In the capital’s yamen, Xu Yan and Jiang Qu were whispering to each other with serious expressions when they suddenly spotted someone entering, finally letting out a sigh of relief.

“Your Majesty.”

Jiang Xuanjin nodded, his gaze falling on the person kneeling in front of the hall, frowning slightly.

“What happened?”

The man had seemed fine when he was taken away earlier, but now he was covered in blood.

Xu Yan helplessly explained, “He ran into something himself. If it weren’t for Lord Jiang pulling him back quickly, he might have knocked himself out.”

“He has quite the temper.” Jiang Xuanjin found a chair nearby and sat down, adjusting his robe as he asked, “Have you figured out his background?”

“Since he entered the yamen, he hasn’t said a word.”

With a deepening gaze, Jiang Xuanjin glanced at Chengxu beside him. The latter understood and stepped forward to search for the man.

The man, who had been motionless, immediately began to struggle when Chengxu touched him. However, the ropes binding his hands and feet were tight, and no matter how much he struggled, his pockets and the items in his arms were thoroughly searched.

A pile of miscellaneous items was laid out, and Chengxu picked up a nameplate, handing it to his master.

“Sun Qing?” Jiang Xuanjin examined the characters on the nameplate, feeling puzzled. Just as he was about to ask Xu Yan to investigate, Jiang Yan rushed in.

“Uncle!” He shouted as he ran in, but upon seeing others present, he quickly changed his words. “Your Majesty!”

Jiang Xuanjin looked at him. “What brings you here at this hour?”

Jiang Yan cupped his hands. “I come on the orders of the Grand Judge to bring the assassin who attempted to kill Your Majesty to the Grand Judge’s yamen for questioning.”

Xu Yan, standing nearby, was confused. “I haven’t even presented this case yet. How could the Grand Judge’s office come to take someone?”

“With such a commotion, it would be hard for the Grand Judge’s office not to know.” Looking at his uncle, Jiang Yan saw that he was unharmed and finally relaxed. He continued, “Lord Liu is quite worried about Your Majesty’s safety. It would be best for you to go with me.”

“No rush.” After a moment of thought, Jiang Xuanjin first asked him, “Do you recognize the person in front of the hall?”

Following his gaze, Jiang Yan frowned. “With his face covered in blood, who can tell what he looks like?”

“What about this?” He handed over the nameplate.

Jiang Yan took a look and said, “This name seems familiar.”

The man on the ground stiffened at the mention, trying hard to hide his face. However, Chengxu grabbed his chin and pulled out a cloth, quickly wiping away the blood from his face.

“Ah, I remember now.” Upon seeing his face, Jiang Yan exclaimed, “Isn’t this Lord Sun, the steward of the horse stable?”

“Steward of the horse stable?” Xu Yan stepped forward, frowning. “Are you sure, Lord Zuo?”

“Absolutely!” Jiang Yan nodded. “A few days ago, the Grand Judge’s office received five fine horses, and Lord Sun personally delivered them, so I’ve met him.”

Sun Qing’s face turned ugly as he glared at Jiang Yan, his eyes filled with resentment.

“No wonder he looks familiar.” Jiang Xuanjin’s expression darkened. “He’s a court official.”

If it were just some rogue from the rivers and lakes committing such acts of opening coffins and attempting to assassinate the emperor, it would be one thing. But this was a steward of the horse stable, a subordinate of the Grand Master with an annual salary of six hundred stones!

“Take him to the Grand Judge’s office.” Xu Yan shook his head. “This matter is beyond the jurisdiction of the capital’s yamen.”

Jiang Yan waved for the yamen runners behind him to take the man away. Jiang Xuanjin watched as Sun Qing was led out, then stood up to bid farewell to Xu Yan and the others.

“Uncle, did you have a conflict with this man?” Once in the carriage, Jiang Yan couldn’t help but ask.

Jiang Xuanjin nodded. “There’s been some bad blood.”

Sun Qing had mentioned it in the woods. Because he wanted to protect “that beast,” he intended to die with him.

That beast was already clear; Sun Qing’s greatest hatred was Danyang. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have risked execution to block the princess’s protective convoy in the street.

But how did this man know he was going to Bailong Temple today? A mere steward of the horse stable, how could he gather so many martial artists?

With these questions swirling in his mind, Jiang Xuanjin followed Jiang Yan into the Grand Master’s office.

After the previous incident in court, Liu Yunlie’s expression was somewhat strange when he saw him again. Today was no exception; since he entered, Liu Yunlie’s brows hadn’t relaxed.

“Your Majesty is usually cautious when going out; how did you fall into an ambush today?”

Jiang Xuanjin glanced at him. “Shouldn’t you first interrogate the person kneeling below?”

Liu Yunlie lowered his gaze, directing his attention to the man kneeling below, his tone unfriendly. “Who is kneeling here? What crime has he committed?”

The man, who had been struggling fiercely just moments ago, now seemed to have calmed down. Sun Qing lowered his head and answered honestly, “I am Sun Qing, steward of the horse stable. I was apprehended for the attempted assassination of Ziyang Jun.”

His tone was quite defiant as if he felt he had done nothing wrong.

Liu Yunlie slammed the table and scolded, “You’re simply audacious and lawless! Why don’t you explain the whole story?”

Looking reluctantly at Jiang Xuanjin beside him, Sun Qing said, “Ziyang Jun favors and protects Princess Danyang, which I cannot tolerate, so I intend to kill him. I thought it was foolproof, but I didn’t expect to fall into Your Majesty’s trap.”

Jiang Xuanjin raised his eyebrows. “My trap?”

“Your Majesty’s methods, I admire.” Sun Qing sneered. “First, you let out the news that you were going to Bailong Temple, luring us in, then you risked yourself to bait us into a trap, and finally, the city guards came in like a yellow bird, capturing us all in one net.”

“The only regret I have now is why I didn’t kill you in the chaos!”

“Impudent!” Liu Yunlie shouted angrily. “You dare to speak such arrogant words in front of me?”

Sun Qing sat there defiantly, looking fearless. “Since I’ve been caught, it’s all the same to me; what do I have to fear?”

Jiang Xuanjin listened calmly, not feeling the slightest anger, only asking, “Where did you hear that I was going to Bailong Temple?”

Sun Qing glanced at him with a strange expression. “You know in your heart; why ask me?”

“Your Majesty is asking; you should answer!” Liu Yunlie urged.

Sun Qing coldly snorted. “I heard it casually on the street.”

His attitude indicated he was unwilling to speak the truth, merely giving a vague excuse. Jiang Xuanjin turned to Liu Yunlie and asked, “Is the stick in your yamen meant to be kept as a family heirloom?”

Liu Yunlie frowned. “Is it to be used?”

“Is it not appropriate to speak nonsense in court?” Jiang Xuanjin shook his head. “There’s no need to be too harsh; twenty strikes should suffice to clear his throat.”

Sun Qing stiffened his neck, wearing a defiant expression.

However, the strikes came down hard, far more painful than he had imagined. By the tenth strike, his skin was split open, and he wailed, hurriedly shouting, “I confess, I confess!”

The strikes stopped, and he gasped for breath, his face covered in cold sweat. “I have many brothers under me, scattered throughout the capital. Today, the news of Your Majesty going to Bailong Temple was heard by someone in a teahouse near the Jiang residence.”

Jiang Xuanjin frowned. “You believed what was said in the teahouse?”

Sun Qing gritted his teeth. “At first, I didn’t believe it; I just had someone guard the entrance to the Jiang residence. I didn’t expect you to actually come out and head north; how could it be false?”

“Did you see what the person who spoke looked like?”

“Who cares about that?” He answered casually, but after pondering for a moment, Sun Qing felt something was off. “Wasn’t it you who leaked the news? Why are you asking like this?”

Jiang Xuanjin fell silent, his brows furrowing.

Liu Yunlie caught the key point, looking at him with slight surprise. “Could it be that someone intentionally leaked the news?”

The person beside him did not deny it, his dark eyes cold and eerie.

With a serious expression, Liu Yunlie said, “Your Majesty, even if you and I have different paths, I still must remind you that those around you should be guarded against.”

“Be careful with your words, Lord.” Jiang Xuanjin replied, displeased. “A gentleman should avoid words that sow discord.”

“Is this sowing discord?” Liu Yunlie sneered. “This is the truth.”

Sun Qing couldn’t extract anything useful from his mouth, and the person above him was truly annoying. Jiang Xuanjin, with a calm face, turned to Jiang Yan beside him. “You keep an eye on this.”

After saying that, he stood up and walked outside.

“Ziyang Jun!” Liu Yunlie couldn’t help but call after him. “You’re leaving without hearing the full interrogation?”

“I’m tired.”

With a wave of his sleeve, he left without looking back. Jiang Yan watched him go, cupping his hands toward Liu Yunlie. “I’ll listen for the Jun and report back to him later.”

The young master of the Jiang family was much easier to persuade than Ziyang Jun. Liu Yunlie thought for a moment and decided not to bother with the person who had walked far away, focusing instead on analyzing the case with the young master.

Moreover, he intentionally shared all his previous suspicions about Miss Bai Si with Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan, already worried, became even more anxious after hearing Liu Yunlie’s alarming words. When he returned home that evening, he rushed into Moju with a worried expression.

“Uncle!”

Chengxu tried to stop him, but he waved him off and rushed into the main room, looking up urgently. “I heard Lord Liu say…”

Before he could finish, he was choked by the scene before him.

Jiang Xuanjin was half-reclining on the bed, looking lazy, his clothes disheveled. Bai Zhujing was nestled beside him, her arms wrapped around his. Qingsi’s hair was loose, her posture charming. When he shouted, she looked over in surprise, her almond eyes filled with confusion.

Feeling his face flush, Jiang Yan turned around on the spot, covering his eyes with his hand.

“More and more unruly.” Jiang Xuanjin said coldly.

Feeling tense all over, Jiang Yan trembled as he said, “It’s an urgent matter; that’s why I barged in.”

“Is the sky falling or the earth sinking?” Jiang Xuanjin waved his robe and stood up, leading him outside. “If there’s something to discuss, let’s do it elsewhere; don’t disturb your aunt’s rest.”

Jiang Yan complied, following his steps, but as they were about to exit, he couldn’t help but glance back one last time.

Bai Zhujing was sitting on the bed, obediently hugging a pillow, her face full of confusion. Her expression was innocent, but at this moment, she resembled a seductive vixen.

Meeting Jiang Yan’s gaze, Li Huaiju felt quite bewildered.

She hadn’t held a grudge against Jiang Yan for the previous incident, which was quite magnanimous of her. He didn’t appreciate it, but why was he looking at her with such eyes?

Watching them head toward the side hall, Li Huaiju thought for a moment and quietly climbed out of the window, crouching low as she circled to the outside of the side hall’s wall.

“Speak.” Sitting down in a chair, Jiang Xuanjin opened his mouth.

Jiang Yan looked around, and seeing that Chengxu and Yufeng had both retreated, he felt relieved and said, “Uncle, regarding this assassination attempt, do you suspect Aunt?”

Li Huaiju was taken aback, her heart lifting.

Jiang Xuanjin asked, “Why would you suspect her?”

“You went to Bailong Temple for no reason. I heard from the doorman that Aunt went first today, and you followed after. Your usual movements have never been leaked; how could it be known that you both went to the same place?”

“It’s just a coincidence.”

“That’s too coincidental!” Jiang Yan frowned. “You shouldn’t be too biased toward Aunt.”

“She has no reason to harm me.” Jiang Xuanjin said calmly, “I believe in her.”

His calm and gentle tone carried a weight that resonated.

Huaiju raised an eyebrow, leaning against the wall as she slowly sat down, looking up at the evening glow in the sky.

Does he believe in her? This person truly… had an unshakeable confidence, not fearing that this fall would hurt her so badly she couldn’t get back up.

Jiang Yan was exasperated. “I’m not saying Aunt wants to harm you, but you should be more objective in your assessment. If she has suspicions, then she has suspicions. If you blindly protect her, what if you’re wrong?”

“If I’m wrong, then I’ll admit my mistake.” Jiang Xuanjin chuckled lightly.

Jiang Yan was stunned, both anxious and angry. “What mistake will you admit? If it’s a mistake, she should be the one to admit it! Uncle, you taught me before that one should reason first and then consider relationships. How come you can’t do that now?”

After pondering for a moment, Jiang Xuanjin said, “A person’s mindset inevitably changes with circumstances.”

In the past, he had been clear-minded and indifferent, believing that in the world, there were only right and wrong, without needing to distinguish between kinship and distance. He had once looked down on the people of the mortal world, thinking they were too easily biased and compromised, lacking in mental fortitude.

However, now he felt that aside from right and wrong, there was also something concerning Bai Zhujing.

This person acted without rules, making it difficult to judge her by right and wrong. For instance, regarding the Bailong Temple incident, should he suspect her? She had honestly told him that the news had leaked out, without a hint of malice; what was there to suspect?

Jiang Xuanjin shook his head, curling his lips into a smile. Noticing his nephew’s astonished gaze, he lowered his lips and said, “When you grow a bit more, you might understand a thing or two.”

“I’d rather never understand!” Jiang Yan said, somewhat petulantly. “I just know you’re acting like you’ve been bewitched by a fairy!”

Calmly listening, Jiang Xuanjin looked at him and kindly asked, “Shouldn’t you reconsider your engagement with the second Miss Bai?”

His face stiffened, and Jiang Yan’s lips twitched.

Wasn’t it agreed that they would find a way to cancel this engagement? Now that Miss Bai Si had entered Moju, why would he still marry Miss Bai Er?

“Right now, no one has mentioned it, and Father hasn’t thought of it yet.” Jiang Xuanjin pondered. “How about you ask your uncle to bring it up tomorrow?”

“… No need.” Taking a deep breath, Jiang Yan swallowed all the previous anger, holding back as he said, “I’m still young.”

“You’re young, but the second Miss Bai is not.” Jiang Xuanjin shook his head. “You can’t keep her waiting too long.”

Jiang Yan gritted his teeth in anger; this was a threat! It was a treat! But he still felt compelled to comply.

Between tolerating a suspicious but unconvicted aunt and marrying the second Miss Bai, he would choose the former!

Suppressing his anger, Jiang Yan lowered his head. “I know I was wrong… I was just worried about you, Uncle. If you’re unhappy, then I won’t say anything.”

Jiang Xuanjin nodded in satisfaction, standing up to “see him off” at the door.

The young master’s face was filled with worry and reluctance. As he was about to leave, he couldn’t help but pull on the door string and say, “The onlooker sees clearly; Uncle, think it over!”

“I know my affairs.” Jiang Xuanjin replied.

Jiang Yan looked at the door of Moju closing in front of him, standing there shivering for a while.

Lord Liu was still counting on him to awaken his uncle. Looking at his uncle now, it seemed even the old master’s words wouldn’t be of any use! The once wise and perceptive person had changed so much.

No, he had to find someone to help. If what Lord Liu said was true, then he really should be cautious of this aunt.

Turning around, Jiang Yan hurried to Jiang Chong’s courtyard.

The wall eavesdropping felt quite complex. Li Huaiju had shrunk back onto the bed in the main room before Jiang Xuanjin returned, staring at the patterns on the quilt in a daze.

Jiang Yan had sensed something was off, and with a wariness as heavy as Jiang Xuanjin’s, he didn’t even want to suspect her.

She could be suspected; it wouldn’t hurt to question her. She had prepared a series of lies to gain his trust.

However, it was unnecessary; she didn’t need to do anything. Jiang Xuanjin stood before her with unwavering confidence, even shielding her from others’ doubts.

Covering her eyes with her hand, Huaiju let out a low laugh.

The previous Ziyang Jun had always stood opposite her; whatever she said, he would refute. The atmosphere had been tense as if he wished for her to descend into the underworld sooner to restore integrity to the court.

But now…

The door was pushed open, and Jiang Xuanjin stepped in, returning to her side.

Huaiju tilted her head to look at him, reaching out to embrace him tightly.

Now, this person was protecting her with sincerity.

“Why did you take so long?” she smiled. “Did something happen?”

Jiang Xuanjin naturally raised his hand to support her suspended body, his expression calm as he replied, “Nothing happened. Yan’er just took office as the Grand Judge’s left supervisor, and there are many trivial matters to discuss.”

Such a fierce accusation had turned into trivial matters in his mouth.

Unable to help but tighten her fingers slightly, she buried her head in his embrace, gently rubbing against him.

“What’s wrong?” Noticing she seemed off, Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze. “You were fine just now; why are you suddenly unhappy?”

“I’m not unhappy!” she retorted stubbornly.

Jiang Xuanjin reached out, pinching her chin to look directly into her eyes. “Tell the truth.”

Her heart trembled slightly, and Li Huaiju steadied herself. With a playful smile, she pinched his chin back, teasingly saying, “A girl’s thoughts aren’t so easy to express; they’re too complicated! Instead of asking me why I’m unhappy, why not think of a way to make me happy?”

“How can I make you happy?” he frowned.

“This is simple; I’m happy just being with you.” Huaiju blinked. “Of course, if you bathe with me later, I’ll be even happier.”

Coughing lightly, Jiang Xuanjin thought he had misheard. “What?”

“Bathing!” Li Huaiju said nonchalantly, wiping her face. “The water in the bathing room is ready, and the tub is so big. There’s enough room for both of us.”

His ears turned red, and Jiang Xuanjin threw the quilt on the bed over her head, his tone slightly angry. “What kind of decorum is this?”

Innocently pulling the quilt down, Huaiju blinked. “No one can see; what decorum is needed?”

“No.” He refused without a second thought.

Such lewd acts were not something a Jiang family descendant could do! Embracing her every day was already breaking his rules; how could he share a bath?

Seeing his angry yet somewhat shy expression, Li Huaiju licked her lips, leaning in to kiss him, entangling with him. Their fingers intertwined.

Jiang Xuanjin stiffened, frowning as he tried to push her away, but she softly hummed like a little kitten, clinging to him persistently.

“Don’t come at me with this.” Amidst the entanglement, he gritted his teeth. “I won’t agree to anything!”

Kissing his ear, Huaiju chuckled softly, her tone seductive. “Just try it~”

“Don’t.”

“Do~”

“Be serious!”

They were already married; what was there to be serious about? Huaiju hopped off the bed, grabbed his hand, and pulled him toward the window.

“What are you doing?” Jiang Xuanjin asked in confusion.

Pushing open the window, she pulled him. “Quick, climb out.”

Climb out the window? Jiang Xuanjin frowned. “Why not use the door? Are you out of your mind?”

“Going out the front door every day is boring, don’t you think?”

“You’re alive every day, and you don’t find it boring?” Jiang Xuanjin said irritably. “Stop messing around!”

Huaiju pouted, seeing his stubbornness. With a quick movement, she lifted her skirt and climbed onto the windowsill.

“Hey!” Jiang Xuanjin reached out to pull her back, but she was quick. She leaped out and landed steadily on the path outside.

Jiang Xuanjin’s face darkened, his eyes filled with disdain as he looked at her.

“Are you going to say I have no decorum or manners again?” she muttered, turning to him. “You are…”

Before she could finish, she suddenly crouched down, crying out in pain as she clutched her ankle.

Jiang Xuanjin was about to scold her when he saw her movement, his expression tightening. Without thinking, he leaped out of the window, half kneeling in front of her. “Did you twist your ankle again?”

Gritting her teeth, Huaiju looked up at him, unable to hold back her triumph.

He fell for it.

Reaching out to pinch her ankle, which was perfectly fine, Jiang Xuanjin gritted his teeth. “Are you a habitual liar?”

“I’m not! It hurt a bit just now, but now that you’re here, it doesn’t hurt anymore!”

Nonsense! Jiang Xuanjin stood up, intending to leave.

“Hey!” Huaiju quickly grabbed him, pulling him in another direction. “Now that we’re out, don’t sulk; come with me!”

“…”

The bathing room was filled with mist, and the embroidered garments hung on the screen, with large red peonies pressing against the azure clouds.

Jiang Xuanjin sat in the bathing pool with a dark expression, watching the person swimming toward him.

“Stop.” He said in a low voice. “Didn’t you say you’d keep three feet away from me?”

Li Huaiju chuckled, wiping her face. “I’m not shy; why are you?”

Jiang Xuanjin gritted his teeth. “You should take the time to copy the Jiang family rules.”

“What’s the point of copying that? It’s not practical at all.” Huaiju pouted. “What ‘no lies, no lust,’ is simply extinguishing human desires. If you follow it strictly, you’ll be at a disadvantage.”

“Doing the right thing, how could it be a disadvantage… what are you doing?”

In the blink of an eye, she swam to his side, reaching out to playfully touch his shoulder.

Jiang Xuanjin was shocked. “Didn’t we agree to keep our distance?”

As she wrapped herself around him, Li Huaiju smiled meaningfully, trapping him in a corner of the bathing pool, whispering, “I told you you’d be at a disadvantage.”