The brief encounter with Huang Yu was like a stone tossed into a lake, sending a few ripples through Pei Cijing's life before quickly returning to calm.
He could guess that this "Brother Huang" had an extraordinary background.
That aura, that silent yet majestic gaze, was definitely not something an ordinary noble scion could possess. Coupled with the surname "Huang," he might even be a relative of the Emperor.
If it were anyone else, they might have racked their brains to get close, finding an excuse to curry favor and pave the way for the future.
But Pei Cijing had no such intentions.
Climb the social ladder?
Cling to powerful figures?
There was absolutely no need for that right now!
He had hustled enough in his previous life. In this life, he had finally managed to transmigrate as a wealthy marquis's son with no worries about food or drink. The wife he married was beautiful and intelligent, his parents were open-minded and kind, and his family had plenty of money. Pei Cijing already found this kind of laid-back life incredibly sweet.
Why ask for trouble?
Why drill into those treacherous and unpredictable aristocratic circles?
If it weren't for the need to have the ability to protect the people he wanted to protect in case of future accidents, Pei Cijing wouldn't even participate in the imperial examinations. It was all that disappointing brother Pei Ciling's fault!
And so, after that day, Pei Cijing's life returned to its peaceful state and fell into a steady rhythm.
During the day, he went to the Imperial College, listening to lectures when he should, slacking off when he wanted, reading books, and doing the past exam papers his father-in-law had procured. At night, he stayed in the Anle Courtyard, flirting and being affectionate with his wife.
Life was regular and fulfilling.
A month passed in the blink of an eye.
The autumn chill deepened. The old osmanthus tree in the courtyard had reached the end of its blooming, its sweet fragrance carrying a hint of heavy richness before wilting. The cicadas had long stopped singing, replaced by the intermittent chirping of crickets in the corners of the walls, making the night seem even more tranquil.
On this night, Pei Cijing was leaning against the headboard of the bed.
By the candlelight, he was flipping through a copy of the "Compilation of Criminal Cases" from the previous dynasty. This was the "study material" Shen Mingxuan had sent over a few days ago. The cases recorded inside were more bizarre than the last, and he read them with great relish, occasionally commenting in his mind on whether the killer's methods were "professional" enough.
Just as he reached the crucial point of a "borrowing a corpse to resurrect a soul" fraud case, Shen Ninghuan turned around from the dressing table, holding a gold-flecked invitation. The invitation was made of pale crimson cloud-patterned paper, its edges rolled with fine gold thread, gleaming with a soft luster in the candlelight.
"Husband." She walked to the bed and handed the invitation to him. "An invitation from Princess Anhe's estate. In three days, there will be a flower-viewing banquet at the princess's estate, inviting young noblemen and ladies from various families. I wonder if Husband would like to go together?"
Pei Cijing looked up from the case file.
He took the invitation and glanced at it.
The handwriting was elegant and dignified, the wording polite and thoughtful, and the red seal of the princess's estate was stamped at the end.
"Princess Anhe?" He blinked. "I don't think... I received an invitation? Can I go too?"
Shen Ninghuan sat down beside him, took the book from his hand, closed it, and placed it on the small table nearby. Her movements were natural and fluid.
"Of course."
She smiled faintly, her eyes as soft as water in the candlelight. "Although they didn't send a separate invitation to Husband, since you and I are husband and wife, we are one entity. Since I am invited, Husband can naturally accompany me."
"This is customary."
"Then I must accompany my wife!" Pei Cijing's eyes lit up, answering without hesitation, his tone even carrying a hint of eager excitement.
Honestly speaking.
Whether in his previous life or this one, his social life was pitifully scarce.
In his past life, the grueling 996 work culture had drained all his energy. After work, he only wanted to collapse. He avoided team-building dinners whenever possible, and if he couldn't, he was the one sitting in the corner silently eating.
As for this life...
He lived a bit too low-key.
Among his peers in the noble circles, he was like an invisible man—no literary reputation, no martial arts skills displayed, not fond of crowds, not mingling in social circles, and not showing off.
Over time, naturally, no one would think of him for various flower-viewing banquets, poetry gatherings, or wine parties.
Since no one invited him.
He wouldn't go out of his way to attend.
Speaking of which, combining both his lifetimes, this was the first time he had formally received an invitation to this kind of "high society" gathering—even if it was as a family member.
"A flower-viewing banquet..." Pei Cijing stroked his chin, his eyes gradually brightening. "There will definitely be many young masters and young ladies there, right? Where there are many people, there is much drama. And where there is much drama..."
Pei Cijing thought to himself, the corners of his mouth turning up uncontrollably:
"There will definitely be a lot of gossip!"
He had a premonition that this trip would definitely not be in vain!
Maybe he could witness some shocking drama on the spot and earn a considerable amount of gossip points! Shen Ninghuan quietly watched the little flame named "gossip" in his eyes burn brighter and brighter, remaining silent for a moment.
She sighed softly.
"Husband," her voice was soft and gentle, yet carried a subtle hint of guidance, "I'm afraid this flower-viewing banquet... is not just as simple as viewing flowers."
"Oh?" Pei Cijing turned his head, looking at her curiously.
Shen Ninghuan met his gaze and spoke slowly, "Princess Anhe, Li Chanying, and the Ninth Prince, Li Chenglu, are twins. They have just turned sixteen this year and have reached the age for matchmaking."
She paused, and seeing the look of realization in Pei Cijing's eyes, continued:
"On the surface, this flower-viewing banquet is the princess inviting young scions of various families to admire autumn chrysanthemums and taste new wine. But in reality... it is to select a consort for the princess and a primary wife for the prince."
Pei Cijing let out an "ah".
And scratched his head.
"Then... we are already married, why invite us?" He was a bit confused. "Wife, you are so beautiful, and I, your husband, am so suave and handsome. What if you catch the prince's eye and I catch the princess's eye? Wouldn't we become star-crossed lovers forced apart!"
"Oh no~~~!"
Shen Ninghuan was amused by his words, her lips curving slightly, but she quickly pursed them.
"Although it is for the prince and princess to find matches, it is ultimately not an official selection, so the atmosphere will be much more relaxed." She explained softly. "The attendees are not just unmarried young ladies and gentlemen; young married couples are also invited—after all, this is a rare social occasion."
She looked up, her clear eyes gazing at Pei Cijing:
"Although Princess Anhe and the Ninth Prince are twins, symbolizing good fortune, their birth mother died early, and her family's power is weak. Their weight in the Emperor's heart is neither heavy nor light, but they are ultimately His Majesty's heirs."
"His Majesty might not attend this matchmaking event in person, but he will certainly pay attention to it."
"If one can show a bit of talent and good character at the flower-viewing banquet and leave a good impression on the higher-ups... it will always be beneficial for the future."
She didn't speak too subtly.
Pei Cijing understood.
—His wife was hinting to him: This is a chance to show your face. Although we don't want to climb the social ladder, we can't always be invisible. Showing off a little bit appropriately won't hurt.
He rubbed his nose, feeling a little embarrassed.
"My wife is right." He said seriously. "Then when the time comes... I will try my best not to embarrass us."
Shen Ninghuan looked at his "I'll try my best" appearance, a hint of a smile flashing in her eyes. She knew that her husband was still that lazy, trouble-fearing, and idle person to his bones.
Getting him to actively show off and fight for recognition was probably harder than ascending to heaven.
However...
So be it!
The fact that he could understand her intentions and was willing to cooperate was already wonderful. As for how well he would actually perform... she would just leave that up to fate.
With her watching over him anyway, nothing could go too terribly wrong.
While these thoughts turned over and over in her mind, Pei Cijing's thoughts had already wandered off in a completely different direction: a matchmaking party for princes and princesses!
Young lords and ladies gathering all in one place!
There might even be other people observing from the shadows!
With this kind of setup and this kind of lineup... it was clearly a grand convention in a gossip goldmine, an absolute feast for a drama lover!
He could already imagine the scene: polite smiles and cheerful chatter on the surface, while hidden glances flew wildly in the shadows; sharp wits concealed within poetry recitations, and fierce competition masked by innocent parlor games. This lady dropping her teacup, that young lord spilling wine on his robes; and who knows who might accidentally bump into whom behind the rockery, or who would be caught whispering with whom under the winding corridors...
"Hehe..."
Pei Cijing couldn't help but laugh out loud. His eyes sparkled as if he could already see the Gossip Points rolling in like a flood.
Shen Ninghuan: "..."
She silently watched her husband laughing like the foolish son of the Marquis's second branch, suddenly realizing that her previous advice about seizing the opportunity and leaving a good impression...
He probably, possibly, maybe... hadn't taken a single word of it to heart. His mind was entirely filled with thoughts of a good show to watch and more drama to feast on.
Shen Ninghuan massaged her temples, feeling both exasperated and amused. However, with a System bound to him, enjoying gossip seemed to be a legitimate business for her husband, as the Gossip Points he earned could be exchanged for rewards.
She had naturally experienced the magic of the System herself.
Aside from the Beauty Preserving Pill, her husband had secretly given her a Body Strengthening Pill. She could feel her body becoming significantly stronger; even her monthly cycle hardly hurt anymore.
Well, if her husband wanted to focus on the gossip, let him be.
It was getting late.
Tomorrow she still had to prepare the clothes and jewelry for the gathering, choose a suitable gift, and handle a pile of other matters.
Shen Ninghuan rose gently and blew out the candle by the bed. The room suddenly darkened, with only a faint trace of moonlight seeping in through the window, outlining the hazy silhouettes of the furniture.
"Husband," she stood by the bed, her voice sounding exceptionally soft in the darkness. "It is time to rest."
Pei Cijing was still fully immersed in his flower-viewing gossip fantasies. Hearing this, he let out an absentminded "oh," obediently lay flat, and pulled up his quilt.
And then—
A soft, warm body suddenly pressed down on him, bringing a faint scent of orchids and the cool touch of nightwear silk. Before Pei Cijing could even react, he was firmly pinned to the bed by his wife.
"W-Wife?" his voice was a bit dazed.
Shen Ninghuan lay against his chest. She lifted her face.
Moonlight filtered through the window screen, casting a soft silver glow over her elegant features. Her eyes held a smile, one that seemed exceptionally bright in the dim light, even... carrying a hint of slyness.
"Husband has worked hard studying these past few days. The promise I made to you before," she leaned close to his ear, her breath warm, her voice low and gentle, yet every word was clear: "Tonight... tonight I will fulfill it for you."
After saying that, without waiting for his response, she lowered her head and kissed him.
All those thoughts of flower-viewing gatherings, Gossip Points, and princes and princesses in Pei Cijing's mind were instantly shattered by this kiss.
His Adam's apple bobbed, and his arms wrapped around her waist.
The candle was out.
The scent of osmanthus drifted in through the window screen in wispy threads. The night was deep.
And within the bed curtains on the eve of the flower-viewing gathering, the warmth of spring quietly permeated the air, completely driving away the slight chill of the autumn night.
As for tomorrow's flower-viewing gathering...
Well.
That was a matter for tomorrow.
