Chapter 429 Extra: Yue Zhengqi x Nie Zhiyao 1

Chapter 429: Extra Story - Lezheng Qi x Nie Zhiyao 1

The imperial merchant Nie family was said to be somewhat distantly related to the Duke Dingxiang's mansion. Otherwise, no matter how skilled the Nie family was at business, it would be difficult for them to establish a foothold in Shengjing with only merchant status.

Unfortunately, the threshold of the Duke Dingxiang's mansion was too high. Nie Zhiyao's family could only borrow some of its prestige and curry favor, but they weren't well-regarded. Nie Chuan himself didn't even know Nie Zhiyao's father. During holidays, when the New Year gifts from Nie Zhiyao's family entered the gates of the Duke Dingxiang mansion, it was the mansion's steward who received them. After this happened a few times, Nie Zhiyao's father felt deeply humiliated and would send his less favored concubine-born son to deliver the gifts.

After meeting someone as remarkable as Meng Wan in Changping, Nie Zhiyao returned to Shengjing with his restless heart even harder to contain—especially after learning that his family had already arranged a marriage for him, to be a companion to a fourth-rank official in the capital.

He was, after all, the legitimate son of the family. Even if he were to marry the son of that official, he wouldn't have gone to such desperate lengths. But his father, to get the most use out of him, planned to make him a secondary spouse.

Then he couldn't blame anyone for what came next...

"Is this the person you found?" Nie Zhiyao wore a veiled hat, reaching out a slender, fair hand to lift the gauze a little, watching a tall, well-built man dismount from his horse in the distance. He couldn't make out the man's features, but based on his silhouette and build, he looked decently handsome.

"All picked per your requirements, young master—a seventh-rank minor official, no parents, and surprisingly handsome to boot."

The woman talking to Nie Zhiyao was in her fifties. She was the younger sister of Nurse Dai, and her husband's family ran a small restaurant in Triple City. She'd hosted all sorts, including some low-level officials from Shengjing's underbelly, giving her a broad network and a wealth of information. This had given rise to another profession for her—matchmaking.

Whether the man was handsome or not, Nie Zhiyao didn't particularly care. What he wanted was someone honest and easy to handle.

There weren't many officials who were also orphans with no ties. Nie Zhiyao didn't hesitate long, instructing Mother Dai: "Slip him my portrait and family background. Do it discreetly. If he doesn't bite, try something else—just don't be too obvious."

Mother Dai bowed respectfully. "Don't worry, Fourth Young Master. With your looks and family background, it's bound to work out."

Nie Zhiyao let the veil fall, smiling bitterly to himself. "Let's hope so."

—

"Master, someone is investigating you."

Lezheng Qi dismounted and walked into the small place he'd temporarily settled in, not breaking stride at the news. "Who?"

Since entering the capital this year, he had been extremely cautious, but Shengjing's power dynamics were messy—it wouldn't be odd for someone to be checking up on him.

His subordinate reported: "The owner of Jiqing Restaurant in Triple City."

Lezheng Qi racked his brain but found no such person in his intelligence network. "Whose people?"

The subordinate had already looked into Mother Dai's background. "People from the Nie family, the imperial merchants."

"The Nie family?" Lezheng Qi grew wary.

"Not closely connected to the Duke Dingxiang's mansion—the imperial merchant Nie family." The subordinate immediately relayed everything: that Mother Dai's older brother, Nurse Dai, worked as a servant in the Nie household, and that Mother Dai was setting up a marriage for the Nie family's fourth young master.

Lezheng Qi thought it over and found the arrangement surprisingly workable. The Nie family's distant tie to the Duke's mansion could help clean up his identity, and their status—not too high, not too low—made them a decent cover.

He just wondered if the Nie family's young master was smart or stupid. After all, the two would have to share a roof to keep up appearances. If the young man was clueless, the days ahead would probably be full of trouble.

With that thought, he instructed his subordinate: "Keep digging. Find out everything about this Fourth Young Master Nie—down to the last detail. Don't do anything else. Just let things play out."

—

This marriage, built on mutual benefit, went surprisingly smoothly. Three days later, Lezheng Qi arrived with his betrothal gifts. Before the Nie family could even get their bearings, Nie Zhiyao's mother accepted the betrothal gifts. She'd spent the night before with red eyes, talking late into the night with her youngest son, Yao Geer. Nie Zhiyao's tearful accusations were still ringing in her ears.

Nie Zhiyao's mother wasn't a good mother. Her two older daughters' marriages had been heavily controlled. She was weak-willed, but after seeing how her daughters' lives turned out after marriage, she was determined not to sacrifice her youngest son too. Taking advantage of Nie Zhiyao's father being away, she quickly and decisively settled Nie Zhiyao's marriage.

When Nie Zhiyao's father returned home, he naturally flew into a tremendous rage. With the concubine adding fuel to the fire on the side, the flames of his anger burned even hotter.

But Nie Zhiyao was no longer the young boy who only knew fear in the face of his father's wrath. All these years, trading barbs with his father's favored concubine without ever losing ground, he relied not on his weak-willed mother, nor on his second uncle and aunt, but on his own bold decisiveness.

He'd learned a lesson long ago, after being repeatedly set up by his fifth brother and punished by his father: tears are useless on people who don't love you. What you can hold firmly in your hands—that's what really matters.

Nie Zhiyao played nearly every card he'd saved up over the years, even openly clashing with his father, before he finally got his share and was split off from the family.

"This is where you live?"

Nie Zhiyao stood in Lezheng Qi's modest one-courtyard home, silent for a long moment, holding what was left of his belongings.

There wasn't even a well in the courtyard—it was bare and empty, with cobwebs hanging from the windows.

He'd known Lezheng Qi was a low-ranking official with no real prospects, but he hadn't expected things to be this run-down.

Nie Zhiyao reached out to push open the main room's door, but his eyes caught the layer of dust on the door panel, and he immediately withdrew his hand. "We're moving," he said, at his wit's end.

Lezheng Qi had no objections. He could live anywhere.

Nie Zhiyao had long planned ahead. He bought a modest two-courtyard residence in a low-key residential area. Not because he couldn't afford a larger one, but because he didn't want to draw attention for now.

One thing that had deeply influenced Meng Wan was Nie Zhiyao's habit of being a pampered rich young master—no matter the circumstances, he would first make himself comfortable.

But Meng Wan was quite pragmatic. He could endure hardship, and only when conditions allowed would he fuss over his surroundings.

Nie Zhiyao was different. He was somewhat fastidious—what one might call finicky. Even with limited funds remaining, he absolutely refused to shortchange himself.

Though the two-courtyard residence wasn't large, he decorated it with great elegance. Several magnolia and crabapple trees were planted in the courtyard, with green vines climbing along the walls, full of life.

In the main room, rosewood tables and chairs were polished to a gleam, draped with plain-colored brocade cushions featuring subtle patterns. A soft couch sat by the window, piled with finely embroidered throw pillows.

It was just the start of winter, not yet Shengjing's coldest. Nie Zhiyao removed his outer padded cloak, revealing a moon-white quilted long gown underneath. He sat on the heated brick bed that A Mi had prepared, his slender waist sinking slightly into the soft cushion. His profile was soft, nose straight, lips lightly tinted. His fingers unconsciously traced a warm jade pendant at his waist—a private gift his mother had secretly slipped him, worth a thousand taels. At the very least, he could pawn it for silver if needed.

Nie Zhiyao had brought six servants out of the Nie household. Among them, A Mi was his personal page who had grown up alongside him, quick and capable. At that moment, A Mi brought over a cup of hot tea, speaking softly: "Young master, have some hot tea to warm yourself."

Nie Zhiyao took it, cradling it in his hands. "Pour a cup for the young master's husband as well."

A Mi wasn't yet accustomed to having a new master. Only after Nie Zhiyao's reminder did he realize there was also a strikingly handsome new husband following behind them. He quickly poured a cup for Lezheng Qi as well. "Please have some tea, master."

"Thank you." Lezheng Qi's expression was indifferent.

Since their marriage, Lezheng Qi had been quiet and cold. Nie Zhiyao had been too busy arguing with his father to pay much attention, but now that they were settled, he finally had the chance to properly observe him.

He was a man with delicate features as fine as a woman's—thick brows and deep eyes. Like Meng Wan, his appearance was strikingly beautiful, but with his deep-set eyes and tall, slender frame, he possessed a kind of sickly, fragile beauty that made him different from Meng Wan.

Nie Zhiyao could sense that the other man was likewise studying him discreetly.

This realization made Nie Zhiyao uncomfortable, but he knew well that this was a mutually beneficial arrangement—he had no right to scrutinize the other man while forbidding him from doing the same.

"A Mi, you may leave." Nie Zhiyao dismissed the servants. He had matters to discuss with Lezheng Qi.

Lezheng Qi sat across from Nie Zhiyao without ceremony, taking a sip of the warm tea. "Does my husband have something to say to me?"

The address made Nie Zhiyao's heart clench, but he didn't argue. They were already married, their household registrations filed together—there was no point in being overly sensitive now.

"Since we're married, we're family. There are some things I want to tell you in advance." Nie Zhiyao's tone was no warmer than Lezheng Qi's. In the dead of winter, both spoke with cold air on their breath—not like newlyweds, but more like sworn enemies.

Lezheng Qi: "Please, speak."

Nie Zhiyao said bluntly: "Your salary can't support me. I'll do some business of my own to supplement our household income."

This wasn't a negotiation—it was a notice. Lezheng Qi ate his food and lived under his roof; he had no right to object to Nie Zhiyao going out to conduct business. With no in-laws above them and his natal family having separated, Nie Zhiyao was quite free.

"Then I'll leave it to you, husband." Lezheng Qi had no objection to that plan. Nie Zhiyao could do whatever he pleased, as long as it didn't interfere with his own affairs.

After that, although the two were husbands in name and lived under the same roof, they rarely saw each other. Lezheng Qi left early and returned late, working his shift at the yamen. When he came back, he'd either dive straight into his study or go out to drink at taverns, returning only in the middle of the night.

Nie Zhiyao relished the peace and quiet, not even bothering to ask a single question. He had plenty of time to plan his future. The waters in Shengjing ran too deep; with no connections and his status tying his hands, diving in headfirst wouldn't be easy. It was better to focus on developing the Qingxiao Pavilion in Changping Prefecture.

Although writing back and forth with Meng Wan was a hassle, the advice he gave always hit the mark. Nie Zhiyao figured that even though he'd had a falling out with his father, he might as well make use of the Nie family's connections in Shengjing. Pushing Qingxiao Pavilion's storybooks to the major bookshops there would still earn him a tidy profit.

Nie Zhiyao took the initiative to knock on the door of the adjacent room and sought out Lezheng Qi. "When is your next day off?"

Lezheng Qi slouched against the doorframe, talking to him lazily, his eyes drooping as he shot Nie Zhiyao a sidelong glance. Faint red veins were visible on his thin, wide eyelids. "Hm?"

Nie Zhiyao hated his lifeless, half-dead attitude and spoke faster. "Tomorrow is my father's birthday. You're coming back with me to celebrate it."

The two had already gotten quite "chummy"—perfectly cooperative in public, strangers in private. But to be fair, Lezheng Qi was still fairly accommodating.

"Sure." Lezheng Qi agreed readily. "Should I prepare a birthday gift for my father-in-law?"

"That's not your concern; I'll handle it." Nie Zhiyao didn't want to owe anyone favors. The profits from Changping had come in a few days ago, so he handed Lezheng Qi a money pouch. "Your official pay is thin; keep this for spending money."

Lezheng Qi raised an eyebrow. As he took the pouch, his fingers slid down and inadvertently brushed against his husband's pampered, soft palm. "You're so good to me, husband. How can I ever repay you?"

The guard hiding in the shadows silently turned away. The next moment, with a "smack," the back of Lezheng Qi's hand turned red. Nie Zhiyao was too proud to take back the money he'd already given, otherwise he'd not only slap him but also yank the pouch back.

The next day, the couple arrived together. On such a joyous occasion, the Nie family didn't want to make a scene. Although Master Nie treated them coolly, he still had the steward invite them in.

Nie Zhiyao's mother had given birth to three children—the first two were daughters, and the third was Nie Zhiyao, a xiaoge worth even less than a daughter.

The head wife had no legitimate son, but a concubine had given Master Nie a son. The concubine's son ranked third, and besides this son, Concubine Lu had also given birth to a xiaoge, three years younger than Nie Zhiyao, who was currently in the middle of marriage negotiations.

Concubine Lu and her children enjoyed great prominence in the Nie household. On such an important day, she was bustling about the front hall entertaining guests. When she saw Nie Zhiyao and Lezheng Qi enter, a faint trace of contempt flickered in her eyes, but her words were warm as she greeted them: "Oh, it's Yao Geer and the new son-in-law! Please, come in. The master was just talking about you."

Having already left the Nie family, Nie Zhiyao skipped even the usual pleasantries and gave a perfunctory reply. Lezheng Qi followed suit, and the couple made it clear they didn't take Concubine Lu seriously, embarrassing her greatly in front of the guests.

Concubine Lu was quite cunning. Given that Master Nie only cared about heirs and paid no attention to the schemes of the inner chambers, she had managed to keep her son in her own courtyard and wrest control of the household from the head wife without raising suspicion—proof of her skill.

Even when Nie Zhiyao showed her little respect, she didn't let it show on her face. Instead, she spoke up for him, urging Master Nie not to be angry with the child.

She was like that, but her youngest son wasn't. Every time he saw Nie Zhiyao disrespect his mother, Nie Zhihuan's dislike for his fourth brother Nie Zhiyao grew.

His reckless nature had often become a weapon for Nie Zhiyao to counter Concubine Lu, and it never failed.

But this time, it backfired...

"Fourth brother, why do you look so unwell? Are you feeling sick? Your old courtyard was converted into a storeroom by father. Why not rest in my courtyard for a while?"

Nie Zhiyao realized something was wrong halfway through the banquet. Nie Zhihuan's fake concern, clearly hoping to see him make a fool of himself, was poorly disguised. He hadn't learned half of his mother's cunning, but he'd picked up plenty of petty tricks.

Nie Zhiyao suppressed the rising heat of anger within him, staring at the dishes and utensils before him, finally fixing his gaze on the white porcelain wine cup. At such a formal banquet, with everyone seated at the same table, he hadn't expected Nie Zhihuan to be so bold.

He had come this time to win over several wives and husbands from families in the book business. Leaving in the middle of a conversation would be rude, but Nie Zhiyao had no other choice.

Apologizing and excusing himself from the table, Nie Zhiyao didn't get far before Nie Zhihuan had someone drag A Mi away and "helped" Nie Zhiyao toward his old courtyard.

Nie Zhihuan knew it wouldn't be good if such a thing were discovered in his own room—he was in the middle of marriage negotiations and couldn't afford a scandal. The best outcome would be for Nie Zhiyao to swallow his bitterness and say nothing.

But he wasn't as thorough as his mother. Even though the head wife claimed illness and stayed away, Nie Zhiyao's two older sisters weren't blind. The eldest daughter noticed their suspicious departure and quickly ordered her servant to go to the front hall to find Lezheng Qi, leaving her younger sister to hold down the fort while she rose and followed.