Rebirth Married The Control group Fulang Chapter 140 Part 3 (End)

    "So now that you’ve succeeded, congratulations on winning your beauty."  

    "If I’d accepted my aunt’s support, I wouldn’t have needed to copy texts for a living." Ji Zhexi met his gaze. "I could only disappoint my cousin’s affection."  

    Ruili pressed his lips together. Was this an explanation? He felt awkward, unable to muster a kind response. "Then I wish you success in the palace exams. My brother says the capital’s nobility adore young scholars, with your talents you might find an even better match."  

    Ji Zhexi exhaled faintly. Without arguing, he untied a red-threaded jade pendant from his waist and handed it over. "A small token of thanks for your kindness in Siyang."  

    Ruili didn’t take it, but Ji Zhexi pressed it into his palm. "Keep it if you like. If not, discard it. It’s nothing valuable."  

    With a nod, he turned and left.  

    The jade retained its previous owner’s warmth. Ruili stared at it, then at the retreating figure. Words lodged in his throat, unspoken.  

    Mid-month, Ruili returned to Siyang. Half a year away meant reunions with old friends, and discreet inquiries about the metropolitan exam results.  

    At night, he often examined the pendant, baffled that Ji Zhexi had gone out of his way to explain. Had he actually succeeded in winning him over?  

    Skeptical, he sent someone to verify Ji Zhexi’s story. Only after confirmation did he relax.  

    By June, exam results were still delayed, but Ruijin returned home on leave with Luo Yuxing.  

    During a family banquet, Ruijin pulled Ruili aside.  

    "Lecturing me again?"  

    Ruijin ignored the jab. "Remember what I said earlier this year?"  

    Ruili feigned ignorance.  

    Ruijin’s tone turned serious. "You’re our parents' favorite. Now that I’m settled, the only worry left is you. You can’t spend your life playing around."  

    Ruili tried to deflect. "I’m still young."  

    "Just hear me out. The decision is yours."  

    Ruili reluctantly listened.  

    "This year’s palace exam, the tanhua (third-ranked scholar) is from Siyang."  

    Ruili’s eyes widened. "Someone better than you?"  

    "A young, unmarried scholar from a humble background." Ruijin sipped tea, adding meaningfully, "With dignified looks."  

    Ruili scoffed. "A tanhua, unmarried, and from a poor family? The capital’s nobles must be fighting over him. Why would he settle for me? Don’t offend powerful families for my sake."  

    Ruijin chuckled. "I wouldn’t go that far without your consent. But I’ve met him before, we admired each other’s talents. Had it not been for his mourning period, we’d have taken the provincial exam together."  

    "Gold shines eventually. The special exam made up for lost time."  

    Ruili’s ears perked. "This tanhua, what’s his name?"  

    "Ji Zhexi."  

    Ruili nearly bit his tongue. Struggling to keep his expression neutral, he asked, "Does he know you’re playing matchmaker?"  

    "The truth is, years ago, I knew he fancied you. But circumstances separated us, and I lost touch. Before the exams, he detoured to Cangzhu to see you."  

    "Given his long-standing feelings, I thought I’d help. But he said he wouldn’t speak up without first achieving success."  

    Ruili coughed hard. That scheming Ji Zhexi! He knew my brother all along!  

    "Brother, you said he’s liked me for years? Since when? I don’t recall ever meeting him."  

    Ruijin mused, "Long ago." Noticing Ruili’s interest, he added, "If you’re curious, ask him yourself."  

    "Great! What a wonderful match! I’m thrilled!" Ruili grinned through clenched teeth. "Tell Ji Zhexi to come back to Siyang immediately. I’d love to meet him."  

    Ruijin blinked. "Weren’t you against this earlier?"  

    "I didn’t want to presume. But if his feelings are genuine, how can I refuse?"  

    Pleased, Ruijin nodded. "Excellent."  

    In July, Ji Zhexi returned to Siyang, drawing crowds. Ruijin, as his old friend, welcomed him at the city gate and whisked him home, disappointing many hopeful well-wishers.  

    Ruili tagged along. At the sight of that familiar face, he wordlessly turned and boarded the carriage.  

    Ruijin scolded, "Mind your manners!" Then turned to Ji Zhexi, he apologized, "Don’t mind him, he’s just shy."  

    Ji Zhexi glanced at Ruili’s retreating back, smiling slightly. Shy? More like plotting revenge.  

    At the Zhang residence, after formal greetings, Ji Zhexi finally cornered Ruili.  

    "Angry?"  

    Ruili rolled his eyes. "Who dares be angry at the tanhua?"  

    Ji Zhexi sighed. "Must we do this?"  

    "You made a fool of me! All that talk about coincidences, mocking me for seeking attention, accusing me of being shallow, who was the shallow one? I’ve never met someone so—"  

    Ji Zhexi cupped his face and kissed him silent.  

    Ruili froze, his cheeks burning. He turned away. "Brother said you’ve known about me for years. Really?"  

    "Yes."  

    "Since when?"  

    Ji Zhexi pulled him down to sit. "You probably don’t remember. You’ve always flirted carelessly, how would you know who I was?"  

    Ruili flushed. "Stop dodging. Explain."  

    "Years ago, your family bought the communal mountain near my village. I was gathering firewood when we crossed paths."  

    Ruili vaguely recalled wandering those hills but smirked. "So you were smitten at first sight."  

    "More like love at first sight."  

    "Admit it, you did stalk me down!"  

    Ji Zhexi shrugged. "Not entirely. I’d worked for your family long before. I frequented places you visited, but we never coincided - until fate intervened."  

    "Then why provoke me when we met?"  

    "With your temper, would sweet talk have worked?"  

    Ruili pouted. "You’re devious."  

    "For you, it’s worth the effort." Ji Zhexi stood suddenly, his expression serious. "I’ve laid myself bare. What about you?"  

    Ruili yanked a gold-threaded sachet from his waist and tossed it. "If others can do it, so can I."  

    Ji Zhexi caught it, tracing the embroidery. "The craftsmanship is lacking, but the thought counts."  

    Ruili beamed.  

    Mr. Ji, we have a lifetime ahead. Let’s see how you handle me.  

—End—