Blossom

The private room was rearranged with fresh tableware.

Zheng Zhaokun introduced both parties.

"This is Young Master Gu from the Yunyang Earl's residence," he said with a smile, pointing at Gu Yu. Then he indicated a plainly dressed but gentle-mannered man in blue sitting opposite Gu Yu, "This is the Young Lord of Yan'an Marquis's household." Finally, he gestured to the handsome man beside Gu Yu, "And this is the Marquis of Jining."

He Yu was startled.

Though he knew Dou Zhao's fiancé was the Marquis of Jining, his pride had always suppressed his curiosity—he'd never met Wei Tingyu before.

He never expected to meet him under such circumstances!

No wonder Ji Yong had looked somewhat peculiar earlier.

He Yu discreetly glanced at the courtesan clinging to Wei Tingyu's arm, nearly hanging off him, before turning his gaze to Wang Qinghuai.

Civil officials and nobility moved in different circles, with only occasional, superficial interactions. Even so, he'd heard of the Yan'an Marquis heir's reputation for generosity and chivalry. What was he doing associating with Gu Yu?

He couldn't help studying Wang Qinghuai more closely.

Zheng Zhaokun had already begun introducing Ji Yong and He Yu to Gu Yu's group.

"This is the newly appointed Third Scholar Ji Jianming," he said cheerfully, "currently serving as compiler at the Imperial Academy. His uncle is my superior's superior—Vice Minister Ji." His tone carried playful mockery that felt more familiar than offensive. "His father is Left Transmission Commissioner of the Office of Transmission, while Magistrate Ji of Huai'an is his ninth uncle."

With so many Ji officials, they had to be distinguished by their titles.

Wang Qinghuai's eyes flickered with interest.

Huai'an was part of the current canal dredging project.

Though it didn't directly concern him or Gu Yu, the General Military Headquarters for water transport was located there. If they wanted to venture into canal shipping or Jiangnan textile businesses, they'd need to deal with the canal military commander—making the Huai'an magistrate someone worth cultivating.

Wang Qinghuai suddenly appreciated Zheng Zhaokun's social awareness.

Unaware of Wang's thoughts, Zheng simply reasoned that since Gu Yu's group was involved in canal work, knowing more officials related to water projects couldn't hurt. His current focus, however, was entirely on He Yu.

During the earlier confrontation, Ji Yong had stood by passively—proof this self-proclaimed "He" gentleman could handle disputes alone. A Capital He family member with such striking looks... He thought of the Grand Secretary He's youngest son... Protocol dictated introductions follow hierarchy. Logically, as a Successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations, Third Scholar, and Imperial Academy compiler, Ji Yong outranked the untitled Young Master He by miles. Yet the world worked in perverse ways—those with least substance often craved empty honors most. Best not offend Young Master He.

Playing dumb, Zheng clasped his hands toward He Yu and told Gu Yu's group, "This is Magistrate Ji's friend." Then to He Yu: "May I ask how you should be addressed?"

He Yu smiled faintly. "A friend of Jianming's." He offered nothing more.

Wang Huaiqing rose to receive them, his warm yet measured hospitality instantly making a favorable impression.Gu Yu, however, was different. While shelling peanuts to accompany his wine, he chuckled softly and whispered into the ear of the woman beside him. His unrestrained demeanor stood in stark contrast to Wei Tingyu’s awkward reluctance, caught between resistance and inability to refuse.

He Yu couldn’t help but frown.

How could this Wei fellow be so provincial?

Even if he felt uncomfortable, he should just play along for the sake of appearances and get it over with. Why be so stiff and unnatural?

What a pity for Fourth Miss Dou… truly a pearl cast before swine… a skilled woman paired with an oaf…

He considered whether to strike up a conversation with Wei Tingyu to ease the man’s discomfort, but then he saw Ji Yong raising his cup and being the first to toast Wei Tingyu: “Marquis of Jining. Come to think of it, we’re actually relatives!”

His words, delivered with dramatic flair, left everyone at the table astonished.

“Miss Dou the Fourth lost her mother at a young age and was raised by my aunt,” Ji Yong said with a smile. “She’s always been close to our family. By seniority, you should address me as ‘cousin’!”

Wei Tingyu, suddenly realizing the connection, hurriedly stood up with his cup and respectfully called out, “Cousin.”

Ji Yong laughed heartily and downed his wine in one gulp.

Zheng Zhaokun and the others cheered, exclaiming, “Lord Ji is truly bold!” while the courtesans vied to refill Ji Yong’s cup.

Ji Yong then smiled meaningfully at Wei Tingyu.

Wei Tingyu had already drunk quite a bit, but refusing now would be inappropriate. Gritting his teeth, he downed his cup in one go.

“Well done!” Ji Yong clapped and pointed at Wei Tingyu’s cup. “Fill it up! I’ll have another with the Marquis of Jining!”

The woman beside Wei Tingyu poured his wine, practically sitting in his lap as she did so.

Wei Tingyu pushed her away and instinctively glanced at Wang Qinghuai.

Wang Qinghuai, sensing Wei Tingyu had reached his limit and fearing he might lose composure, raised his own cup with a smile. “This one, I’ll drink with Lord Ji!” he said, emptying his cup. “A toast to you, Lord Ji.”

The woman beside Ji Yong coquettishly brought his cup to his lips.

Ji Yong ignored her, snatched his cup back, and placed it on the table, covering it with his hand. Smiling at Wang Qinghuai, he said, “One thing at a time—since this cup is your toast to me, I’ll gladly accept. But that’s separate from the Marquis of Jining.” With that, he drank and then signaled Zheng Zhaokun. “Fill it up again. This one’s for the Marquis of Jining!” As he spoke, he kicked He Yu under the table.

He Yu smirked.

He recalled how, when the Chen family came to assess him as a potential match, his eldest brother-in-law had given him ten couplets to complete. Only after he smoothly matched them all did the man’s expression soften.

So Ji Yong was trying to drink Wei Tingyu under the table!

As the youngest in his family and married to the youngest daughter of the Chen family, He Yu was usually the one being outdrunk. Rarely did he get the chance to do the same to others. Instantly intrigued, he raised his cup to Wang Qinghuai. “Young Lord of Yan’an Marquisate, I’ve long heard of your reputation, but this is our first meeting. A toast to you!” Without waiting for Wang Qinghuai’s response, he drained his cup.

Then he gestured to the woman beside him. “Fill the Young Lord’s cup!”

The woman giggled and poured wine for Wang Qinghuai.

Wang Qinghuai had no choice but to oblige.

He Yu then dragged Gu Yu into the fray.One person entertaining two guests wasn't about reckless drinking either. Between each cup of wine, they'd spend most of the time discussing romantic affairs, making it seem like they were drinking heavily and making merry. Yet it paled in comparison to Ji Yong and Wei Tingyu, who downed cup after cup. In no time, seven or eight empty jars had piled up beside them, with Wei Tingyu drinking until his eyes glazed over, answering whatever questions were asked of him.

It was then that He Yu learned the truth. Gu Yu and his group had taken on the canal dredging project, with the Ministry of Works responsible for calculating the labor costs. Naturally, the ministry didn't dare suppress their rates, so Wang Qinghuai and the others invited the clerks who usually helped with settlements for a night of drinking with courtesans. The clerks couldn't have been more eager to attend...

He couldn't help but sigh in admiration.

No wonder everyone said Wang Qinghuai was worth befriending. Just this gesture of treating talented people with courtesy wasn't something just anyone could pull off.

He Yu genuinely began to feel like sharing a few drinks with Wang Qinghuai.

As the drinking gradually slowed, the conversation grew livelier.

Gu Yu found it tedious. Seeing Wei Tingyu already drunk beyond recognition and the Ministry of Works clerks making fools of themselves flirting with the women beside them, their clothes nearly stripped off, he tossed an empty peanut shell onto the table and stood up: "Let's call it a night here! We'll gather again another day."

Wei Tingyu nodded foolishly.

Wang Qinghuai's steward took charge of entertaining Zheng Zhaokun and the others with food, drinks, and entertainment.

Gu Yu and his group left the Drunken Immortal Tavern.

Ji Yong said, "Our family's elder has come to the Capital. I barely managed to sneak out today—who knows when I'll get another chance?" He suggested, "Why don't we continue drinking at Zhao Zishu's place?"

Zhao Zishu was one of the Capital's most renowned actors, living in Qianfo Temple Lane. His three-courtyard residence was impeccably maintained, where he lived with a few handsome apprentices. He had hired famous Capital chefs to cook at home, making his place inaccessible to ordinary people.

He Yu was well-versed in music and skilled at writing lyrics. He had long been regarded by Zhao Zishu as an honored guest. Though He Yu had invited Ji Yong several times to Qianfo Temple Lane to listen to songs, Ji Yong had always declined disinterestedly. This rare initiative from Ji Yong naturally earned He Yu's enthusiastic approval.

Wang Qinghuai, eager to build a closer relationship with Ji Yong, also agreed with a smile.

Gu Yu, always up for fun and being of similar status, naturally went with the flow when even Wang Qinghuai agreed.

Ji Yong then dragged Wei Tingyu by the shoulder into the carriage.

The group headed to Qianfo Temple Lane.

Zhao Zishu hurried out to welcome them.

Wei Tingyu was instantly dumbstruck.

A slender figure, delicate skin that seemed to bruise at a touch, features like a painting, a graceful smile, yet with eyes that subtly revealed layers of captivating charm.

He couldn't help but lick his dry lips and whispered to Ji Yong, tugging his sleeve, "Is... is he a man or a woman?"

Ji Yong rolled his eyes. "Have you ever seen a female actor?"

Wei Tingyu felt embarrassed but also relieved, following Ji Yong and the others into the residence.

Green trees framed bright red lanterns, adding a touch of enchantment to the tranquil courtyard.

Zhao Zishu hosted He Yu and the others in the Reception Hall.

Meanwhile, in the Jingguo Duke's residence, Wei Tingzhen's courtyard was brightly lit.

Tomorrow was the Great Xiangguo Temple's annual Dharma assembly, where the abbot would personally expound Buddhist teachings in a side hall. Not only would devout noblewomen like her attend, but also the female relatives of official families.

Her maids and servants were busy preparing the attire and accessories for tomorrow's outing.Granny Jin looked at the sleeveless jacket in Wei Tingzhen's hands, embroidered with ten brocade patterns on madder-red scorched cloth, and flattered, "This garment is lovely. Madam should wear this to the Great Xiangguo Temple tomorrow!"

Wei Tingzhen didn't respond but instead asked Lu Momo beside her, "What do you think?"

Lu Momo smiled and said, "I think it would be better to wear something more subdued—it's already midsummer. Moon-white or lake-blue would be excellent colors."

Wei Tingzhen nodded with a hum and instructed the maid, "Fetch that moon-white Hangzhou silk sleeveless jacket with bamboo leaf patterns."

The maid hurried off to comply.

Lu Momo couldn't help but cast a smug glance at Granny Jin.

Granny Jin seethed with resentment.

Ever since that old hag mentioned how Fourth Miss Dou of the Dou family had a hard fate—losing her mother at a young age and then her grandfather—Madam had begun treating her with special regard.

If she had known this would happen, she should have steeled her heart and spoken similarly about Fourth Miss Dou back then.

Now, it was too late for regrets.

Madam was giving Lu Momo respect at every turn. Competing with her now would only invite humiliation!

It seemed the only way to regain ground was at tomorrow's visit to the Great Xiangguo Temple.

With these thoughts, her heart settled slightly.