The private room was rearranged with bowls and chopsticks, and the sound of silk and bamboo instruments filled the air once more.

Zheng Zhaokun introduced the guests. “This is Young Master Gu from the Yunyang Duke’s residence,” he said with a smile, pointing to Gu Yu. He then gestured to a plain-looking yet gentle young man in a blue robe across from Gu Yu. “This is the heir of the Yan’an Marquisate.” Finally, he pointed to the handsome man beside Gu Yu. “And this is the Jining Marquis.”

He Yu was taken aback. Although he knew that Dou Zhao’s fiancé was the Jining Marquis, his pride had kept his curiosity in check—he did not know Wei Tingyu. He never expected to meet him in such a setting! No wonder Ji Yong’s expression had seemed a bit unusual earlier.

He Yu discreetly glanced at the woman clinging to Wei Tingyu’s arm, almost draped over him, before shifting his gaze to Wang Qinghuai.

The civil officials and noble families belonged to two different circles, with only occasional interactions, often superficial. Even so, he had heard of the Yan’an Marquisate heir’s reputation for being generous and righteous. How did he end up entangled with Gu Yu?

He couldn’t help but look at Wang Qinghuai a bit longer. Zheng Zhaokun had already begun introducing Ji Yong and He Yu to Gu Yu and the others.

“This is the newly appointed top scholar, Ji Jianming, who is currently an editor at the Hanlin Academy. His uncle is my superior, Deputy Minister Ji,” he said with a teasing tone that felt friendly rather than offensive. “His father is the Left Minister of the Tongzheng Office, and the Governor of Huai’an, Lord Ji, is Ji Jianming’s ninth uncle.”

There were so many Lords Ji that they had to refer to them by their official titles. Wang Qinghuai’s eyes flickered. Huai’an was one of the sections involved in the canal dredging project. Although it had little to do with him and Gu Yu, if they wanted to get involved in the grain transport business or the textile industry in Jiangnan, they would inevitably have to deal with the grain transport general, making the Huai’an governor a necessary acquaintance.

Wang Qinghuai couldn’t help but admire Zheng Zhaokun’s perceptiveness. Zheng Zhaokun had no idea what Wang Qinghuai was thinking; he simply felt that since Gu Yu and the others were involved in the canal dredging, it would be beneficial to know a few officials related to the river works. His full attention was now on He Yu.

When he had clashed with He Yu earlier, Ji Yong had merely observed, indicating that this young man named “He” was fully capable of resolving such disputes. Families with the surname He in the capital were known for their good looks… He thought of the young master from the He family… The order of introductions was based on seniority and rank; logically, Ji Yong, being a top scholar and a Hanlin editor, should be far superior to the unaccomplished He Yu. Yet, the world often defied logic—those without much to their name were often the most sensitive to being looked down upon and were eager to compete for vanity. He Yu was not someone to offend!

Zheng Zhaokun feigned ignorance, smiling as he clasped his hands toward He Yu and said to Gu Yu and the others, “This is a friend of Lord Ji.” He then turned to He Yu, “May I ask how to address you?”

“I am He Yu,” He Yu replied with a calm smile. “I am a friend of Jianming.” He did not wish to say more.

Wang Qinghuai stood up to host them, his demeanor warm yet not excessive, easily endearing him to others.

Gu Yu, however, was different. While peeling peanuts to accompany the wine, he chuckled softly, whispering with the woman beside him, his behavior starkly contrasting with Wei Tingyu’s awkwardness.

He Yu frowned. Why was this Wei so petty? Even if he felt uncomfortable, he could at least play along and get through the situation; there was no need to be so awkward! What a pity for the Fourth Miss of the Dou family… Such a gem tarnished… A clever wife with a clumsy husband…

He contemplated whether to say a few words to Wei Tingyu to ease his embarrassment but saw Ji Yong raise his cup first to toast Wei Tingyu. “Jining Marquis, we are relatives!”

His words stunned everyone present.

“Miss Dou lost her mother at a young age and was raised by my aunt,” Ji Yong explained with a smile. “We have always been close, so you should call me ‘cousin’!”

Wei Tingyu was taken aback, quickly raising his cup and respectfully calling out, “Cousin.”

Ji Yong laughed heartily and downed his drink in one go.

Zheng Zhaokun and the others cheered, shouting praises like “Lord Ji is truly generous,” while several accompanying women rushed to refill Ji Yong’s cup.

Ji Yong gazed at Wei Tingyu with a smile. Wei Tingyu had already drunk quite a bit, but refusing to drink now would seem inappropriate. He gritted his teeth and downed his drink as well.

“Good!” Ji Yong clapped his hands, pointing at Wei Tingyu’s cup. “Fill it up! I’ll drink another with the Jining Marquis!”

The woman sitting next to Wei Tingyu poured him more wine, nearly sitting in his lap.

Wei Tingyu pushed her away and glanced at Wang Qinghuai.

Wang Qinghuai, aware that Wei Tingyu had already drunk enough for the day and fearing he might lose his composure, smiled and raised his cup. “This one is for me and Lord Ji!” He drank all the wine in his cup and added, “I toast to Lord Ji.”

The woman beside Ji Yong smiled flirtatiously, bringing her cup to Ji Yong’s lips.

Ji Yong ignored her, snatching his cup back and placing it on the table, covering it with his hand. He smiled at Wang Qinghuai, saying, “Let’s keep things separate—since this cup is for you, I’ll gladly accept, but it’s a different matter with the Jining Marquis.” After finishing his drink, he signaled Zheng Zhaokun, “Fill it up for me; this cup is for the Jining Marquis!” He kicked He Yu under the table as he spoke.

He Yu smiled.

He recalled how, when the Chen family came to see him, his brother-in-law had given him ten couplets to respond to, and only when he managed to answer them all smoothly did his expression improve.

It seemed Ji Yong was intent on getting Wei Tingyu drunk!

As the youngest in his family, married to the youngest daughter of the Chen family, he was usually on the receiving end of such drinking games. Rarely did he have the chance to get someone else drunk, so he immediately became interested and raised his cup to toast Wang Qinghuai. “Heir of the Yan’an Marquisate, I have long heard of your name, but this is our first meeting. I toast you a cup.” He drank it all before Wang Qinghuai could respond.

He then signaled the woman beside him, “Fill the heir’s cup!”

The woman giggled as she poured wine for Wang Qinghuai.

Wang Qinghuai had no choice but to engage.

He Yu then pulled Gu Yu into the mix.

One person against two was not a rough game; each cup of wine came with lengthy discussions about romance. Although it appeared they were drinking heavily and making a ruckus, it was nothing compared to Ji Yong and Wei Tingyu, who were downing cups one after another. In no time, seven or eight empty jars were already lined up beside them, and Wei Tingyu was drinking so much that his eyes glazed over, responding to everything Ji Yong asked.

He Yu then realized that Gu Yu and the others had taken on the canal dredging project, and the Ministry of Works was responsible for calculating the labor costs. The Ministry of Works would not dare to undercut their prices, so Wang Qinghuai had invited a few officials who usually helped with the calculations to drink with them, and those officials were eagerly complying…

He couldn’t help but sigh.

No wonder everyone said Wang Qinghuai was worth befriending; just this ability to treat talented individuals with respect was not something just anyone could achieve.

He Yu genuinely felt inclined to share a few drinks with Wang Qinghuai.

As the drinking slowed, the conversation grew more animated.

Gu Yu, feeling bored, noticed that Wei Tingyu was already lost in his cups, while the officials from the Ministry of Works were making fools of themselves, flirting with the women beside them, their clothes nearly coming off. He tossed an empty peanut shell onto the table and stood up. “Let’s call it a day! We can gather again another time.”

Wei Tingyu nodded foolishly.

Wang Qinghuai’s steward stepped in to accompany Zheng Zhaokun and the others in their continued revelry.

Gu Yu and the others exited the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

Ji Yong said, “Our family’s old master has come to the capital. I finally managed to slip out today; who knows when I’ll have the chance again?” He suggested, “Why don’t we go to Zhao Zhi Shu’s place to continue drinking?”

Zhao Zhi Shu was one of the few renowned courtesans in the capital, residing in Qianfo Temple Alley. Her three courtyards were meticulously arranged, and she had several beautiful apprentices living with her, hiring famous chefs to cook for her at home. Ordinary people could not enter.

He Yu, skilled in music and adept at writing lyrics, was regarded as a guest of honor by Zhao Zhi Shu. He had invited Ji Yong several times to listen to her sing, but Ji Yong had always declined with disinterest. This time, since He Yu took the initiative to mention it, Ji Yong naturally agreed enthusiastically.

Wang Qinghuai, wanting to get closer to Ji Yong, also smiled in agreement.

Gu Yu, who enjoyed lively gatherings and was of similar status, saw that Wang Qinghuai had agreed, so he naturally went along with it.

Ji Yong draped his arm around Wei Tingyu’s shoulder as they boarded the carriage.

The group headed to Qianfo Temple Alley.

Zhao Zhi Shu hurried out to greet them.

Wei Tingyu was instantly mesmerized.

Her slender and graceful figure, delicate skin, and picturesque features, combined with her poised smile, revealed a hint of alluring charm in her gaze.

He couldn’t help but lick his slightly dry lips and quietly asked Ji Yong, “Is he a man or a woman?”

Ji Yong rolled his eyes. “Have you ever seen a female courtesan?”

Wei Tingyu felt embarrassed but also relieved as he entered the residence with Ji Yong and the others.

The lush green trees framed the bright red lanterns, adding a touch of charm to the tranquil courtyard.

Zhao Zhi Shu hosted a banquet in the flower hall for He Yu and the others.

Meanwhile, in the courtyard of the Wei family’s residence, Wei Tingzhen was surrounded by bright lights.

Tomorrow was the annual Dharma assembly at the Great Xiangguo Temple, where the abbot would personally preach. Not only would the noblewomen who practiced Buddhism attend, but the wives of officials would also be present.

The maids and daughters-in-law in her room were preparing outfits for the outing.

Old Madam Jin looked at the scarlet embroidered garment in Wei Tingzhen’s hands and flattered, “This outfit is beautiful. Madam, you should wear this to the Great Xiangguo Temple tomorrow!”

Wei Tingzhen did not respond but asked the nearby Old Madam Lü, “What do you think?”

Old Madam Lü smiled. “I think it’s better to wear something simpler—since it’s midsummer, light colors like moon white or lake blue are excellent choices.”

Wei Tingzhen nodded in agreement and instructed the maid, “Let’s go with the moon-white silk garment with bamboo leaf patterns!”

The maid complied and left.

Old Madam Lü cast a triumphant glance at Old Madam Jin.

Old Madam Jin felt a surge of resentment.

Ever since that old hag claimed that the Fourth Miss of the Dou family had a hard fate, losing her mother at a young age and then her grandfather, Madam had begun to treat her differently.

Had she known this would happen, she should have been more ruthless and spoken ill of the Fourth Miss of the Dou family back then.

Now, it was too late for regrets.

Madam treated her with respect at every turn; if she were to argue with her now, wouldn’t that be self-defeating?

It seemed the only way to regain her standing would be at tomorrow’s Great Xiangguo Temple.

With these thoughts, her mood lightened somewhat.