What happens to Ci? Does he return to Yanzhou? Does he marry? Etc.

I feel like he felt something for Xiaotao after Wei Liang’s death, be it pity or a crush.

I don't think it's a crush. I think it's guilt. He was the last person to see her lover alive. The burden of that must weigh heavy on him and he probably wanted to comfort her but didn't know how since he is just a kid.

After rewatching i feel the same