Chapter 3

“Father, please calm your anger. I didn’t mean to contradict him.”

Pei Ji tried his best to kneel upright as he recounted everything that had happened that day. “I merely remembered that Father also studied diligently for more than ten years before obtaining an official position. I couldn’t help feeling sympathy for that impoverished examinee, so I spoke up in the heat of the moment.”

Hearing this, a trace of surprise appeared on Pei Zige’s face.

“I wasn’t standing up for him. I was standing up for Father as you were back then.”

After saying this, Pei Ji prostrated himself on the floor and began sobbing bitterly.

“You… you…” Pei Zige was bewildered. After just a few days apart, his younger son had suddenly become so articulate.

It truly astonished him.

Seeing that her husband’s anger had subsided somewhat, the First Madam immediately said, “Husband, since Ji’er didn’t do it intentionally, let’s put this matter behind us. It’s just that you’ve been so eager to establish friendly relations with Vice Minister Zhou and the others. I’m afraid that won’t be possible anymore.”

Pei Zhao immediately understood his mother’s intentions and cooperated by adding fuel to the fire. “Because of Pei Ji, I was mocked by others. During the examination, I even forgot many of the important points my tutors had explained.”

Hearing this, Pei Zige’s anger flared up again, his eyes turning cold and dark. “Your elder brother studies day and night for his official career, yet you can’t help him in the slightest! All you know how to do is cause trouble!”

Why did he spend every day humbling himself before those higher-ranking civil officials? Would Vice Minister Zhou ever treat him favorably again? What would become of his official career?

“Servants! Drag this unfilial son away! ​unauthorized copy​Give him twenty strokes of the punishment board, then lock him in the ancestral hall to reflect on his mistakes!”

Twenty strokes?

Pei Ji, who had been sobbing uncontrollably, abruptly stopped.

Was his father trying to kill him?!

His fingers clenched tightly around the hem of his robe. He held back his tears and began thinking about how to make a quick escape.

It seemed his father didn’t have the slightest bit of paternal affection for him.

“Master!”

The servant responsible for delivering messages hurried into the hall. “Someone from the Marquis of Pingchang’s Residence has arrived with a gift for the Second Young Master.”

“What? The Marquis of Pingchang’s Residence?”

Pei Zige emphasized the words “marquis’s residence,” his face filled with sudden astonishment.

“Quickly! Invite them inside!”

Throughout his years as an official, Pei Zige had never exchanged so much as a word with the marquis. The Marquis of Pingchang’s household had always been notoriously proud and aloof. He had never even dared imagine that someone from that residence would come bearing gifts.

The First Madam’s smile stiffened. Just moments stolen contentearlier, she had even been considering how to arrange Pei Ji’s funeral if he died.

After repeated reminders from Pei Zige, she straightened her clothes and prepared to receive the guests.

Pei Ji stretched his little head forward, and a sudden sparkle appeared in his tear-filled eyes.

Su Changgeng had actually sent him a return gift!

…

Ever since the four-horse carriage from the marquis’s residence stopped at the entrance to the alley, the entire street had fallen silent. The highest-ranking official living in this alley was Official Pei. When had the other residents ever witnessed such an impressive display? Although the surrounding onlookers wanted to approach, they only dared observe from the shadows.

The visitor was Steward Su from the marquis’s residence. He wore a dark blue brocade robe, and his bearing and etiquette were even more refined than those of Pei Zige, a sixth-rank official.

After being welcomed into the main hall by the Pei couple, his gaze swept over the simple furnishings before finally settling on Pei Ji, who was covered in dust.

Pei Ji had been sprawled on the floor crying earlier, leaving himself in quite a sorry state.

“Why are you still kneeling there?!”

Pei Zige urged him in a low growl, “This is the steward of the marquis’s residence. Hurry up and stand to greet our guest!”

Naturally, Pei Ji understood that family scandals shouldn’t be aired in public.

But because he deliberately wanted to infuriate his father, he shrank Read on BaiLianTales his neck pitifully and asked, “Father, am I allowed to stand now?”

The air seemed to freeze for a moment. A meaningful glint appeared in Steward Su’s eyes.

Pei Zige pressed a hand to his forehead and hurriedly signaled to him with his eyes. “Get up!”

“Thank you, Father.” Pei Ji wiped the moisture from the corners of his eyes and slowly stood. He bowed to Steward Su. “Hello, Uncle Steward.”

The word “uncle” carried considerable weight. A hint of surprise flashed through Steward Su’s eyes before he smiled faintly. “Young Master, there’s no need for such formality. You may simply address me by my name.”

With that, he signaled for the attendants accompanying him to bring forward a brocade box. “Second Young Master Pei, our young marquis specifically instructed me to personally present this gift to you in gratitude for the warmth you offered him during the spring examinations.”

Pei Ji straightened up, looking exactly like an elementary school student waiting for a leader to present him with an award. He wore an expression that was both eager and politely restrained.

He secretly glanced at the luxurious brocade box, extremely curious about what was inside.

“Thank you, Steward Su. Please also tell Brother Su that I miss him very much.”

The more Steward Su looked at him, the more amusing he found this Second Young Master Pei. Holding the brocade box in both hands, he presented it to Pei Ji. “There’s also a letter inside. It’s from the young marquis.”

“The young marquis also said that because their meeting that day was so hurried, he didn’t have the opportunity to speak with you at length. If you have time another day, you’re welcome to visit the marquis’s residence.”

Upon hearing the last sentence, Pei Zige was both envious and shocked.

The young marquis had actually invited the son of a mere sixth-rank official to visit his residence?

If he hadn’t witnessed this himself, he would never have believed it, no matter what anyone said.

“I have plenty of time.”

Pei Ji accepted the brocade box and smiled brightly. “I’m very happy to receive his return gift.”

“What has my unworthy son done to deserve such an honor… to become acquainted with the young marquis?”

Pei Zige was overwhelmed by the unexpected favor. From beginning to end, his gaze remained fixed on Steward Su, and he paid no attention whatsoever to Pei Ji.

“Steward Su, you’ve gone to such trouble coming here. Why not stay for some tea?” The First Madam assumed the dignified manner of the household’s mistress and looked affectionately at Pei Zhao. “Steward Su, this is Ji’er’s elder brother, Pei Zhao.”

Steward Su nodded politely. His gaze lingered on Pei Zhao for a moment before returning to Pei Ji. “The young marquis also said that if the Second Young Master encounters any difficulties in the future, he may send word to the marquis’s residence at any time.”

These words struck like a sudden thunderclap.

Looking at Pei Ji’s face, the First Madam nearly tore the handkerchief clenched in her hands.

How was this merely sending a gift? The young marquis was openly declaring himself Pei Ji’s backer!

Pei Zhao was so furious that his teeth ached from clenching them. The look in his eyes suggested he wanted to swallow Pei Ji alive.

“The young marquis truly is…”

Receiving such extraordinary favor so suddenly left Pei Zige completely at a loss. Even in his dreams, he would never have dared hope to establish ties with the marquis’s residence.

After conveying everything he had been instructed to say, Steward Su nodded respectfully to Pei Ji and took his leave.

“I’ll see you out!”

Mindful of proper etiquette, Pei Ji followed Steward Su like a little tail, clutching the brocade box in his arms. After they left the main hall, Steward Su jokingly remarked, “The young marquis said he likes the gloves you gave him very much. His hands stayed warm the entire time he was writing.”

Pei Ji’s lips curved into a smile. “If Steward Su likes them, I’ll sew a pair for you too.”

Steward Su’s heart gave a sudden jolt, and he remained stunned for quite some time.

As the steward of the marquis’s residence, he was certainly respected by others, but he had never been treated this way by a young master or young lady.

He was an excellent judge of character. This Second Young Master Pei had a pure and sincere heart. His words were simply an expression of goodwill, without any intention of currying favor or attaching himself to someone influential.

…

After the carriage from the marquis’s residence slowly departed, Pei Ji carried the brocade box and dashed back to Ximu Pavilion.

Xiao Wan, who was busy working, noticed the unfamiliar object and curiously approached. “Young Master, what’s that?”

“A gift from the young marquis.”

Pei Ji sounded extremely proud as he said this. Under Xiao Wan’s shocked and admiring gaze, he carefully opened the brocade box.

“Ink?”

Pei Ji didn’t understand much about such things, but judging from the gemstones embedded in the brocade box alone, he knew that the contents must be extremely valuable.

He gently reached out, his slender fingertips tracing the Duan inkstone that held the ink.

The Duan inkstone was exquisitely crafted, with faint auspicious patterns winding across its inner surface. One glance at its texture was enough to tell that it was no ordinary object.

“Young Master, there’s also a letter.”

Pei Ji nodded and gently pulled out the letter tucked beneath everything else.

He really liked the sense of ceremony ancient people attached to such gestures. It was both romantic and sincere.

Holding the letter up to the light, he could vaguely make out the handwriting inside. There wasn’t much, only a few short lines.

“Xiao Wan.” He gave Xiao Wan a meaningful look and cleared his throat. “You probably wouldn’t understand, but this is private correspondence. Please turn around.”

Xiao Wan immediately obeyed, only to frown belatedly.

He couldn’t read anyway!

The contents of the letter were exactly as Steward Su had said. Su Changgeng hoped that Pei Ji would visit the marquis’s residence for tea when he had time. After reading it, Pei Ji carefully placed the letter inside an old wooden box on his desk. Then he propped his chin on his hand and examined the ink before him.

The ink was indeed precious, but right now, survival was his greatest priority.

He had already taken inventory of all the original owner’s possessions. There weren’t many. Most of his clothes were made from coarse fabric, with only one outfit of fine silk and brocade, presumably reserved for receiving guests. Against the wall stood an old chest containing the small bits of silver the original owner had painstakingly saved by scrimping on food and other necessities.

While sorting through his belongings, he had also discovered a memorial tablet for the original owner’s mother, which had been secretly enshrined. According to the clan rules, a concubine’s memorial tablet was forbidden from entering the ancestral hall, and private worship was also prohibited. If discovered, he would receive at least several strokes of the punishment board. His father’s principal wife was already desperate to find something she could use against him. To be safe, he needed to put the tablet away.

He felt somewhat guilty and swore that once he moved out of the residence, he would definitely enshrine the original owner’s mother’s memorial tablet in his own family shrine.

“I’m sorry, Brother Changgeng.”

“I’ve received your kindness, but I’m really in a difficult situation.”

Getting medicine from outside would require a considerable amount of money. If he ever severed ties with his family, he couldn’t very well become a homeless wanderer.

Pei Ji gently held the brocade box with his fingertips, reluctantly staring at the two precious ink pieces. “Forget it. I’ll keep the ink… The brocade box and inkstone should be worth quite a bit of money.”

Having made up his mind, Pei Ji stuffed the items into his book bag.

Tomorrow, he would visit a pawnshop.

…

Pei Zige and the First Madam still refused to leave him alone. That very evening, they summoned Pei Ji to answer their questions, repeatedly trying to find out what the young marquis had given him.

This was Pei Ji’s first time dining with his father and the First Madam.

His entire attention was focused on the exquisite, delicious dishes. The moment he sat down, he picked up his wooden chopsticks and began eating one small bite after another without stopping. No matter what Pei Zige asked, he pretended to be clueless.

“Second Brother probably wants to keep that gift all to himself and doesn’t want to tell us about it.”

Unable to restrain himself, Pei Zhao voiced his suspicions.

Chewing his warm food, Pei Ji softly retorted, “The young marquis gave the gift to me, so it already belongs to me. Why would I need to hide it?”

Pei Zhao was left speechless, his complexion turning pale and then dark.

“Father, the young marquis gave me ink.”

Holding his bowl, Pei Ji replied with a cheerful smile, “The young marquis hopes I’ll study more so I can become someone Father can rely on in the future.”

Pei Zige gave a noncommittal hum and placed a piece of lamb simmered in mountain spring water into Pei Zhao’s bowl to comfort him. He found Pei Ji’s words utterly ridiculous. If his foolish younger son could simply avoid causing trouble, he would already be thanking Buddha.

“We’ll let the matter at the spring examinations pass.”

He couldn’t determine how close his second son was to the marquis’s household, and he didn’t want to damage their father-son relationship. After all, if an invitation arrived from the marquis’s residence one day, but Pei Ji was too badly injured to get out of bed, wouldn’t they miss the opportunity to visit?

“Don’t speak such nonsense again.”

Pei Ji picked up a large piece of simmered lamb and hurriedly, yet carefully, put it into his mouth. “Yes, Father.”

Seeing that almost all the lamb was gone, Pei Zhao angrily threw down his chopsticks and stormed out.

“Such terrible manners! He’s been spoiled rotten!”

Pei Zige gestured toward the serving maids. “Prepare some of the Eldest Young Master’s favorite dishes and send them to his room.”

“Yes, Master.”

Seeing this, the First Madam was reasonably satisfied.

The following day, Pei Ji put on a slightly worn, plain-colored brocade robe and a simple velvet cap. Humming a little tune, he set off for the pawnshop.

The pawnshop owner noticed that he was unfamiliar and quite young, so he offered a rock-bottom price. “Twenty-five taels.”

“Twenty-five taels!”

Pei Ji frowned slightly, so happy that he nearly jumped for joy.

That was his father’s entire annual salary!

“Can’t you raise the price a little?”

Although Pei Ji didn’t know much about antiques, he understood the art of bargaining. “This brocade box of mine is a precious item. Twenty-five taels is far too little.”

“It’s even an imperial piece made for the palace.”

As he spoke, his cheeks puffed out slightly, clearly betraying his guilty conscience.

He had just made that up.

“Five more taels at most.” The shopkeeper narrowed his shrewd, elderly eyes and slowly stroked the brocade box. “Although it appears to be an antique from the previous dynasty, whether it’s genuine remains to be determined.”

“Twenty-five taels would be fine too…” Pei Ji wrinkled his nose slightly, silently calculating whether that amount would be enough.

Just then, a young gentleman interrupted his thoughts.

“Young Master Pei, he’s trying to cheat you.”

Pei Ji turned around warily.

Someone here actually recognized him?

At some point, a man dressed in dazzling, colorful robes had appeared opposite [unauthorized copy]him. The man’s attire was extravagantly luxurious, with expensive accessories adorning almost every part of his body. As he walked, the pearls and jade ornaments hanging from his belt jingled against one another. He resembled a peacock displaying its feathers, radiating wealth and extravagance.

“May I ask your name, Young Master?” Pei Ji frowned slightly and instinctively took a step backward. “How do you know me?”

“My name is Qian Mu.”

Qian Mu nodded. “I saw you on the day of the spring examinations, Younger Brother Pei.”

Qian Mu?

Pei Ji’s brows immediately relaxed. This was the son of Qian Cheng’en, the richest man in Jiangnan.

A bona fide God of Wealth!

Qian Mu leaned casually against the counter, his eyebrows raised high. “Shopkeeper, this antique sandalwood box inlaid with jade is made from first-rate precious materials and was specially designed to hold imperial tribute items. How could it possibly compare to ordinary objects? Aren’t you deliberately taking advantage of this young gentleman because of his age by offering such a low price?”

The shopkeeper hadn’t expected Qian Mu to be so knowledgeable about valuable goods. He explained smoothly, “Business hasn’t been good lately. A small shop like ours really can’t offer much money.”

“No matter how poor business is, it’s still worth a hundred and fifty taels.”

Qian Mu raised his chin slightly, his expression bold and confident. “If you’re an honest businessman, give this young gentleman a hundred and fifty taels. Otherwise, I’ll simply take him to another pawnshop.”

“Wait!”

The pawnshop owner grew anxious. “Would a hundred and thirty taels be acceptable?”

Qian Mu smiled faintly and looked at Pei Ji. “Younger Brother Pei, is that acceptable?”

A faint blush quickly spread across Pei Ji’s cheeks. “Yes!”

With the silver safely in his possession, Pei Ji unconsciously leaned forward a little, his shoulders swaying as he walked.

He looked at Qian Mu with sparkling eyes. “Thank you, Brother Qian. If it weren’t for you, I would’ve lost a hundred taels.”

Qian Mu tilted his head toward him and chuckled. “Your father is a Court Gentleman, after all. Why would you need to come out and pawn your belongings?”

Although these lower-ranking officials in the capital didn’t receive particularly high salaries, the shops, fields, and estates they owned generated a continuous stream of income. How could any of them be living in such poverty?

“There’s something you don’t know, Brother Qian.”

Pei Ji didn’t conceal the truth. “I’m an illegitimate son. My family doesn’t give me much of a monthly allowance.”

Qian Mu paused slightly, immediately understanding Pei Ji’s position within his family.

He grew even more curious. “In that case, Younger Brother Pei, how did you dare stand up for Gu Tiao?”

He still remembered what Pei Ji had said on the day of the spring examinations.

“I’m not favored in the family anyway. No matter how angry Father gets, what can he really do to me?” Remembering the beating he’d narrowly escaped, his confidence faltered slightly. “I believe everyone should be allowed to take the read the original at bailiantales.comimperial examinations, regardless of social standing. Just because Zhou Xiaota is the son of a vice minister, does that mean he can trample on other people’s dignity whenever he pleases?”

Qian Mu fell silent, his raised hand remaining suspended in midair for a long time.

According to the traditional social hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, merchants occupied the lowest position. The current dynasty placed great emphasis on agriculture while severely restricting commerce. It was stipulated that if anyone in a family had engaged in trade within the previous three generations, their descendants were forbidden from taking the imperial examinations.

To secure his son’s eligibility for the examinations, Qian Mu’s father had exhausted himself and gone to extraordinary lengths. During His Majesty’s visits to Jiangnan, he had repeatedly rendered meritorious service and donated enormous sums of gold and silver to the imperial court. Only then had the emperor granted the Qian family a special exemption.

Parents who truly loved their children would make far-reaching plans for their future.

Qian Mu’s gaze settled on Pei Ji, and he suddenly smiled. “You have quite an interesting way of thinking.”

“Of course.”

Pei Ji gave a pleased little hum. Still immersed in the joy of possessing such an enormous sum of money, he couldn’t stop smiling as he spoke.

“Brother Qian, let me treat you to a meal.”

Pei Ji couldn’t possibly miss the opportunity to befriend this God of Wealth. Besides, he was genuinely grateful to him. “It’s all thanks to you today.”

“Treat me to a meal?” Qian Mu’s lips curved lazily. “You’re already so short on money, Younger Brother Pei. How can you afford to treat me?”

Pei Ji froze for a moment. “Brother Qian, would you mind coming to my house to eat? My cooking skills are fairly decent. I can manage three dishes and a soup without any problem.”

“You mean… you’re going to cook personally?”

Qian Mu frowned slightly, an unreadable depth appearing in his eyes.

He had made countless friends since childhood. Many flattered him to his face, only to look down on him behind his back because of his merchant background.

No matter how low Pei Ji’s status might be, he was still the son of an official. Inviting Qian Mu to dine at his residence was one thing, but he was even offering to cook the meal himself?

Pei Ji gently clenched his sleeve, sounding a little tentative. “Yes, I’ll do the cooking.”

He was admittedly a little stingy. It was no wonder the other man was surprised.

But cooking at home was cheaper. Fifty copper coins would be enough.

“Good!” Qian Mu hesitated no longer and patted his slender shoulder. “You’ve earned yourself a friend!”

After agreeing on a time, the two parted ways.

The marketplace was bustling with crowds, and the shops lining both sides of the street were doing brisk business. Concerned about his health, Pei Ji visited a medical clinic to have a physician examine his pulse and prescribe medicine. He then purchased a considerable quantity of medicinal herbs.

Sure enough, having money gave him confidence. He had a weakness for delicious food, and everything he saw made him want to buy it. In just half an hour, he had practically swept through the snack shops on both sides of the street. Candied ginkgo nuts, clove-flavored preserved plums, chestnut cakes, glutinous rice dumplings—he bought two portions of everything, planning to share some with Xiao Wan when he returned home.

Of course, he hadn’t forgotten another important matter.

He still hadn’t bought anything for Gu Tiao.

Chewing on a sesame-and-pepper flatbread, Pei Ji entered a general store.

The shop carried practically everything, including grains, coarse clothing, shoes, socks, charcoal, and dried provisions.

He curiously examined the goods, carefully comparing their value for money. In the end, he purchased some items for keeping warm and a collection of everyday washing and grooming supplies.

Back when he was studying history, he had read an article about impoverished examination candidates becoming stranded in ancient times. From the end of the spring examinations until the announcement of the palace examination results, approximately two to three months would pass. During this winter period, many candidates waiting for their results had nowhere to stay and ended up lodging in temples or abandoned huts on the outskirts of the capital.

If they passed and became jinshi, naturally, everything would be wonderful. But what if they failed? How were those candidates who had barely managed to scrape together enough money for the journey to the capital supposed to return home?

Their only options were to wander the prosperous capital as homeless drifters or earn just enough to survive by writing letters for others. From then on, they would be reduced to scraping out a living among the common people, spending the rest of their lives in poverty.

Carrying all these purchases on his back, Pei Ji felt a pang of sadness.

Although he had been an orphan, the welfare home had never mistreated him, and his teachers at school had done their best to take care of him.

Growing up in his country, he hadn’t needed to worry about basic survival.

After secretly transporting everything back to the Pei residence, Pei Ji pinched his nose and drank a bowl of herbal medicine as though swallowing poison. After spending the entire day running around, his frail body was too exhausted to endure any more. His plan to deliver some warmth to Gu Tiao would have to wait.

The next day, master and servant secretly slipped out of the Pei residence before dawn.

According to the novel, before the examination results were announced, Gu Tiao temporarily lived in a dilapidated courtyard on the outskirts of the capital. The rent was three copper coins a day, even cheaper than ​bailiantales.com​the seven or eight copper coins charged by the temples.

Although Xiao Wan was a servant, he had always lived within the confines of a large household and had never set foot in such a desolate place outside the city. He kept looking around nervously, terrified that bandits might appear and abduct them.

“Second Young Master, are we there yet?”

After walking for so long, Pei Ji’s body was already reaching its limit.

“…I’m not sure either…”

Pei Ji’s steps gradually slowed, and he could barely muster any strength.

Gu Tiao lived far too away. Without a carriage, visiting him was terribly inconvenient. The Pei residence did have carriages, but given Pei Ji’s status, he probably wasn’t entitled to use one.

“Let’s rest for a while.”

Pei Ji leaned against Xiao Wan and sat for a moment. Then he took two red bean cakes from the provisions he’d brought for Gu Tiao, and the master and servant each ate one.

Stopping to rest along the way, they finally managed to find out exactly where Gu Tiao lived.

A faint weariness colored Pei Ji’s cheeks, and his brows and eyes drooped listlessly. Just thinking about the days ahead made him miserable.

If he wanted to visit Gu Tiao in the future, would he have to walk for an entire double-hour every single time?

If Gu Tiao became prime minister [bailiantales.com]someday, half the credit for his achievements ought to belong to Pei Ji.

“Young Master, there’s nobody in the courtyard.”

Most of the wall surrounding Gu Tiao’s courtyard had already collapsed. Broken bricks and roof tiles lay scattered sparsely across the ground. Presumably, these examination candidates enjoyed the protection of the imperial court and were so poor that they had practically nothing worth stealing, so no one bothered coming here to rob them.

The courtyard was covered in withered branches and wild grass. Pei Ji clung to the dilapidated wooden gate and vaguely caught sight of Gu Tiao’s figure near the window.

“Xiao Wan, let’s throw the things inside.”

The last time he’d offered Gu Tiao provisions, the man had repeatedly tried to refuse. Afraid that Gu Tiao wouldn’t accept his gifts, Pei Ji decided to force them on him.

“Throw them inside?” Xiao Wan asked in confusion. “Why don’t we just call that young gentleman out to receive them?”

“He has a strong sense of pride.”

The contents of the bundle were worth at least two hundred copper coins. Gu Tiao was too proud to accept something so expensive.

Pei Ji had left him a note. Once Gu Tiao saw it, he would know who had sent the gifts.

Xiao Wan didn’t understand all these complicated considerations, but he firmly carried out Pei Ji’s instructions. Fortunately, only half the wall remained standing. After the master and servant struggled for quite some time, Pei Ji finally managed to climb onto the top and throw the bundle into the courtyard.

The loud noise outside interrupted Gu Tiao, who was reading. He raised his eyes toward the courtyard before finally putting down his book and stepping outside over the moss-covered stone steps.

The straw used to keep out the cold had long since rotted and turned black, filling the surroundings with a heavy, musty odor. He had long grown accustomed to such an environment and walked with his usual composure.

What was that?

Seeing the clean bundle lying in the courtyard, he lowered his eyes and stared at it for a long time.

“Xiao Wan! Wait!”

Just as Pei Ji was preparing to sneak away, moving about as furtively as a little dog, he suddenly remembered something important when he saw Gu Tiao come outside.

He had written the note in simplified Chinese characters.

What if Gu Tiao couldn’t read them?

It would be one thing if he couldn’t understand anything else, but if he couldn’t even recognize the two characters for “Pei Ji”…

Pei Ji felt utterly hopeless.

That would be such a waste!

“Xiao Wan.”

Pei Ji came up with a terrible idea. “Have you ever watched a play?”

Xiao Wan nodded blankly. “I have.”

…

Inside the courtyard, Gu Tiao bent down and gently unwrapped the bundle. When he saw the items meant to keep him warm, a trace of hesitation appeared in his otherwise calm and composed demeanor.

“Is someone outside?”

He glanced down and noticed a note tucked among the items. Upon opening it, he found handwriting that resembled ghostly scribbles. It was difficult to imagine what sort of extraordinary person could have written such characters.

But when he noticed the two characters at the signature that vaguely resembled “Pei Ji,” he froze in place, a faint trace of emotion appearing on his usually cold face.

Pei Ji had sent this bundle?

How did he know Gu Tiao lived here?

Ripples of emotion spread through his eyes, and his normally unshakable composure quietly softened.

Pei Ji must have been afraid that Gu Tiao would refuse out of pride, which was why he’d thrown the bundle inside in such an indirect yet straightforward manner.

“Second Young Master Pei, does Young Master Gu know who sent these things?”

Outside the wall, Xiao Wan awkwardly recited the lines Pei Ji had taught him, stumbling over the words until his cheeks turned bright red.

“It doesn’t matter whether Brother Gu knows or not. As long as he has enough to eat and clothes [Read on BaiLianTales]to keep him warm, I can rest easy.”

Compared to Xiao Wan’s nervous delivery, Pei Ji’s words sounded gentle and melodious. His concern and affection for his friend were so sincere that even heaven could bear witness to them.

“Second Young Master Pei, you’re truly such a good person.”

“Shh! Don’t let Brother Gu hear us. Let’s hurry and leave.”

With only a wall separating them, and neither of them speaking particularly quietly, it would have been difficult for Gu Tiao not to hear.

“So much for being subtle.”

Gu Tiao lowered his eyes toward the gifts and suddenly smiled.

Most of the cold sharpness in his expression had faded. Without hesitating any longer, he gently pushed open the wooden gate.

Sure enough, at the corner of the alley, two fluffy heads were awkwardly stacked one above the other, peeking out to look in his direction.

His heart suddenly softened.

When he spoke, his voice was cool and proper as ever. “Young Master Pei, you’ve come such a long way. Would you like to come inside for a cup of water?”