It's all ruined, who cares about the chastity arch

Zheng Chengyan's screams shook the entire dungeon, as if even the heavy dungeon door was shaking.

"From now on, there will be no more Second Master Zheng in the world, only the eunuch Zheng Gonggong."

Pei Chi'an said sarcastically, without a trace of warmth in his voice, "Eunuch Zheng, you don't need to rush to say bad things to me. Just enjoy the rest of your life in glory and wealth."

After he finished speaking, a barely perceptible coldness flashed in his eyes.

Zheng Chengyan dug his fingers into the wooden board, his bloodshot eye sockets were filled with blood. He used up the last of his strength to stare at Pei Chian. The pain finally swallowed him up, and his consciousness gradually blurred in the severe pain.

Pei Chi'an half-closed his eyes and only turned around and left this place full of blood and humiliation after seeing Zheng Chengyan lose consciousness.

Before leaving, he said calmly, "Leave the thing on him and make a snack for Xiaobai in the backyard."

Xiaobai is a pure white hound he carefully trained, with snow-white fur. He bought it from Lingnan five years ago. At that time, he also brought back a snow-white cat, but it was lost on the way and has not been found until now, which has become a small regret in his heart.

Returning to his room, Pei Chi'an took out a small medicine bottle from the carved drawer.

Every time before entering the palace to serve Concubine Pei, he would take a special pill.

He had an indescribable respect for his nominal aunt, but at the same time, he was well aware that she was too old to control the overall situation, while he was in his prime with a bright future. Hidden beneath this respect was his reluctance and calculation about his own fate.

The pills were his secret weapon to help him pretend to be affectionate. Without them, how could he maintain his superficial filial piety and loyalty? He sneered and put the bottle of medicine into his arms. It was late at night and everything was silent. Zheng Chengyan's broken body was quietly abandoned in the dark back alley of the Pei family.

It was not until dawn the next day that Zheng Chengyan was found by his anxiously searching brother Zheng Chengyuan.

Zheng Chengyuan was extremely anxious and spent all his money to invite a doctor with mediocre medical skills to treat him.

For three days and three nights, Zheng Chengyan was trapped in chaos and pain. Dreams and reality were intertwined, repeatedly tormenting the same person - Su Wanyu.

The dream was too real, causing his soul to suffer in his sleep, until a blinding light pierced through the darkness and pulled him back to reality from the abyss of nightmare.

"Second brother, you're awake."

Zheng Chengyuan's voice was gentle and worried. He handed him a handkerchief and gently wiped the cold sweat off his face.

Zheng Chengyan's face was still cold, his mind was full of chaotic and horrifying dreams. He was confused about the source of these dreams, and he couldn't believe that he would become such a cruel character.

"I..." Zheng Chengyan took the handkerchief, his voice hoarse and unintelligible due to the long silence.

Zheng Chengyuan turned his head and spoke cautiously: "Second brother, the doctor said that you..."

Before he finished speaking, Zheng Chengyan's eyes had already dropped, his face as cold as ice, but his heart was unusually calm.

"Pei Chian..."

He clenched his teeth and uttered these three words word by word. In his bloodshot and empty eyes, there was only burning hatred.

At this time, Zheng Chengyuan straightened his back and spoke again: "Second brother, the imperial examination results are announced today."

Zheng Chengyan's body stiffened slightly, his eyes froze instantly, and he asked anxiously, "Who is at the top of the list?"

Worried that his brother would be disappointed, Zheng Chengyuan turned aside and said in a low voice, "The winner this time is the son of the Qi family."

Zheng Chengyan was not surprised by this: "The young master of the Qi family is very talented, and it is not surprising that he ranks first on the list."

Zheng Chengyuan added: "The cousin of the Luo family ranks second."

"Luo Wenxuan?"

Zheng Chengyan's expression became increasingly gloomy.

Zheng Chengyuan nodded, confirming his guess.

Zheng Chengyan said no more. He endured the pain and sat up, trying not to let the resentment and jealousy in his eyes show at all.

Zheng Chengyuan frowned and tried to persuade him to stay: "Second brother, don't you want to know your results?"

Zheng Chengyan showed a self-deprecating smile: "If I make the list, you will tell me excitedly at the first time, why bother asking again."

Zheng Chengyuan lowered his head in embarrassment, his voice full of regret: "If you fail this examination, you will lose the qualification to participate in the palace examination. You will have to wait three years to take the exam again."

Zheng Chengyan wanted to act relaxed, but his third brother's words touched the pain in his heart.

After a long while, he smiled bitterly: "Third brother, you forgot that we are already the descendants of criminals. Even if we pass the high school entrance examination, we cannot embark on a career in government."

Zheng Chengyuan understood it, but he still felt unwilling: "Second brother, are we really going to spend the rest of our lives in this dilapidated alley?"

Zheng Chengyan slowly raised his head and looked towards the mottled eaves. His pale face was marked with traces of time, and the severe pain in his waist made his legs tremble constantly.

The road ahead is also full of confusion and unknowns for him.

The second son of the Zheng family, who was once so glorious, has now become an insignificant figure. How can he talk about his future?

Outside the window, the continuous drizzle finally stopped, light water vapor rose in the dim alleys, and the whole world seemed to be wrapped in a layer of hazy fog.

In the afternoon, when the first ray of morning light passed through the azure sky, it brushed across the orderly roofs of the Su Mansion like a golden veil, and the dark red tiles glowed with a soft golden light in the sun.

Inside the house, Yun Yi pushed open the carved window lattice and announced happily to Su Wanyu inside: "Miss, the rain has stopped."

Qingru, who was standing by, lightly picked up a clean cloth and carefully wiped the small puddles of water that had accumulated by the window due to morning dew. A breeze blew by, bringing a little coolness. She occasionally looked up while moving, and the sunlight shone on her face through the gaps between the leaves, making her look particularly gentle.

When she turned around, she also gave Su Wanyu, who was sitting on the pearwood chair, a gentle smile and said softly, "Miss, Liu'er will come to your house today. She said she wants to give you a gift."

There was a hint of anticipation and joy in his words.

The enthronement ceremony prepared by the emperor and the eldest princess for Su Wanyu was the highlight of the end of the month. The entire mansion was filled with a busy and festive scene.

Liu'er was a smart woman who knew that the palace etiquette was complicated and it was not appropriate to go directly to the palace to celebrate, so she decided to go to the Su Mansion in person to express her congratulations.

The friendship between her and Su Wanyu was not diminished in the slightest because of their status.

In Su Wanyu's arms, Xiaotuan'er dozed off gently. She stepped into the courtyard lightly. The spring sunshine cast a layer of light golden light on her body. She told the maid beside her: "Siqi, ask the kitchen to prepare some cakes. Liu'er likes them."

His words reveal his detailed understanding of his friend's preferences.

Liu'er, once upon a time, was often hungry due to the pressure of life, and developed a special love for food. Even though she now lives a well-fed and well-clothed life in Su's Teahouse, she still prefers this place, especially the cakes made by Su Wanyu herself. The taste of home is unforgettable for her.

"Okay, miss."

Siqi nodded in agreement with a sweet smile on her face.