Jiang Changyang remained silent, allowing Xiao Ba to clutch his robe while standing firm. He merely gazed calmly at Xiao Yuexi. Though he didn’t speak, his attitude was clear: with him present, Xiao Yuexi wouldn’t be able to act rashly.
Xiao Yuexi reluctantly withdrew his gaze. All his plans had been disrupted, and all previous preparations had gone to waste. At this point, regardless of the truth, there was no possibility of a future between Xiao Xuexi and Jiang Changyang. Yet, to swallow this anger and let the mouse-like Jiang Changyi benefit was something neither he nor Xiao Xuexi could accept. But what could be done? It was a thorny situation.
Xiao Yuexi struggled in this painful cycle for a long time, until one of Xiao Xuexi’s attendants emerged from Cangchun Grotto and softly said, “The young miss has regained consciousness.” Only then did Xiao Yuexi glance at the Jiang brothers before turning to enter.
Xiao Xuexi, wrapped in a fur cloak, sat dazed on the cold stone bench, her eyes lifeless and unfocused. She couldn’t understand how such a terrible thing could happen to her; it shouldn’t have. Even if it was a misfortune, why did it have to be Jiang Changyi and not Jiang Changyang? And to be seen by Jiang Changyang… She wanted to die.
Xiao Yuexi felt a pang in his heart. He stepped forward and gently pressed her shoulder, sighing. Xiao Xuexi suddenly recoiled, shrieking, “That wine was drugged! You…” Xiao Yuexi broke out in a cold sweat and quickly covered her mouth, whispering, “My lady, please keep your voice down. Everyone is outside.”
Xiao Xuexi frantically clawed at his hand, struggling violently, her face and eyes full of tears. Xiao Yuexi, feeling awful, endured the sharp pain in his hand, allowing Xiao Xuexi to vent. After a long while, Xiao Xuexi lost her strength and went limp. He still didn’t dare remove his hand, only whispering, “Xuexi, what’s done is done. Your grief and anger won’t change anything now. Rest assured, once we find out who’s behind this, I’ll immediately avenge you. Now, I’m going to remove my hand. Don’t shout.”
Xiao Xuexi cried until she could barely breathe, convulsing for a moment before finally calming down. She sobbed quietly, cursing, “Who harmed me? Wasn’t it you?” If he hadn’t drugged the wine and then failed to protect her, causing her to drink it by mistake, how could she have ended up in this situation? Overcome with grief, Xiao Xuexi reached out to strangle Xiao Yuexi: “You ruined me, brother, you ruined me. You must make amends, you must! I won’t accept this… Brother, I won’t accept this…”
Xiao Yuexi, unable to express his anguish, could only firmly restrain Xiao Xuexi’s hands while trying to comfort her softly. He knew better than anyone that his intended effect was to be natural and clean-cut. How could he have used such a low-grade drug? One that could be easily detected and ruin his reputation?
The original plan for today was to plant seeds of doubt—getting Mudan drunk, using Lü Fang’s tendency to become clingy when intoxicated to create some unpleasantness for Jiang Changyang to witness, and then using that painting to make Mudan suspicious. The main event was still set for the Lantern Festival. After that day, it would be difficult for the two not to grow apart. Once doubt and misunderstanding took root, he could slowly employ his tactics, making it impossible even for the gods to bring them back together.
To protect Xiao Xuexi, he had arranged for her to avoid all inappropriate scenes, leaving him to handle them. Yet today, because of this pre-arranged withdrawal, Xiao Xuexi had fallen into someone else’s trap without drawing his attention. The wine meant for Mudan wasn’t drunk by her, and an unexpected low-grade drug appeared, which Xiao Xuexi ended up consuming. Then she was placed with Jiang Changyi in this roadside cave. Jiang Changyi insisted that Xiao Xuexi had invited him…
All these unexpected events had occurred, and while someone must be scheming behind the scenes, it also showed that their defenses weren’t secure enough. He had to blame himself. Xiao Yuexi felt a wave of irritation and said sternly, “Stop crying. Jiang Sanglang says you invited him here. Is this true?”
Xiao Xuexi cried hoarsely, “How could that be possible? He ruined me and dares to slander me? I want him dead, I want him dead!” How could Jiang Changyi be worthy of her?
Suddenly, a servant peeked in and whispered, “Duke Zhu has arrived.”
Duke Zhu had come? Why would Jiang Zhong suddenly appear here? It couldn’t be a coincidence. Xiao Yuexi abruptly stood up: “Do you know why he’s here?”
He felt as if a pair of eyes had been watching his every move, aligning with his plans, pushing him step by step into a corner, using despicable and vicious methods. But he didn’t know who his opponent was. It could be anyone with interests tied to the Jiang family, or someone hidden among his circle, pretending to be his friend but actually an enemy of the Xiao family, or perhaps someone who didn’t want to see Xiao Xuexi and Jiang Changyang together. Anything was possible. The more Xiao Yuexi thought about it, the more restless he became.
The servant shook his head: “I don’t know. The Jiang brothers don’t know yet. Young Master Si is trying to delay him now, wanting to know your intentions…”
To meet or not to meet? If they met, the situation between Xiao Xuexi and Jiang Changyi would reach the outcome desired by their opponent. If they didn’t meet, the Xiao family would have to approach the Jiang family later about this matter, and being on the woman’s side, they would be at a greater disadvantage. Xiao Yuexi went through another painful cycle of deliberation before finally making a difficult decision: “Invite him over.”
Xiao Xuexi said tearfully, “Brother, I don’t want this. I’d rather become a Daoist nun!”
Xiao Yuexi hardened his heart and said, “You rest well. I’m your brother, and I’ll fight for whatever I can on your behalf. Even if I can’t succeed, we still have Father.” With that, he strode out without looking back.
Jiang Changyi was still lying in the same spot. Jiang Changyang stood nearby, whispering with Mudan. Xiao Ba stood nervously less than three steps away from Jiang Changyang, warily watching those around him, ready to jump to Jiang Changyang’s side for protection at any moment. Xiao Yuexi coughed and said, “Your father has arrived.” He saw a hint of surprise on Jiang Changyang’s face, while Mudan looked uneasy. Jiang Changyi’s expression was unclear, but Xiao Ba’s face showed fear and panic. It was hard to read the situation.
Soon after, Duke Zhu Jiang Zhong, in his purple robe and jade belt, strode in with a stern face. He first saw Jiang Changyang, then noticed Mudan beside him, clearly dressed as a woman. Thinking of how his son had rushed to see this woman of unknown origin as soon as he left the palace, he felt displeased. Seeing Jiang Changyang’s indifferent expression, showing no respect for his father, angered him further. Before he could question Jiang Changyang, he spotted Jiang Changyi lying on the ground with the hostile Xiao family members standing nearby. Shocked, he asked Jiang Changyang, “What’s going on here?”
Jiang Changyang glanced at Xiao Yuexi without speaking, implying that if anyone should be questioned, it should be Xiao Yuexi, not him.
Xiao Yuexi didn’t bother to greet Jiang Zhong respectfully, instead saying coolly, “May I ask if the Duke rushed here after hearing about the fine deeds of your young master?”
Jiang Zhong didn’t know what his usually obedient and well-behaved son Jiang Changyi had done, but he sensed that this matter was not simple. He said, “I came here looking for my son Chengfeng, having heard he came this way. May I ask, Young Master Xiao, how has my third son offended you?”
What a coincidence. Xiao Yuexi sneered coldly, kicking Jiang Changyi hard, and said, “Offended? I want to kill this shameless, despicable person!”
Jiang Changyi endured the pain without crying out, only struggling to raise his head to look at Jiang Zhong: “Father, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have come to this banquet. I’ve ruined our family’s reputation and disappointed you.”
“You unfilial son, tell me, what disgraceful act have you committed?” Jiang Zhong’s heart sank as he stepped forward to pull Jiang Changyi up, preparing to slap him across the face without further ado. Jiang Changyi, having anticipated such treatment when the truth came out, didn’t struggle, only closing his eyes to brace himself. Jiang Changyang stepped forward, grabbed Jiang Zhong’s wrist, and said calmly, “It’s not too late to hit him after we get the full story.” Then he asked Jiang Changyi, “Don’t you have something to say? This might be your only chance.”
Hearing these words, Jiang Changyi sensed they had some hidden meaning as if Jiang Changyang was trying to help him. Logically, Jiang Changyang should hate him, but he seemed willing to help. How could he miss such an opportunity? He called to Xiao Ba, “Show that note to the Duke.”
Only then did Xiao Ba turn away, lifting several layers of his clothing to retrieve a piece of paper from a hidden pocket in his undergarments, which he handed to Jiang Zhong. Jiang Zhong frowned as he accepted it, seeing only a few words arranging a meeting with Jiang Changyi at this location. The handwriting was delicate, clearly that of a woman.
Jiang Changyi, his face full of shame, slowly explained, “I had drunk a bit too much and, fearing I might embarrass myself, came outside to sober up before returning. Suddenly, someone threw this paper wrapped around a pebble at my feet. I picked it up and recognized Miss Xiao’s handwriting. Remembering how kind she had been to me at the banquet, I boldly came here. She was indeed here and treated me very well. I lost my senses for a moment and couldn’t control myself. We…”
Xiao Yuexi couldn’t bear to listen anymore and interrupted sharply, “Was it signed? How do you know it’s her handwriting?”
Jiang Changyi hesitated for a long time before saying, “I had seen her poetry before, and earlier in the warm pavilion, I saw a painting. The impression was deep, so I recognized her writing.”
Hearing this from inside, Xiao Xuexi couldn’t help but stand up, leaning against the wall, and cried out, “You’re talking nonsense! When did I ever write you a note? How dare you? You drugged my wine and took advantage of me while I was unconscious, defiling my innocence…”
Jiang Changyi said painfully, “You’ve always been kind to me when we met before, and you were so nice to me earlier. Everyone saw it. You even called me Brother Jiang just now… I… Never mind… It’s all my fault.”
Xiao Yuexi’s face flushed red with anger. He glared fiercely at the servant beside him, who hurriedly went inside to try to persuade Xiao Xuexi. Her sobs quieted down, though she continued to cry softly.
Jiang Zhong’s mind raced through countless thoughts. At this point, the marriage alliance with the Xiao family must proceed; otherwise, they would become enemies. He gripped the note and said sternly to Xiao Yuexi, “If this unfilial son is at fault, I will surely have him pay with his life. However, since he’s pleading innocence, shouldn’t we first look at that painting? Then I can ensure he dies without any grievances.”