An Jiu set down his teacup. “You claim I took your jade pendant. When? Where?”
“At the Wild Graveyard,” Hua Rongjian replied simply.
An Jiu was surprised by this easy admission. He paused, inwardly sneering. Thinking it wouldn’t be so easy to trick him, he said, “Why would I go to the Wild Graveyard in the middle of the night? You must have mistaken me for someone else.”
Hua Rongjian smiled. “If I can recognize your identity, I’m certain it was you I encountered that night.”
“Your attempt at deception is rather amateurish,” An Jiu commented coolly.
Hua Rongjian raised an eyebrow and took a step forward, but Yao Ye swiftly moved to block him.
“The maids of the Mei family are indeed unique,” Hua Rongjian retreated a few steps and cupped his hands in salute. “Pardon my intrusion. Until we meet again.”
Yao Ye’s face paled slightly; she had used all her strength in that moment of urgency.
“Wait,” An Jiu called out.
Hua Rongjian’s lips curled into a smile as he turned back. “Does Miss Mei have something else to discuss?”
“How would the Emperor feel if he knew the Hua family was so intent on investigating the Konghe clan?” An Jiu asked.
As soon as the words left his mouth, An Jiu realized he might have fallen into a trap. If Hua Rongjian had been certain that the Mei family was part of the Konghe clan, he wouldn’t have come to probe today.
Even so, An Jiu wasn’t particularly concerned. He didn’t understand court politics and didn’t care to involve himself. His current attitude was similar to Mo Sigui’s, acting on whims and personal preferences.
“I admire Miss Mei’s straightforwardness,” Hua Rongjian said with a smile. “Would you be interested in hearing a story?”
“Go on,” An Jiu replied.
“Bring more tea,” Hua Rongjian said casually as he sat back down.
Yao Ye was alarmed. These two were discussing matters of great importance as if they were merely joking. She wanted to intervene but hesitated, curious about what Hua Rongjian had to say.
Hua Rongjian accepted the tea Yao Ye brought and began, “Emperor Taizong woke from his drunken stupor at Chenqiao Bridge, donned in imperial robes. The army returned to the capital, Emperor Gong of Zhou abdicated, and the country’s name was changed to ‘Song.’ The era’s name became ‘Jianlong.’ All this happened within four days.”
This was the “Chenqiao Incident.”
An Jiu had heard a general account from Mei Yanran, knowing that this coup wasn’t as simple as it appeared on the surface. In reality, the Konghe army had eliminated many opponents in secret.
“No coup is ever bloodless,” Hua Rongjian continued, his manner still carefree despite the gravity of his words. “Without the Konghe army’s efforts, how could a dynastic change have been so easy?”
“Throughout history, those who help seize power are often discarded afterward,” Hua Rongjian went on. “Now, the Konghe army’s power is too great. The families occupying key military positions will surely face repression, possibly even face extermination.”
If the person listening to this speech had been the real Miss Mei or someone who valued their life, it would have had an effect. However, Hua Rongjian didn’t know that the person before him not only didn’t care about the Mei family but also didn’t value their own life.
“And then?” An Jiu listened as if it were merely a story.
Hua Rongjian, noting his reaction, was secretly alarmed. How could someone so young be so composed? He couldn’t tell if it was due to naivety or extreme calmness. Remembering the fleeting glance at the Wild Graveyard and his reasons for risking this visit today, he steeled himself.
“Do you know the motto of the Konghe army?” Hua Rongjian asked.
“I don’t,” An Jiu replied.
Hua Rongjian took a sip of tea to moisten his throat. “It’s ‘Loyalty, Righteousness, and Integrity.'”
These four seemingly light words caused An Jiu to pause briefly. He suddenly realized the fundamental difference between his past life and the present. Although both involved killing, he had been a fugitive before. Now, he was serving the country. Regardless, at least he no longer lived a life of being hunted by the entire world.
“Why are you telling me this?” An Jiu scoffed. “To make me abide by it?”
“Not at all. I mention this to tell you that the current Emperor is not worthy of such devotion,” Hua Rongjian’s words rang out clearly.
Yao Ye gasped, immediately interjecting, “Lord Hua, please mind your words! Don’t frighten our young mistress! The Hua family may have deep roots and dare to speak freely about anyone, but we’re just common folk. We can’t compare to you. Please, take your leave!”
Had it not been for these treasonous words, Yao Ye would never have spoken so rudely to the son of the Hua family.
In the Song Dynasty, there was some freedom of speech, but in any dynasty, words threatening imperial power were forbidden. The crime was clearly stated in the Song legal code.
“I’ve heard that the second young master of the Hua family was an incompetent playboy. It seems I was mistaken,” An Jiu leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You’re a madman.”
Yao Ye sighed inwardly. Hua Rongjian’s words and actions were outrageously unrestrained, seemingly insane yet not truly dangerous. Even if he said these things in front of the head of the Mei family, it wouldn’t matter. The Mei family was already under the Emperor’s suspicion; without concrete evidence, exposing the Hua family would bring them no benefit.
“Given all this… think it over carefully. Don’t join the Konghe army. How about marrying me instead?” Hua Rongjian finally revealed his true purpose after such a long detour. “With me, I guarantee you a life of wealth and honor.”
Yao Ye couldn’t believe it. To say all those treasonous words just for this – it was beyond what an ordinary playboy would do!
As expected of that guy, An Jiu thought. At first, he had wondered if he had emerged from his trial to find even this person he’d only met twice had changed his nature!
“Young Master Hua! Marriage is a serious matter, decided by parents and arranged by matchmakers!” Yao Ye said coldly. “Will you leave on your own, or shall I call someone to escort you out?”
Yao Ye had been shocked and worried, toyed with by his words. Even the most patient person would be angered, let alone someone with Yao Ye’s temperament.
Hua Rongjian glanced at her with displeasure, then said seriously to An Jiu, “If you agree, Miss, I can even tolerate such an ugly and ill-tempered maid.”
With An Jiu’s eyesight, he could see through the crystal curtain that Hua Rongjian was quite handsome.
Thinking of Mei Yanran’s wishes, An Jiu said, “Very well, I’ll wait for you to propose formally.”
Yao Ye was stunned. The situation was rapidly spiraling out of control!
“In that case, may I see your face, Miss?” Hua Rongjian explained, “It’s said that all the Mei family ladies are stunningly beautiful, but I should confirm before proposing.”
Yao Ye was nearly in despair. Today, no matter what she said, her mistress wouldn’t listen. But out of duty, she still had to try to stop this. “Miss! You can’t!”
“Why didn’t you make this request before saying all those things?” An Jiu said, losing interest. “Negotiating conditions and then trying to be picky? It’s too late, you fool! Let me tell you, since you’ve wasted my time, you must find a way to marry me.”
“Fool?!” Veins bulged on Hua Rongjian’s forehead as he strode forward, intending to charge in.
Yao Ye’s mind was in chaos, but she reacted quickly, grabbing him.
However, Hua Rongjian’s strength was unexpectedly great. He dragged Yao Ye along into the inner chamber! The crystal curtains rattled loudly as they were struck.