104. Scarlet Sister, long time no see.

September is a momentous month in Yizhou. Every year, the Ink Merchants’ Association holds its grand Ink Ceremony during this most favorable season for ink-making. Throughout Yizhou City, anyone involved in the ink trade—whether for livelihood or preserving a lineage—attends this grand event, hoping to shine briefly in the spotlight. Such exposure could catch the eye of a distinguished, well-established family, opening the door to a life of honor and prosperity.

Naturally, the Gu family participated as well. On the morning of the event, Gu Min led the Gu clan in a grand procession toward the Ink Merchants’ Association. Just as they reached the entrance, they spotted Gu Fei sitting in a wheelchair, her pale lips curving into a faint smile as she looked at him.

Gu Min’s steps faltered. He was uncertain of Gu Fei’s intentions. Cui Shi, having learned her lesson, straightened her back in the presence of her son, and the others fell silent.

“Fifth sister, what are you doing blocking the entrance first thing in the morning?” Gu Min asked with a smile, though the warmth never reached his eyes.

Gu Fei calmly smoothed the folds of her gown resting on her knees, then lifted her gaze. “Our Gu family is attending the Ink Ceremony as well. Naturally, I’m here waiting to join you, big brother, so I can see what it’s all about.”

A burst of laughter came from behind Gu Min. It was Gu Wanting, her eyes sharp with mockery as she glanced at Gu Fei. “Isn’t this just shamelessly clinging on, hoping to get into the ceremony? You’ve got some nerve. If it were me, I wouldn’t even have the face to stay in the mansion.”

The words immediately darkened the faces of Gu Min, Gu Zhong, and Cui Shi. Gu Zhong snapped coldly, “Shut up. If you don’t speak, no one will think you’re mute.”

Gu Min smiled faintly, his gaze appraising. “Fifth sister, you’re usually so broad-minded. You wouldn’t hold a grudge against your eldest sister, would you?”

Gu Fei smiled as well. She cast a sidelong glance at the disgruntled Gu Wanting, feeling a mix of emotions. When she first met Gu Wanting, proud and aloof, she never wasted words on anyone. Her restraint was impeccable—even when provoked by Gu Wanting or Gu Wanxiu, she endured silently. But now…

Gu Fei shook her head gently. “Big brother, rest assured. I’m very clear on my heart.”

Hearing this, Gu Min visibly relaxed. He reached out his hand. “Since fifth sister insists on attending the ceremony, then let’s go together.”

Gu Fei nodded. Gu Min was shrewd enough to know it would be unwise to offend her at this time.

Pushing her wheelchair, Ku Ma followed at a leisurely pace. Halfway there, Gu Min suddenly stopped and turned to walk alongside Gu Fei. “You look well, fifth sister. Have you found a way to counter the poison?”

Though he knew the question was abrupt and might yield no response, Gu Min chose to ask straight out, burdened by the torment that the poison had inflicted on Gu Fei day and night.

Gu Fei glanced at him sideways, a faint smile blooming on her pale lips. “Big brother, haven’t you sent people to watch the Qing Ink Institute? Do you not know whether your little sister has found Mr. Jiu yet?”

Gu Min laughed awkwardly, clearing his throat as if to weave his words carefully. “Actually, fifth sister, your return to the Gu family is a blessing. When I was away, my mother and Wanting, Wanxiu may have had misunderstandings with you. I apologize on their behalf. You are destined for great things, so I hope you won’t hold such things to heart.”

The smile on Gu Fei’s lips deepened into something darker, her eyes shadowed with cold fire. She thought: So this is their plan, resorting to coercion as a last resort, preparing to play the victim?

Yet Gu Min was still willing to smooth things over. Gu Fei was no fool; she wouldn’t tear apart the fragile facade so easily. “Big brother, you worry too much. I’m fine in every way—except for one flaw: my memory is terrible. I forget everything by the next day.”

Gu Min’s brow furrowed reflexively. He knew the poison’s cruelty well—each episode left one writhing in agony, and over time, it would sap the body’s strength. Gu Fei’s constitution was already frail, yet lately her complexion had grown rosy and healthy. It hardly looked like someone suffering from poisoning.

Knowing Gu Min wouldn’t believe her, Gu Fei didn’t bother explaining further. She had already managed to keep the poison at bay, deceiving Gu Min for now, hoping to leverage it when the time came. Whether he believed her or not was inconsequential.

Along the way, Gu Min wanted to say more, but seeing Gu Fei’s weary expression, he suppressed his thoughts.

The Ink Merchants’ Association was located at Pine and Cypress Manor on the east side of Yizhou City, not far from the East Market. The estate was surrounded by towering pines and cypresses, its grounds spacious and impeccably maintained. Usually, only members of the Ink Merchants’ Association frequented the manor, so even when the grand ceremony was held here, the entire ink community in Yizhou gathered without feeling cramped.

When the Gu family arrived, many horse-drawn carriages were already parked before the manor, and the grounds buzzed with activity. Gu Min, familiar with the layout, led his family straight through the gates, around the massive shadow screen, to find the location of the Xiao ink family.

Everyone had their designated spots within the manor, but Gu Min, eager to show the strength of his ties with the Xiao family, wasted no time finding Mo Yan.

Gu Fei shook her head silently, exchanging a meaningful look with Gu Zhong, whose expression remained impassive. Clearly, Gu Min’s decision had been discussed with him.

Gu Fei chose not to comment further. If even the Gu family couldn’t protect their own legacy and willingly sent it into the lion’s den, what could she do?

The Xiao family occupied the prime northern section of the manor. Seeing Gu Min approach, Mo Yan rose to greet him and ushered the Gu family closer with a smile. “Brother Gu and young nephew, come with me—I have a distinguished guest to introduce.”

Gu Zhong and Gu Min straightened their expressions. The arrival of someone from the Great Capital’s Mo family in Yizhou was well known, but they had not expected Mo Yan to make such introductions. Many in the Gu family were delighted.

Only Gu Fei frowned slightly. She cast a subtle glance at Ku Ma, who understood immediately. She adjusted her steps to fall behind the others, subtly shielding Gu Fei from view.

Standing tall and imposing, Mo Ge Yi’s features were noble and commanding. Clad in fine clothes, he stood with one hand behind his back, chin raised arrogantly, gazing down at the Gu family as they bowed to him.

His pride was justified.

The Gu ladies, including Gu Wanting—already betrothed to Mo Yuhua—all glanced covertly at him. The three sisters’ cheeks blossomed with a delicate flush, pink as peach blossoms, full of youthful warmth.

Gu Fei sneered quietly, lowering her head so Mo Ge Yi couldn’t see her, though she could see him clearly.

“So, you’re from the Gu family. Once October arrives, you’ll be one of us. No need for formalities,” Mo Ge Yi said, waving his hand dismissively. He accepted the Gu family’s bow with entitled ease but offered no return gesture.

Yet amid the gathered crowd at Pine and Cypress Manor, no one found his refusal rude. It seemed that Mo Ge Yi’s lack of reciprocation was precisely what conveyed the air of a noble scion. Many even envied the Gu family for being introduced to a son of the Great Capital’s Mo family by Mo Yan.

Mo Ge Yi paid no mind to others’ thoughts. His eyes gleamed with a swirling storm beneath a faint beauty mark on his face, lending him an air of uncanny intelligence. “I’ve heard Fifth Miss Gu’s ink-making skills are exceptional. Is she here today?”

A chill struck Gu Fei’s heart; a sharp gleam flashed in her eyes. Before she could respond, Gu Min at the front said, “She’s here, she’s here—fifth sister, come forward.”

The crowd parted obediently, clearing a path. At the short distance’s end stood Mo Ge Yi and Gu Fei face to face.

Gu Fei lifted her head, meeting Mo Ge Yi’s gaze without a trace of hesitation. Eyes narrowed, she returned his cold, detached smile with a matching sneer. “It’s been a long time.”

“Indeed,” Mo Ge Yi chuckled lightly. A vortex of tempestuous emotion churned in his eyes, as if eager to crush her utterly. “Fifth sister Fei, long time no see!”