He became an idler, adorned daily in the most lavish jewels and extravagant robes, parading through the vast city of Chang’an, as if determined to flaunt the immense wealth of the Jiang family, a fortune that rivaled nations. “Idle,” “good-for-nothing,” these were the words his father, the Jiang patriarch, most frequently used to reprimand him. But Jiang Peizhi let them in one ear and out the other, never paying them any mind.

He had no friends, nor did he desire any. As long as he had money, he had a surplus of fair-weather companions surrounding him. Jiang Peizhi didn’t want to waste his sincerity on anyone.

“Look at what you’re wearing! You look like a dyed rooster. You are the future head of the Jiang family! How can I entrust the family to you looking like this?”

Jiang Peizhi, with his legs crossed, reclined nonchalantly in a chair. He wore a purple inner robe beneath a green outer coat, an ensemble even a landlord's son would disdain. Unfazed by the judgment, he retorted, “Father, I think I look quite dashing. How many young lords in the capital can compare to your son's refined charm? If you’re so worried about the family business, why don't you have a few more sons while you can? I'm already a lost cause.”

With that, Jiang Peizhi turned away to play with his crickets, seemingly incorrigible in his carefree demeanor, no matter the scolding.

No one knew the reason behind his apparent apathy, only he understood the underlying circumstances. The Jiang family wasn’t as pristine as it appeared. His father had other children, but they had all died prematurely, leaving him as the sole heir. 

It wasn't so much that Jiang Peizhi was fortunate, but rather that he knew how to feign ignorance. His father was a notorious philanderer, and despite being married to Jiang Peizhi’s mother, he continued to take concubines. With so many people vying for favor, schemes for the Jiang family fortune were inevitable. From a young age, Jiang Peizhi witnessed the ugliness of human nature, the endless machinations and underhanded tactics employed within the grand household. He learned that survival depended on concealing one’s true abilities.

Jiang Peizhi gambled, drank, and caroused with friends, but he never indulged in romantic entanglements. His father served as a cautionary tale; Jiang Peizhi didn't want to follow in his footsteps, accumulating a harem of wives and concubines. He didn't even desire marriage or children, preferring a solitary life.

Until that day. While accompanying his father to the Grand Tutor Shen's residence, he inadvertently wandered into the rear garden. The moment he laid eyes on Shen Ruoyu, an impulsive urge seized him, and he snatched something from her hand. The consequence of his impulsive act was a sound thrashing. Jiang Peizhi hadn't expected such a spirited reaction from this seemingly tranquil young woman.

“This young master is Jiang Peizhi! You're quite the fighter. I’ll graciously condescend to be your follower. Consider it an honor.”

Shen Ruoyu ignored him, turning to leave. But Jiang Peizhi was not one to give up easily. He snuck into the Shen residence daily, using a dog hole, to seek her out. Initially, Shen Ruoyu remained aloof, but Jiang Peizhi's persistence and enthusiastic chatter eventually wore her down, and they became friends.

Jiang Peizhi shared everything with Shen Ruoyu. He was her protector, always the first to defend her. When he faced troubles, she offered solutions. During those years of companionship, he finally felt like something more than a walking corpse. He wished that life could continue in this way forever.

But happy times are fleeting. She soon became betrothed to the esteemed Minister Rong, a man of impeccable reputation and standing in the capital. Rong Yan surpassed him in every aspect: knowledge, appearance, and status. Jiang Peizhi knew he couldn't compete. Before Shen Ruoyu's wedding, he tirelessly used his personal funds to amass a magnificent dowry for her.

On her wedding day, seeing the mountain of gifts and the lengthy dowry list, Shen Ruoyu couldn't help but ask, "Jiang Peizhi, we're not related. Why are you so good to me?"

Some words remained unspoken. Jiang Peizhi paused, then said with a playful grin, "Who says we're not related? I'm your family. If you're ever bullied in the Rong household, come to me, and I'll defend you! And when you have children, you must invite me. I'm their uncle!"

"It's a promise. I'll come to celebrate then."

Despite his promise, Jiang Peizhi broke his word. He didn't attend Shen Ruoyu's wedding. As her self-proclaimed "family," he didn't even see her off. On her wedding day, he hid in the bamboo grove, drinking alone. His close friend, Zheng Ruyan, found him in his drunken state. 

"I see through your charade. I've been away for years, expecting to celebrate your and Ruoyu's union. I didn't realize you were so good at hiding your feelings, never confessing your love to her."

"No, don't be ridiculous. We're just friends. This young master doesn't like her."

After Shen Ruoyu's marriage, Jiang Peizhi had no reason to seek her out. He became the head of the family, traveling extensively for business, and didn't return to the capital for years.

Time truly changes a person. The former wastrel transformed into a shrewd and capable leader of the Jiang family. He occasionally wrote to Shen Ruoyu as a friend, brief letters containing simple greetings, but he never received a reply.

In his early twenties, when most of his peers were married with children, Jiang Peizhi remained alone. He heard news of her again through gossip. "Have you heard? That cursed Shen Xinghuai, Shen Ruoyu's brother, was abducted by the Crown Prince yesterday and somehow died!"

A sense of foreboding gripped him. Jiang Peizhi immediately set off for the capital. When he arrived at the Rong residence, an air of grief permeated the household.

"Shen Ruoyu, you fool! Why didn't you even have proper burial clothes? You said I should wait for your wedding celebration!" Learning that Shen Ruoyu had been buried in a simple straw mat, Jiang Peizhi rushed to her grave that night.

He clawed at the soil covering her grave, tears streaming down his face. His fingernails bled, but he didn't stop, clinging to a desperate hope that it was all a lie.

Only when the soil was cleared and he saw her body with his own eyes did he break down, sobbing uncontrollably. "Fool... fool... It's all my fault... I'm so sorry..."

Jiang Peizhi returned and arranged a proper burial for Shen Ruoyu. He stormed the Rong residence, weeping inconsolably, while Rong Yan stood by, silent and unresponsive, like a statue. Before leaving, Jiang Peizhi took all of Shen Ruoyu's belongings from the Rong residence, leaving nothing for Rong Yan. Throughout the ordeal, Rong Yan remained passively by, never uttering a word, never intervening.

In his short life of twenty-odd years, only the time spent with her in the capital had brought Jiang Peizhi true happiness. He wasn't entirely without guile, but in her presence, he could be his true self.

After returning to his estate in Chongzhou, Jiang Peizhi fell gravely ill, consumed by grief. Two years later, he passed away in Chongzhou.