Xiao Chengyu was indeed tempted, but she still remembered the rules and politely declined, saying, "I appreciate Young Master Gu's kindness, but it is inconvenient for me to accept such a precious item privately."

Gu Nianzhi readily agreed: "It was my oversight. I will bring it to the calligraphy and painting academy for public appreciation another day so that you fellow enthusiasts can enjoy it together."

His attitude was open and natural, without the slightest hint of obsequiousness, which made Xiao Chengyu feel that his previous guardedness had been somewhat petty.

After the appreciation event ended, Xiao Chengyu and Qi Mingyue returned to the palace together. On the way, Qi Mingyue suddenly said, "Sister Yu, do you know why Gu Nianzhi knew so much about your preferences today?"

Xiao Chengyu raised an eyebrow: "Didn't you say you were from the same hometown as the eunuch Shihua?"

Qi Mingyue snorted: "I just went to inquire. That eunuch in charge of painting is from Lingnan, while Gu Nianzhi's ancestral home is in Jiangbei. What kind of fellow townsmen are they! He must have bribed someone to find out!"

Xiao Chengyu was taken aback: "Why is he asking about these things?"

"What else could he be doing?" Qi Mingyue lowered her voice. "I heard that he hinted to his classmates at the Imperial Academy that the princess has a soft spot for him!"

"Nonsense!" Xiao Chengyu frowned. "I have only met him a few times and exchanged a few words with him."

"In short, it's best for you to stay away from him, sister," Qi Mingyue advised. "I've seen plenty of people like him. They seem aloof, but in reality, they're only thinking about climbing the social ladder!"

Although Xiao Chengyu nodded in agreement, she didn't take it seriously. She felt that Mingyue was being too sensitive; Gu Nianzhi seemed upright and honest, not the kind of person who would scheme and plot. Perhaps it was just a coincidence.

However, in the following days, Gu Nianzhi's "coincidences" increased.

When Xiao Chengyu went to the Great Compassion Temple to offer incense, she could "accidentally" meet Gu Nianzhi, who was copying scriptures; when she went to the Imperial Stables to see the newly arrived foals, she could "accidentally" meet Gu Nianzhi, who also loved horses; and even when she occasionally went to the Royal Library to look up a rare book, she could "accidentally" meet Gu Nianzhi, who was studying diligently there.

Every time they met, Gu Nianzhi was always humble and polite, speaking elegantly and only discussing refined matters, never crossing any lines. But occasionally, the way he looked at her carried an undeniable intensity.

Gradually, Xiao Chengyu also sensed that something was wrong.

Returning from the library that day, she ran into Xiao Chengrui, who had come looking for her. The young general had just returned from the capital garrison, still in his military uniform, his forehead still damp with sweat.

"Yu'er, I heard you went to the library again?" Xiao Chengrui frowned. "The capital has been quite unsettled lately. The remnants of the Northern Di seem to be making some unusual moves. You should stay away from the city."

Xiao Chengyu's heart stirred, and he said casually, "I was just looking up some information. I also met the son of Doctor Gu today. I didn't expect him to like going to the library as well."

Xiao Chengrui's face instantly darkened: "Gu Nianzhi? He's bothering you again?"

"Second brother knows him?" Xiao Chengyu asked in surprise.

Xiao Chengrui snorted coldly: "Recently, the Beijing Garrison and the Ministry of War have had some official dealings, and I've met him a few times. This man appears humble on the surface, but his eyes are shifty; he's not a reliable person. You should stay away from him."

Even her usually oblivious second brother said this, so Xiao Chengyu finally took it seriously. She pondered for a moment and said, "Second brother, are you aware that he has been 'accidentally' running into me lately?"

Anger flared in Xiao Chengrui's eyes: "Just as I thought! I'll go warn him right now!"

"Second Brother!" Xiao Chengyu quickly pulled him back. "Without any evidence, what are you warning him for? It will only make our royal family look like we're abusing our power. I'll just avoid him from now on."

Xiao Chengrui suppressed his anger and stared at his sister: "Yu'er, don't be fooled by his appearance. This kind of scholar is more cunning than a sieve! You are naive, don't be alone with him."

Just then, Xin Rui strode over and, seeing their expressions, asked, "What's wrong? Has Yu'er been wronged?"

Xiao Chengrui said irritably, "It's all because of that Gu Nianzhi! He's always hanging around Yu'er!"

Xin Rui's face darkened, and he gripped the hilt of his sword tightly: "I'm going to go and 'talk' to him!"

"None of you are allowed to go!" Xiao Chengyu rarely put on a stern face. "I know what I'm doing, so don't cause any trouble."

The two reluctantly gave up, but secretly exchanged a glance.

After Xiao Chengyu left, Xin Rui immediately said, "I'll send someone to keep an eye on that kid."

Xiao Chengrui nodded: "I'll go and report to my elder brother."

Undercurrents were quietly surging, and Xiao Chengyu, at the eye of the storm, frowned slightly as he gazed at the deepening twilight outside the palace walls.

Gu Nianzhi... what exactly do you intend to do?