Chapter 208: Three Worlds of Pursuit, Just to Protect

Originally, the two of them were going to have dinner at Deyue Tower, but on the way, a guard asked for permission, so he declined and had to send Nianxi back home first, and went to take care of government affairs.

After the Fang Hongxi incident, Nianxi took Cuilian into her house. Now, she became Nianxi's maid just like Xingyue and Lanzhi.

The three of them were sitting in another carriage.

She had been with Nianxi for a short time and didn't know much about her, so she asked Xingyue, "Miss, are you in love with that man?"

Cuilian was born in a manor after all, and often spoke too bluntly. When she asked this question, Lanzhi rolled her eyes and said, "You are talking nonsense."

Xingyue calmed down and explained, "That was Mr. Gu. He was away on a military expedition before, so you didn't see him around the young lady."

Xingyue's words were cryptic, but her meaning was clear: the eldest lady was very close to this Mr. Gu.

But if that's the case, what should Lord Pei do?

When the carriage returned to the Wen Mansion, Cui Lian looked around and saw that no one was around, so she asked Nian Xi secretly, "Miss, are you going to marry that Mr. Gu?"

She was sincere and determined to stay with the young lady for the rest of her life. She couldn't learn those flowery speeches, and since Nianxi liked her straightforwardness, she just let her be.

Seeing Cuilian looking at her eagerly, as if she had to get an answer, Nianxi couldn't help but ask with a smile, "What's wrong?"

Cui Lian hesitated at this moment, lowered her head and held the corner of her clothes with both hands for a long time without saying a word. After a long time, she whispered, "I think Master Pei... is also very good."

"Miss, you don't know that my husband's family, who are not humane, came to me before. They threatened me with my family and I to report to the police. They said they would sue you for forcing you to be a slave. It seems like they have found a high-ranking official to back them up. They are very arrogant."

Nian Xi asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"It was Master Pei who didn't allow you to tell. He solved it privately. At that time, the small school was being planned. He said that you shouldn't be upset if you knew about it."

"In fact, Master Pei did a lot of things." Cui Lian sighed and then raised her head. "Because I ran away secretly, the village kept a close eye on women, especially those who liked to beat people. Some sisters who escaped said that there were officials in the town who helped them."

"Lord Pei is such a high-ranking official, yet he still cares about the women in our town. I secretly think that it is all for the young lady."

"Miss, Cui Lian is devoted to you. It doesn't matter who you like. Mr. Gu is also very good. It's just that Mr. Pei...he doesn't say anything..."

The smile on Nian Xi's lips slowly froze. She clearly didn't say anything, but she made people feel sad for no reason.

"I understand. You can get out now."

Perhaps because of Cui Lian’s words during the day, Nian Xi slept very restlessly that night.

In her dream, she saw herself dying again, staring towards the door, but she never saw the person she wanted to see return until her death.

She died with great regret.

Died before the darkest dawn of the day.

The struggle changes.

She floated to a temple like a wandering ghost and saw Pei Jian kneeling in front of the Buddha. He looked thin and had gray hair.

The Buddha has no compassion or joy, and looks down upon all sentient beings with kind eyebrows and kind eyes.

Pei Jian bowed deeply, and after an unknown amount of time, a senior monk with a white beard and long chest came out.

"The master once said that my official star is too strong and my fate of having offspring is weak."

His voice was hoarse and intermittent, as if he was deeply heartbroken, and he choked up as he spoke, "I thought giving her a child would make her happier. But I never thought it would bring her a murderous intent."

A tear fell on the futon.

After a long pause, he continued, "The Buddha said, 'All living beings, from the beginningless time, have had all kinds of love, affection, and desire, and therefore have reincarnation.' I have created my own karma, and it is only natural that I should reap the fruits of my own actions. But my wife is innocent."

His breath froze for a moment, or perhaps he was in so much pain that he could not express it in words. He breathed a sigh of relief, and then he whispered, "Please, Master, help her enter reincarnation again."

"Let me look at her again, just for a second... It doesn't matter if she refuses to pay attention to me, as long as she is happy and I am with her..."

The more he spoke, the lower his voice became, tears welled up in his eyes, and finally he sobbed silently.

He owed her a favor.

Can you please pray to Buddha and ask him to pay it back?

His Nian Xi shouldn't have died in such a miserable way.

The master sighed, "The cause and effect of the world are all determined by fate and cannot be forced."

"Please Master, please help me."

"This is an act against heaven, and there will be huge backlash."

Pei Jian knelt deeply and said, "I will bear all the karmic obstacles that have befallen me."

Time and space turn again.

This time, Nian Xi was sitting in the carriage, and heard Pei Jian constantly giving orders, and several groups of people left. It turned out that the emperor had passed away, and the new crown prince would succeed to the throne in front of the coffin.

Pei Jian's face was a little tired, but he was still full of energy.

Until the servants came to the mansion to report the death, "The lady has passed away."

She saw Pei Jian stunned in disbelief, then he spurted out a mouthful of black blood and fell down.

…

Everything around disappeared, leaving only a vast expanse of white, as if it were empty and illusory.

Nian Xi wandered aimlessly between heaven and earth.

It turns out that this is how Pei Jian died.

It turns out that this is how she was reborn.

She wandered like a ghost for an unknown period of time, but she could not get out of the mist. Until she heard the sound of flowing water and the chirping of birds from the mist, she heard a woman's voice.

She said, "I can't fly this kite, can you help me?"

A tear fell.

Nian Xi felt a strong force coming at her and she suddenly woke up from her sleep.

What did you dream about?

She couldn't remember any of it.

But my chest felt lost, as if it was hurting terribly in my dream.

…

Nianxi's daily life remains the same, lively and happy.

Gu Ci is the most considerate one.

Because the Beiliang cavalry was temporarily unable to march south, the war in the northern border was temporarily suspended, and he had plenty of time to accompany Nianxi, as if he had returned to last summer, when they traveled together and were very close.

The eldest brother Wen Qingheng has protested several times and refused to come home again. "Because of him, my mother forces me to go out to see him all day long. I am exhausted in the government office all day long, and I can't rest even when I return home. You are not allowed to come tomorrow, do you hear me?!"

At that time, Gu Ci was peeling lychees for Nianxi.

I don't know how his big hands worked, the lychees he peeled were so round and smooth without even breaking the thin outer skin. If it were Nian Xi, the lychees would have been peeled so that the juice would have splashed everywhere, making it ugly.

Wen Qingheng sneered at this and didn't think his sister was amiable anymore, "You just know how to call people to account."

Nian Xi blinked her almond-shaped eyes, looking innocent, "Where did I call someone?"

Gu Ci was very good at making people angry now. He put the peeled lychees into a jade cup and picked up a grape, peeling it slowly. "Yes, Nian'er, how could you ask me to do this? I did it on my own initiative."

He leaned in and whispered to Nianxi, "He wants to show his courtesy but no one is paying attention to him, and he is jealous."

Although it was just a small talk, Xingyue and the others, who had a loud voice, heard it.

Wen Qingheng was so angry that his hands were shaking, "I, you... just wait for me."

The eldest brother has never been good at talking, and he didn't say anything harsh for half a day.

Nian Xi handed the lychees and grapes that Gu Ci had peeled to Wen Qingheng, "Brother, you can eat them all."

Wen Qingheng left the table in anger.

The two naughty kids, Nian Xi and Gu Ci, smiled at each other.

The days passed quietly.

As summer passed and autumn came, it was also the day for Princess Wenshu to be married.

The princess's wedding was a grand occasion.

When Xiao Nanxi was married off from the palace, her sixteen large sedan chairs carved with gold and carved with patterns were carried on the ever-lit Suzaku Street, which was full of bright lights and silver flowers, causing a sensation in the entire capital.

Nian Xi saw Xiao Nanxi's shy and smiling eyes. Even the lively Princess Wenshu, under the veil, was a newlywed with full yearning for a happy life.

In a trance, she recalled herself many, many years ago, who was also anxious and expectant, sitting in the wedding carriage to start another life.

The princess's mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and had carved beams and painted rafters. The green hall was filled with red silk, and it was filled with a festive atmosphere.

The newlyweds bowed three times and kowtowed nine times. Yan Qing was too nervous, and as a martial arts expert, he moved his hands and feet at the same time, causing everyone to laugh.

Nian Xi saw the princess stretch out her little feet from under her wedding dress and step hard on Yan Qing's foot. Yan Qing had always been cold and heartless, but at this moment he was smiling from ear to ear, looking a little silly.

There was endless cheering, cheering and applause.

Qi Qi sent the newlyweds to the bridal chamber.

Seeing such perfection, Nian Xi was very happy for the princess.

Gu Ci looked down at her, gently wiped away the tears from her eyes, and asked softly, "Why are you crying?"

Nianxi said, "I am too happy."

Gu Ci's eyes were filled with pity. He smiled and gently touched her nose, "Nian'er will have it too."

Before Nianxi could say anything, Wang Muyi beside her uttered "Huh":

"You two are so cheesy, I'm getting goosebumps. Can you please be a little nicer to me, a poor person who has finally finished her confinement after giving birth?"

Those sad emotions were blown away by the wind.

Nian Xi smiled and stretched out her slender white finger. Before Wang Muyi could react, she tapped her nose. "Eh~ Isn't the prince supposed to treat his cousin like this?"

Even the sound of "Eh~" was imitated vividly.

Gu Ci smiled and said, "Probably. I'll mention it to Prince Pingyang later."

Wang Muyi finally understood Wen Qingheng's speechlessness.

Not caring about the situation, she rolled her eyes to the sky and said, "No wonder your brother doesn't love you anymore. Wen Xiaoxi, I don't love you anymore either!"

Nian Xi cried, "Cousin, please give me another chance."

Wang Muyi ignored her and turned away. "A distant cousin just came to my house. She's very pretty and has a good temper. I'm going to talk to my aunt about it."

The aunt she was referring to was Li.

Nian Xi had good intentions and wanted to block it for her brother, but cousin Mu was very impetuous and had already turned away.

"Brother is going to have a headache again."

Gu Ci sympathetically said, "Why not ask him to stay at my house for a while? At least he can get away from it."

Wen Qingheng is being urged to get married by the whole world.

Nian Xi glared at him, "Then don't even think about entering my house again from now on."

Gu Ci thought of Li and immediately changed his tone, "Actually, I have quite a few cousins ​​too. I'll tell Jing He about them tomorrow."

Nian Xi smiled, "My brother will kill you."

"Don't be afraid," Gu Ci said in a cheerful voice, holding his head high, "Aunt will protect me."

…

Nianxi hasn't seen Pei Jian for a long time.

He is like a legend, existing more and more in people's brief praises.

"Prime Minister Pei was very observant and severely punished the corrupt officials."

"Prime Minister Pei opened up trade in the Western Regions and reduced taxes, and people's lives are getting better and better."

"Prime Minister Pei has made great efforts to improve the status of women. It is said that in a few years, women will be able to become officials!"

He was becoming more and more like the sage prime minister of the past, alleviating poverty, punishing evil and eliminating evil, just like a god, with no joy or sorrow.

Until one evening, at the door of "Fu Sheng Ban He", Nian Xi left half an hour earlier than usual because of something, and was caught off guard and saw Pei Jian in the dark alley across the street.

He still looked the same, but seemed thinner. His figure was gaunt, his demeanor was elegant, his manner was graceful, and his expression was as clear and divine as a god.

Eyes met.

He hesitated for a moment, then walked over.

"Are you going back?"

"Why are you here?"

They both spoke at the same time.

Pei Jian looked gentle and smiled lightly. He said, "Just passing by."

Nian Xi looked at him without saying anything.

Pei Jian suddenly asked, "The weather is nice, do you want to go for a walk?"

"……good."

When was the last time we met?

It seems to be at Princess Wenshu's wedding.

Across the noisy and crowded crowd, he stood there, quietly watching a couple get married. He held a high position, so even though the brothel was crowded, there was no one around him.

It's like a world of its own.

He didn't really care. He just smiled as he watched the groom Yan Qing make a fool of himself. He was lost in thought for a long time. Even when the newlyweds were escorted away, he maintained that posture for a long time without moving.

At that wedding, they did not talk or even make eye contact.

Nian Xi is busy with her own things every day, and Pei Jian is even more so. Time flies and seems to take everything away.

It seems that nothing is left.

"I had a dream before," Nian Xi said softly, "but after waking up, I didn't remember anything. I just felt that the person in the dream was very sad."

"If you feel sad, then don't think about it anymore." Pei Jian glanced at her with a gentle look, "Just be happy every day."

Nian Xi asked back, "Are you happy?"

Pei Jian replied: "I am living a good life now."

He said he was doing well.

Nian Xi didn't know where the sadness in her heart came from.

Before I knew it, I had returned to my old house.

The alley is still the same as before, with a pomegranate tree sticking out of the wall. Every autumn, it would bear heavy red fruits that fell to the ground.

But he was too tall, and Nianxi could never reach him.

"I'm getting married."

Pei Jian was stunned for a moment, then continued walking as usual.

His voice was a little deeper than usual. "Very good."

Nianxi's words were as gentle as those of the past. "You know what? When I was reborn, I swore that I would never get married again. I want to live a lavish life and meet many men, just to have a relationship without falling in love. I want at least seven or eight of them."

Pei Jian smiled, "Then you're at a loss."

Yes, she hasn't met seven or eight men yet.

Nian Xi also laughed, "I used to be trapped in a square house, and there was no difference between today and tomorrow. Life was long and boring. In this life, I want to go out and see the vast world in the distance."

"Pei Jian, I'm not afraid now."

Tears welled up in Nianxi's eyes. "I used to be so afraid of being let down. I wanted lots of love and kept asking for it. Now I'm not afraid anymore."

Pei Jian's heart ached suddenly, but he suppressed his bitterness and still smiled, "Gu Ci is a good choice."

"He is really good and has taught me a lot. But I am not afraid, but not because of him."

"It's because of me."

"Even if the love fades in the future, I will still be me."

"I will never lose myself again. He is good, and I am not bad either."

The quiet alley was deserted and so quiet that even the faint sound of the wind could be heard.

After a long time, Pei Jian said, "That's great."

"You won't be disappointed if you refuse him."

My heart aches.

Pei Jian couldn't think of any suitable words to describe his feelings at the moment, but he still finished his words, "He won't be... like me."

"This is not just your fault. Maintaining a relationship requires the efforts of two people. Pei Jian, we were both wrong."

"Pei Jian, we missed it."

Nian Xi stared into his calm and deep eyes, "We are still so young, you are still so young, there will be another woman who will appear to accompany you, rely on you, and love you."

Pei Jian smiled suddenly and hummed, "Yes, there will be."

Once upon a time, there was a lovely and reckless girl. On a spring afternoon, the air was filled with the scent of books and flowers, and she threw herself into his arms.

That was the beginning of his heart-throb life.

It is also a past that one can never return to in his lifetime.

She accompanied him, relied on him, and loved him.

She loved him with all her heart.

He once thought that he was an eagle soaring in the sky, but in fact, he was a kite held in her hand.

After she let go, he was the only one left in this world, with nowhere to go and no destination.

Can only float alone in the air.

He is no longer the arrogant and conceited Pei Jian.

Because of him, I will never have a home again.

And this small courtyard is his prison.

Guarding the past that can never be reached.

"Nian Xi, time flies by so fast, half of your life has passed in the blink of an eye."

“Go wherever you want to go. See the mountains and rivers, the ocean currents, the sunrises and sunsets, and wander around the world.”

Pei Jian chuckled and said, "From now on, Gu Ci doesn't have to stay in the northern border all year round. He will always be by your side."

He said, "Your life will be smooth, disaster-free, happy and worry-free."

He assured her word by word, looking at the halo on the ground not far away, which looked like her eyes and eyebrows when she smiled, soft and bright.

He was wearing a plain brocade robe today. Under the sleeves, a pair of white jade iron bracelets inlaid with silver silk animal patterns shone slightly in the light golden sunlight. Nian Xi's eyes were sore when she saw it, and she couldn't help asking, "What about you?"

"You have to live well too."

Pei Jian smiled and nodded, "Yes, I will live a good life."

"rest assured."

This courtyard is almost the same as the one they lived in in their previous life.

Even though it is no longer inhabited, Pei Jian has maintained it very well.

The only difference was a newly transplanted tree on the east side, which was not there before.

Seeing Nianxi looking over, Pei Jian's silent and thin face moved slightly, and he said in a very light voice:

"It's a loquat tree. I planted it myself not long ago. After many years, it will grow big, have lush branches and leaves, and bear loquats."