friend. He’s upright, righteous, and never flatters the powerful or looks down on the weak. If you’re interested, I can introduce you to him.”

Pei Ji deliberately kept him in suspense. “And he’s someone with the talent to become a prime minister. If the two of you ever serve in the same court, you’ll be able to look out for each other.”

Qian Mu suddenly laughed, sounding somewhat teasing. “You actually know someone like that?”

Pei Ji puffed out his chest. “Don’t underestimate me.”

Qian Mu lowered his eyes and sat quietly, gently tapping his fingers against the table. “Perhaps another time.”

“Brother Qian.” Pei Ji secretly glanced at the plate of grapes. “I have something important to do later. Could I borrow your carriage?”

Qian Mu gave a hum of agreement. “No problem.”

“And while you’re at it—” Pei Ji grabbed a few more grapes and stuffed them into his mouth. “Pack some grapes for me too.”

Qian Mu shot him a sidelong glance and snorted softly.

This little rascal always went straight for the rarest things.

…

Lying inside Qian Mu’s extraordinarily luxurious carriage, Pei Ji was so comfortable that he nearly fell asleep.

He had been thinking about his future prime minister for the past few days. Taking advantage of Qian Mu’s good mood, he borrowed the carriage and bought some thick cotton bedding and everyday necessities along the street, planning to deliver everything to Gu Tiao.

The weather was growing colder and colder. Catching a chill without having the money to seek treatment could easily become life-threatening.

In less than half an hour, Qian Mu’s attendant pulled on the reins. “Young Master Pei, we’ve arrived.”

Returning to the dilapidated little courtyard, Pei Ji called out directly, “Brother Gu, I’ve come to visit you!”

Gu Tiao was writing by the window. When he saw Pei Ji, an almost imperceptible attentiveness appeared in his eyes. “Zhihuan.”

Pei Ji was extremely pleased with this affectionate form of address.

“I had some free time today, so I borrowed a friend’s carriage to bring you a few things.”

Pei Ji waved his hand. “Come help carry them!”

He had bought even more things this time than on his previous visit. Worried that reading would strain Gu Tiao’s eyes, he’d specially selected a clay oil lamp.

“Don’t refuse. I actually have something to ask of you.”

Pei Ji knew perfectly well what Gu Tiao was concerned about.

Gu Tiao looked at him seriously. “Go ahead.”

Pei Ji cleared his throat. “I’d like you to teach me calligraphy.”

Gu Tiao gazed at him, calm and attentive. “That’s a good thing.”

“You agree?” Pei Ji was overjoyed. “I’m planning to attend school and eventually take the imperial examinations. But my handwriting is truly terrible. I’m afraid the tutor will think I’m stupid.”

At the mention of Pei Ji’s handwriting, Gu Tiao quietly lowered his eyes. “Take your time learning. You’ll improve eventually.”

“That’s wonderful news!” Pei Ji offered Gu Tiao some of the grapes he’d brought from Qian Mu’s residence. “Brother Gu, have you eaten?”

Gu Tiao replied, “I’m cooking right now.”

Pei Ji glanced around and discovered that noodles were boiling on the earthen stove.

Gu Tiao asked, “Would you like some?”

Pei Ji nodded. “As it happens, I haven’t eaten lunch.”

Gu Tiao stood and gently fanned the firewood. Once the water in the clay pot began bubbling, he lifted ​read the original at bailiantales.com​out the mixed-grain noodles.

Pei Ji wasn’t particularly picky about food. He obediently approached with his bowl.

In the dim light, he noticed that Gu Tiao had served him the thick, wide wheat noodles, leaving only some pale green noodles in his own bowl.

“Brother Gu, are yours vegetable noodles?”

“Mm.”

Pei Ji thought to himself that even ancient people paid attention to maintaining a balanced diet.

“This is all I have for toppings. I’m afraid you’ll have to make do.”

Gu Tiao added some fermented soybeans and chopped egg to his bowl. Pei Ji mixed everything together and took a large bite, discovering that it tasted unexpectedly good.

“Brother Gu, why haven’t you added any toppings to yours?”

Gu Tiao put some pickled vegetables into his own bowl. “I’ll eat these first.”

Pei Ji gazed at Gu Tiao’s noodles, which didn’t contain even the slightest trace of oil or meat. His fingers curled slightly around his chopsticks.

“Brother Gu…”

His voice grew a little strained, but then he suddenly smiled. “Why don’t I tell you about some interesting things [stolen content]that happened to me recently?”

“Not long ago, I…”

Pei Ji spoke vividly, just like a professional storyteller.

Gu Tiao listened intently, occasionally pausing with his chopsticks in hand. When he heard that Pei Ji had become friends with the young marquis, he didn’t react as strongly as Qian Mu had. Instead, he simply stood up and served Pei Ji some more chopped egg.

“Brother Gu…”

The food in Pei Ji’s bowl was probably the only animal-based food Gu Tiao had in his home.

He might even have given all of it to him.

Afraid that Gu Tiao might take things too much to heart, Pei Ji suddenly winked at him. “Don’t be unhappy just because I’ve made other friends.”

“You and I are the very best of friends in the whole world.”