Summer remained sweltering, time marching forward in its predictable, uninspired way. It was already the fifth month of the lunar calendar, and Bianliang city bustled, following its usual rhythm. As the capital, it was a hub where all kinds of things and information converged, a gathering place for talented scholars from across the country, exceptional figures, heroes and outlaws from the mountains and rivers, officials from various regions, members of the imperial family and nobility, and common laborers passing through the streets. Each had their own life trajectory, different purposes converging, desires, goodwill, and malice intertwining.

Ning Yi, in this mix, was not affected by too many extraneous matters. The courtyard he had bought was not yet furnished, and everyone was still living in Wenhui House. He found a blacksmith and had him forge a few barely usable pen nibs, and he also obtained some feathers, degreased and roasted them to make quill pens. Because the quality of paper at this time was not very good, the iron nibs were not ideal. He could only wrap layers of paper around the feather nibs and dip them in ink to write, which slightly increased the speed, but it was not very smooth, and the handwriting was crooked.

The entire plan for Zhu Ji was proceeding methodically. During the day, he went to restaurants and teahouses, and at night, he frequented brothels. Qin Shaoyu served as a guide, and often Wen Ren’er, Yao Zunian, Ji Kun, and Cheng Zhouhai would also come. Ning Yi would then ask each person what they thought made these establishments popular, and he would record and summarize their answers.

Yao Zunian and the others didn't necessarily come to visit brothels or teahouses; their seemingly casual chats were actually probing to understand Ning Yi as a person. They may have inwardly disapproved of Ning Yi's detailed investigation simply to open a shop for his woman, but they didn't voice any clear objections. This wasn't because they were strictly adhering to social etiquette, but because Ning Yi had already entered his previous life's work mode. Although he still had the appearance and body of a twenty-year-old, the aura he exuded while mentally compiling such a vast plan was different from before.

It was the aura of a leader and a meticulous planner, lacking the trepidation and self-doubt of a young man in his twenties, who, even with extensive learning, would remain cautious due to lack of practical experience. Ning Yi had already practiced many things countless times, and even though ancient customs differed, human nature itself remained largely unchanged.

He had already adopted a serious demeanor, and even in his calmness, there was an imposing presence. The aura of a leader might have been present in the gaze that frightened Xiao Chan when he first arrived in the Wu Dynasty, but it had been restrained since then. Now that he was serious, he wouldn't frighten Xiao Chan and Yun Zhu, but when Yao Zunian and the others observed this seriousness and methodical approach, they naturally wouldn't speak carelessly. This was also because they were already aware of what Ning Yi had done before.

A young man who could accomplish such things in a situation like Hangzhou, and who later caused the Liangshan rebels to suffer such a great loss, was unimaginable in what he could do when he truly became serious.

Neither the Hangzhou nor the Liangshan affair had been well prepared. But this time was different. Immersed in this serious attitude, time passed quickly, and within a few days, he had written a pile of notes. Occasionally, he would pause to think, opening the window in the morning to see the mist lingering in the courtyard, or sitting in the courtyard watching the peeling red paint under the eaves as the cicadas chirped. Although he often went out during those few days, the true hustle and bustle outside remained temporarily unrelated to him.

He did not participate in the matter of Zhou Pei's groom selection. However, he heard that the poetry gathering held in Caimu Garden that day was quite lively, with several talented individuals making a splash, truly a grand event in the capital's literary scene—or so they always claimed at every poetry gathering. Ning Yi didn't care, but he occasionally overheard it in other people's conversations.

He went to Fanlou once, mainly for the meeting he had arranged with Li Shishi. When he arrived, Li Shishi was said to be entertaining guests in the small courtyard, presumably talented scholars of high status. He asked a maid to deliver a note inside, stating that he was currently residing in Wenhui House, and asking Li Shishi to arrange a time to meet with him, Yu Hezhong, and others when she had time. This wasn't a big deal; he wasn't particularly looking forward to seeing his childhood friend, but Li Shishi had mentioned it several times, so he couldn't refuse altogether.

He had originally intended to leave after delivering the note, but Miss Shishi seemed to value him quite a bit. She took the time to come out, dressed in her finery, with a large white flower in her hair, looking quite like a goddess. She spoke a few words with Ning Yi, promising to arrange a time for Yu Hezhong and Chen Sifeng to meet in the next few days and give him the news, before hurrying back inside. The day after visiting Fanlou was the second day of the fifth month. Li Shishi sent a letter, saying that they could meet a few friends on the fourth day of the fifth month, before the Dragon Boat Festival, and asking if Ning Yi was available. Ning Yi agreed.

On the other hand, Yun Zhu and Jin'er, with the help of Madam Qin and others, found a small courtyard not far from the Right Chancellor's residence. Once Ning Yi left, Yun Zhu could move in. The surrounding area was quiet, and many of the Right Chancellor's guards and servants lived there. With the Chancellor's protection, they could be assured that they would not be bullied in the capital.

These matters were trivial and fragmented. The only thing that could make Ning Yi feel somewhat troubled and helpless was Jin'er. The two of them had not been completely without conversation recently, but their talks were uninspiring. Ning Yi couldn't discuss these matters with Yun Zhu. Jin'er's attitude towards him was either stubbornly confrontational—yesterday, the two of them happened to meet at the entrance of the courtyard, one going out and one coming in. As a result, whichever way Ning Yi went, she went the same way. At first, it might have been unintentional, both intending to give way. After a few times, Jin'er became interested in blocking his path. As a result, the two of them childishly confronted each other for a minute or two. When Ning Yi felt bored, Jin'er struck a "I won" pose and walked past him with her head held high—or she would turn around and walk away as soon as she saw him, seemingly choosing her response mode entirely based on her mood.

As the Dragon Boat Festival approached, Bianliang City was already filled with a festive atmosphere. Zongzi, dragon boat races, mugwort leaves, calamus... After all, the fifth day of the fifth month was a major holiday in this era. It was just a pity that Tan'er couldn't come up for the occasion, and he might be setting off east in a few days, unable to have a family reunion.

On the afternoon of the third day of the fifth month, when Ning Yi returned from outside, he saw Yuan Jin'er sitting by the railing outside the courtyard, looking somewhat like a roadblock. After he approached, Jin'er stood up and said, "Your female disciple came to find you and has been waiting for you for a long time."

"Zhou Pei?"

"Yes. Xiao Chan went to tidy up your house, and Yun Zhu is entertaining her inside."

She was naturally referring to the courtyard that Ning Yi had recently bought. After delivering her message in a businesslike manner, she snorted and walked past Ning Yi. Ning Yi thought about it and realized that he couldn't let things continue like this, so he turned around and said, "Hey, Yuan Jin... er..." Before he could finish his sentence, Yuan Jin'er suddenly covered her ears with both hands and ran away wildly.

"...Ha." Ning Yi was both amused and helpless. He returned to his room, where he saw Yun Zhu accompanying the Little Princess for tea. Sunlight filtered through the window lattices, and both women, refined and elegant, were a pleasure to behold in their every gesture. Seeing Ning Yi return, Yun Zhu smiled and said a few words to him before taking her leave.

"How is living in Prince Chong's mansion?"

"It's very good. Seventh Imperial Uncle takes good care of me, and my cousins are also good. They've been taking me to see many things recently."

After bowing to Ning Yi, Ning Yi casually asked about Zhou Pei's affairs. Zhou Pei also answered quite dutifully. While speaking, Ning Yi walked to the table and tidied up some papers on the table. He had written a lot of things in the past few days, some of which had been organized, and some of which had not yet been organized. He had instructed Xiao Chan not to touch them when he went out, and to just hold them down with paperweights or books. At this time, he picked out a few sheets, tore them up, and threw them into the wastebasket. Zhou Pei, holding her teacup, secretly looked over here. She had been here for a while, and although she hadn't touched the things on the table, she must have seen some of them. Ning Yi didn't mind, but the handwriting with the quill pen was a bit ugly.

"You're naturally smart, and you learn well. I heard that some academician has been impressed by you, right? Heh, I suppose many of your cousins in the capital have begun to admire you..."

"Not really..." Zhou Pei muttered softly. Ning Yi, sitting at the desk, didn't hear clearly, "What?"

"Nothing." Zhou Pei said with a smile.

"Heh, how was the poetry gathering at Caimu Garden?"

"Why didn't Teacher go?"

"Huh?" Ning Yi blinked, "I've been a little busy lately, and I'm not very interested in poetry gatherings in the first place."

"Grandpa Qin originally said that Teacher might be interested..."

"Oh? He said that?" Ning Yi thought for a moment, "He did advise me to go and see, but... I still didn't have time in the end."

Ning Yi said, turning around to continue organizing the manuscript. Zhou Pei said "Oh" over there. When Ning Yi turned back to look, he saw the girl sitting there with her head down, her hands clasped together on her lap, and the light shining in through the door, her eyes seemed a bit melancholy, and he didn't know what she was thinking: "What's wrong?"

"Ah... No, nothing." Zhou Pei smiled, "I originally... thought Teacher wouldn't be interested in poetry gatherings..."

She spoke a bit reluctantly, and Ning Yi didn't know why, but the thoughts of a little girl were not easy to guess. Changing the subject, he asked with a smile: "I wanted to ask if you met any young talents at the poetry gathering in Caimu Garden."

"There were many." Zhou Pei smiled, "They were all quite good."

"I mean someone you liked."

"Ah, that..." The girl's cheeks flushed slightly, and she reached out to smooth her hair, "No, no, I didn't really get to know anyone..."

"You have to hurry." Ning Yi laughed, "The talents of the world are gathered in the capital. You're here this time, and you have to choose one. Don't be rushed, you can interact a few more times. With your talent and intelligence, you shouldn't have any problem choosing anyone."

"But Teacher, if..." Zhou Pei raised her head, looked over here, and said hesitantly, "If... there isn't anyone I like..."

"Not many women in the world have the opportunity to choose their own groom." Turning his back to her, Ning Yi shook his head, "Xiao Pei, you are a smart person. If you don't nod this time, it will be difficult to say what will happen next. Prince Chong's mansion, your Grandpa Qin's side, Kang Consort has already greeted you. I brought you up this time because I felt that you could only find someone in the capital. After all, you are fifteen years old, what else can you do if you don't marry?" He thought about it, and then smiled: "If you were a man, you wouldn't have to worry so much, but who knows if the parents' decision and matchmaker's words will bring in an evil woman. Heh, think about it."

"If only I were a man..." Zhou Pei muttered to herself, "Teacher, what do you think... how should I choose? What kind of person should I choose?"

"How would I know." Ning Yi couldn't help but laugh, "I've only recently realized that I'm not very good at picking up girls."

"Pi-picking up girls? What's that..."

"It's about those things between men and women... You still have to decide what kind of person to choose yourself." Ning Yi organized his things, moved his chair, turned around, and looked at the Little Princess over here, "But, you call me Teacher, so I'll say what I think... Zhou Pei, you have high standards, but actually, people in this world are all the same. Except for those notoriously degenerate second-generation heirs who are hopelessly spoiled by their families, most people are within the normal range. Their temperaments won't be too bad, and they are willing to love their wives, and hope that everything is good at home."

He took a manuscript he had organized in his hand and smiled: "These things about men and women being together, generally speaking, the more charming person changes the less charming person. Xiao Pei, you are from the imperial family, you are beautiful, smart, and sensible, so if you find any man, he will surely respect and love you. As for the relationship between husband and wife, as long as you have the means, be gentle and treat him equally, generally speaking, men are not all ungrateful. If he marries someone else, he may desperately find concubines and visit brothels, but it will be different if he marries you. Look at Kang Consort, aren't they living happily? Half of it is because Kang Consort is good himself, and the other half is because Princess Chengguo manages it well, so... don't be too picky. What I can say is just that, relax, there will be many poetry gatherings in the future, you can take your time to look."

After Ning Yi finished speaking, Zhou Pei said, "Will Teacher go to the poetry gatherings to see?"

"Heh, I won't help you choose a husband, I can't do it."

"But Teacher..." Zhou Pei thought for a while, "You can help test them, ah, for example, poetry, knowledge..."

"Don't use this to choose a husband!" Ning Yi waved his hand and shook his head vigorously, "These things are enough if they're passable. Of course, you have to choose a husband who is kind and good-hearted, and who will treat you well after marrying you. People who are good at poetry and lyrics are not necessarily good-hearted. These people are proud and arrogant, and when they are frustrated, they are mostly biased and indignant. If things go smoothly, they are also prone to develop an arrogant personality that is difficult to serve! Marriages formed because of excellence are usually a tragedy... You should find a good person, not a powerful person."

Ning Yi wasn't very good at marriage, but from what he had seen in later generations, if both men and women were excellent, or marriages formed because of this excellence, often didn't have good results. Living together requires one person to give in in all aspects. Nowadays, it is mostly women who give in, while men can freely play, but Zhou Pei is from the imperial family, and even if she wants to give in, she may not be able to give in much. To find an excellent man to marry is basically the same as finding unhappiness for the rest of her life.

He had said enough here, but Zhou Pei frowned, her emotions were a bit chaotic, and Ning Yi could only let her slowly digest these things. The teacher and student then talked about some other trivial matters. Zhou Pei was interested in the things Ning Yi wrote, and Ning Yi casually took them out for her to see, and also discussed with her some things about managing accounts and controlling subordinates in the palace. If it were usual, Zhou Pei would have talked enthusiastically, but at this time, she was in a bad mood, picked up the quill pen, studied it, and felt that writing like this was really ugly, but Ning Yi was writing enthusiastically, which she couldn't understand.

After staying here for dinner, Zhou Pei left Wenhui House, and also knew that Ning Yi would probably leave Bianliang and go to Shandong before the tenth day of the fifth month. This time he went to be enemies with Liangshan, and it was likely that there would be no result for several months. After the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet, she would probably have to decide on a candidate for her husband. When the teacher returned from Shandong, she should have left the capital and returned to marry someone else. In the imagination of this back and forth, it really gave people a rather complicated feeling.

The reason why she ran over this time was naturally not just to talk about these trivial matters, but it was difficult for her to clearly summarize what exactly she wanted to say.

In the past, when she was in Jiangning, she was a little flustered and helpless about the marriage, but it wasn't serious. When she hid in that box and wanted to go north by boat, she was quite excited, as if a new hope was unfolding before her eyes. Accompanying the teacher and them along the way, and the bandits from Liangshan coming to die, it was extremely exciting, and she didn't feel bored at all. However, in the few days after truly entering the capital, something finally weighed down on her. Even though Seventh Imperial Uncle was very kind to her, and Qin Siyuan also let her take the opportunity to have more fun in the capital, she suddenly understood that this matter could not be avoided.

She came to find Ning Yi today, and originally wanted to ask him why he didn't go to the poetry gathering. Ning Yi didn't know that after coming to the capital, although a group of sisters from Prince Chong's mansion were responsible for entertaining her, the atmosphere was not necessarily harmonious when a large group of people gathered together. At first, the other party regarded her as a country bumpkin who had come from the countryside, but Zhou Pei herself was outstanding in talent and deportment, and quickly changed everyone's views. This change didn't necessarily make everyone admire her, but instead brought a lot of jealousy and hostility. Perhaps some of the male cousins looked at her with admiration, but the women didn't necessarily look up to her, either saying sarcastic remarks behind her back, or planning to make her look embarrassed, and so on.

These things don't go out. Born in the imperial family, even in Jiangning, she had seen a lot of this kind of infighting, and naturally had ways to deal with it. As long as she was dignified and ignored others, others would naturally be at a disadvantage. But when talking about poetry and lyrics, Zhou Pei proudly talked about Ning Yi's lyrics, and said that he was her teacher and had also come to Bianliang, so people seized on the topic.

Some people didn't believe how powerful her teacher was, and many people simply used the psychology of exclusion, thinking that the number one talent in Jiangning was certainly no match for the talents in Bianliang. Furthermore, Ning Yi had said that "lyrics are sung by Taoists," and in Jiangning, everyone was already familiar with it, and naturally knew it was a joke, but in Bianliang, some people would say things like "I heard that the lyrics were plagiarized." And so on. Others shouted to let Ning Yi participate in the poetry gathering and write some poems to see.

Zhou Pei admired Ning Yi in her heart, but she also hoped that Ning Yi could stand up and slap these people in the face. In each other's cold irony and sarcasm, she didn't directly agree to the competition for Ning Yi, but she also made some assumptions, for example, saying "You'll know when Teacher takes action." She hoped that Ning Yi would try his best to participate in the poetry gathering in Caimu Garden, and made a request to Qin Siyuan, but Qin Siyuan naturally couldn't say to Ning Yi "You must go." He felt that Ning Yi had just arrived in Bianliang, and might go to join in the fun, and also tried to tell Ning Yi, and also hoped that Jueming could take Ning Yi to stroll around. If it hadn't been for Jin'er's affair and Ning Yi burying himself in work, he might have gone to Caimu Garden to see what kind of grand event the poetry gathering in the capital was.

The day before the poetry gathering, someone named Ruan Weitong sent an invitation, which belonged to that group of wealthy children who were opposed to Zhou Pei. They probably thought in their hearts that since he was the number one talent, he must be thinking of advancing by his literary talent. The poetry gathering in Caimu Garden was the first-class event in Bianliang, and everyone wanted to go, so they invited him over, and then surpassed him in the poetry gathering, so that Zhou Pei could be disgraced, but who knew that Ning Yi didn't give anyone face. In the end, the two sides could only use mouth cannon to spray each other.

And Zhou Pei's side, of course, was ridiculed even more, and she could only face such things with arrogance and silence. It couldn't be considered a failure, but there were not many people standing on her side after all.

Ning Yi couldn't know such a tortuous process. On the other hand, when the distress of the poetry gathering and the pressure of marriage were truly put together, Zhou Pei suddenly thought of some things—things that she could no longer avoid thinking about—at the poetry gathering, she was indeed evaluating how each of the talents was, but she later had to admit that her standard for looking at these people was based on this teacher who was only a few years older than her.

In later generations, this may be similar to a young girl in the beginning of love falling in love with a handsome homeroom teacher, and she would still remember it in her heart when she grew up, but there would be no results. However, Zhou Pei could not get the kind of life trajectory that girls in later generations have. Actually, there had been a budding of liking the teacher earlier, but at that time she could not think about it, and she could deny it. Now it was impossible. Such things were superimposed with the grievances at the poetry gathering, making her feel... like crying.

She came over with such emotions, but after seeing Ning Yi, she suddenly understood that the teacher had come to the capital with the blood feud of hundreds of people, and he had not promised himself that he would participate in any poetry gathering, and if she felt wronged because of this, she was simply like a child who didn't understand anything. On the other hand, she couldn't say anything about her liking for him.

She simply couldn't marry the teacher, everything was clear, no matter how much she went out of her way, things were impossible. She was a smart person, and there was no need to say these things, it would only cause entanglement and embarrassment.

So in the end, she couldn't say anything.

The carriage left Wenhui House, and the lights were on. She looked back at the inn gradually moving away, and the light around the street reflected on the girl's face, changing in the light and dark. Bianliang City was much larger, more prosperous, and more exciting than Jiangning, where she had lived since she was a child. When she came, she had also thought of seeing many different sceneries, and there were indeed, but suddenly, all of this seemed meaningless. Not knowing how to go, not knowing what to do next, where to go, who to be accepted by, what kind of decisions to make...

The night wind blew, stroking her hair. She sat back in the carriage, which was empty around her, and that emptiness was constantly extending, carrying her through the crowds and streets of Bianliang. It was the first time in her life that growth brought...

Great bewilderment.