Days flowed past like water. You Jian Tavern seemed unchanged, except for the addition of an imposingly majestic large white goose in the back courtyard, and the increasingly frequent visits from Pingnan Prince’s Heir Wei Feng.

To his regret, he never again had the chance to enter the back courtyard. Even when he used an upset stomach as an excuse, the tavern staff ruthlessly refused him.

Even so, it still couldn’t dampen his enthusiasm for coming to the tavern.

Not only were the food and wine here delicious, but there was also someone he found unforgettable.

Unforgettable, yet difficult to speak of.

Wei Feng felt there was something wrong with himself.

That day he had looked carefully—it was clearly a young man. No matter how beautiful, he was not a girl. Yet he just couldn’t forget the sight of that youth lifting his head, smiling with parted lips as he faced the sunlight.

He seemed to have fallen for someone, but that person was a boy.

Wei Feng was deeply troubled, and increasingly resentful toward Wei Qiang.

If he weren’t the Pingnan Prince’s Heir, but merely the carefree and distinguished Second Young Master of Pingnan Prince’s Manor, what would it matter if he liked men?

The fact that male companion houses could exist openly already proved that many people had such inclinations.

Or if he were already the Pingnan Prince with a princess consort, who could dictate to him?

But he was precisely the heir apparent. If rumors spread about his preference for men, he wouldn’t be able to get past his parents first.

Wine entered his sorrowful heart, making him even more melancholy.

Wei Feng gripped his wine cup with a cold laugh.

At first, even drinking a cup of wine required listening to those servants’ nagging, until that day when he ordered a table full of food and wine for those few people, finally giving his ears some peace.

The private room was suddenly pushed open. Wei Wen entered with a frost-covered face: “Second Brother, you really are here!”

Wei Feng held his wine cup, glancing at her sideways: “What are you here for?”

Ever since that time when they had torn their relationship apart in an argument, a rift had formed between the siblings. Their former intimacy seemed impossible to recover.

“You’re actually drinking! Didn’t Mother Consort say you weren’t allowed to drink and cause trouble outside?” Catching sight of the wine cup in Wei Feng’s hand, Wei Wen’s expression grew even colder.

Wei Feng defiantly tilted his head back and drained the remaining wine in one gulp, sneering: “I’ve already come of age. Must I let my little sister control whether I drink?”

Wei Wen took a quiet breath, calming herself: “Second Brother, you clearly know this is Mother Consort’s wish—”

Wei Feng let out a laugh: “Then by all means, go tell Mother Consort.”

“You—” Wei Wen choked with anger.

With Second Brother in such a disgraceful state, how could she dare let Mother Consort know?

Ever since that day when Second Brother defied Mother Consort, Mother Consort’s health had deteriorated further. If something happened to Mother Consort, and Father Prince became anxious and something happened to him as well, Pingnan Prince’s Manor would be finished.

Wei Wen didn’t dare imagine the situation of such a brother inheriting Pingnan Prince’s Manor.

Steadying her emotions, Wei Wen said coolly: “Second Brother, Mother Consort is looking for you. Come back to the manor with me.”

Wei Feng casually set his wine cup on the table: “Let’s go then.”

The siblings returned to Pingnan Prince’s Manor in silence all the way.

Only then did Wei Wen say: “Second Brother, you should wash up first before going to see Mother Consort.”

Wei Feng scoffed: “Fine, little sister is so thoughtful.”

Wei Wen bit her lip, trembling with anger.

Second Brother used to dote on her so much—when had he ever spoken to her this way?

Why had things become like this? Was it just because Second Brother caused trouble for Eldest Brother and was upset about being scolded by Mother Consort?

But Second Brother was in the wrong to begin with.

Eldest Brother walked on thin ice in the palace. If Second Brother couldn’t help, that was one thing, but to actually create obstacles—wasn’t Mother Consort right to give him a few reprimands?

Wei Wen couldn’t understand, and thus grew increasingly dissatisfied with Wei Feng.

Wei Feng rinsed his mouth and washed his face before going to see the Pingnan Princess Consort.

“Where did you go?” The Pingnan Princess Consort sat upright on the couch, asking neither warmly nor coldly.

“I sat for a while at You Jian Tavern.”

Wei Feng hadn’t wanted to say, but thinking he couldn’t hide it anyway, he simply admitted it.

Hearing Wei Feng say this, the Pingnan Princess Consort’s mood eased slightly.

This troublesome child hadn’t reached the point of being beyond redemption—at least he wasn’t lying.

Of course she knew that her son had been frequenting You Jian Tavern these days.

“I told you not to drink outside and cause trouble anymore.”

Wei Feng’s gaze turned cold: “Is even eating not allowed? Mother Consort, I’m about to turn twenty-one. I’ve long been an adult.”

“An adult?” The Pingnan Princess Consort took the opportunity to redirect the conversation, saying coolly: “A man who hasn’t established a family and career cannot be called an adult.”

Wei Feng’s heart jumped.

What did Mother Consort mean by this?

The Pingnan Princess Consort sipped her tea, giving Wei Feng a meaningful look: “Tomorrow I’m going to Dafu Temple to pray for blessings for your father prince. You’ll accompany me.”

Wei Feng’s instincts told him something was wrong.

Dafu Temple was a temple frequented by prominent families in the capital. In the past, Mother Consort would have Wei Wen accompany her to offer incense. Why did she suddenly want him to go this time?

“Your son has matters to attend to tomorrow. Why doesn’t Mother Consort let little sister accompany you instead?”

The Pingnan Princess Consort’s face darkened: “I’m asking you to accompany me to offer incense, and you’re unwilling?”

Wei Feng tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Of course he was unwilling. Wouldn’t it be better to spend that time sitting in the teahouse diagonally across from You Jian Tavern?

Perhaps he might even encounter that youth.

He had made inquiries—that youth had a very pleasant name: Fuxue.

Mountains bearing snow, bright candles illuminating the south.

That such a simple-minded person as Miss Luo could give her male companion such an elegant name was quite remarkable.

Seeing Wei Feng’s very reluctant appearance, the Pingnan Princess Consort thought for a moment and decided to speak plainly: “Tomorrow the wife of Court of Imperial Stud Director Wang will bring her granddaughter.”

Wei Feng was startled: “Why does Mother Consort mention this?”

The Pingnan Princess Consort said coolly: “You’re not young anymore. It’s time to settle down. Although Director Wang’s family background is ordinary, the prince’s manor doesn’t need a daughter-in-law’s birth status to add glory now. Good character is most important. These past days I’ve made careful inquiries. The Wang family’s eldest daughter is a young lady of outstanding virtue. Tomorrow I’ll take you to have a look. If you’re satisfied, we’ll settle your marriage.”

With their son in this state, if they married him to a daughter-in-law from a high-ranking family with a proud temperament, discord would only make things worse. Better to choose a gentle, kind-hearted woman to settle his heart.

Although Miss Wang’s birth wasn’t high and she lived under her stepmother’s hand, she was fairly satisfied with her.

Having been tormented by a stepmother, a little kindness could warm the girl’s heart. In the future, she would wholeheartedly respect her as mother-in-law and be considerate toward Feng’er.

Wei Feng’s expression changed dramatically, and he blurted out: “I’m unwilling!”

The Pingnan Princess Consort was stunned by Wei Feng’s intense reaction, frowning as she stared at him: “Why? Do you think the Wang family’s status is too low?”

“No.”

“Then have you met Miss Wang and are dissatisfied with her appearance?”

“I haven’t met her.”

The Pingnan Princess Consort’s tone grew stern: “Then explain why you’re unwilling.”

A twenty-year-old who still hadn’t taken a chambermaid—how could he be so resistant to marriage?

Normally, upon hearing such things, shouldn’t one be shy or expectant?

Under the Pingnan Princess Consort’s gaze, Wei Feng couldn’t find a suitable reason for the moment and could only say: “I don’t want to marry so early.”

The Pingnan Princess Consort pressed her lips together, staring intently at her son.

Did he not want to marry, or did he have some unsuitable sweetheart?

Thinking of how Wei Feng had been frequenting You Jian Tavern these days, the Pingnan Princess Consort’s heart sank.