Liu Chang looked at Jiang Changyi sympathetically.
In truth, Jiang Changyi had always been a relatively low-key person. Even when the Jiang family affair hadn’t yet come to light, when Madam Du was avoiding conflict, when Jiang Changyang had completely faded from the Zhu Duke’s mansion, and when Xiao Xuexi had just become pregnant—in short, when everything was still beautiful and full of hope—Jiang Changyi remained as humble and polite as ever. If there was any difference, it was just that his smile was a bit brighter and his clothes slightly more refined. But back then, he truly radiated vitality. And now?
As the saying goes, one’s appearance reflects one’s heart. A person’s spirit inevitably shines through, regardless of what they wear. It was the height of summer, and Jiang Changyi wore a light cyan gauze shirt. The fabric was fine, and the cut was well-fitted, yet he exuded an air of despair and decadence. Seeing him, Liu Chang was reminded of his state when he had been forced to marry Qinghua. Even when he wore the most luxurious attire, rode horses adorned with gold, jade, and brocade, and put on his most spirited appearance, he could still see sympathy and contempt in others’ eyes, especially.
Jiang Changyi keenly sensed Liu Chang’s appraisal. He shook out his sleeves, gracefully rose from the bed, and tidied his clothes and hair. Only when he was sure he looked presentable did he calmly ask, “Have they found you?”
Jiang Changyi wasn’t a fool; he had simply been born into the wrong circumstances. Liu Chang neither confirmed nor denied, saying, “Qinghua and I have divorced. I’ve brought good wine and food, hoping to find someone to drink with until we’re thoroughly drunk.”
This was indeed good news, though it wasn’t appropriate to congratulate someone on a divorce. Jiang Changyi was momentarily stunned, then smiled, “Why not seek out Pan Rong? I remember he was your best friend.” Despite his words, he washed his hands and followed Liu Chang outside.
The two sat down as host and guest. Liu Chang sent Qiushi and the others away, personally poured wine for Jiang Changyi, then poured himself a cup and drank it in one gulp. “There are some feelings and matters that can’t be shared with your best friend or parents and relatives, but can be told to a stranger.” After finishing his drink, he noticed Jiang Changyi staring at his untouched cup.
He’s afraid I might poison him, Liu Chang thought, amused. “Guess what? If I were to hand you over to your elder brother, do you think he’d prefer you dead or alive?”
Jiang Changyang had long known about what he had done. It wasn’t the Jiang family who refused to let him go, but the Du and Xiao families. Jiang Changyi swallowed the words that had come to his lips and said flatly, “I’ve never been able to guess my elder brother’s thoughts. However, I suspect you’ve come today to take my life.”
Liu Chang burst out laughing. “Old Jiang, you’re truly a waste.” He clapped Jiang Changyi’s shoulder hard. “Don’t worry, I’m a good person.”
Jiang Changyi remained silent. If Liu Chang was a good person, then there were no bad people in this world.
“Excellent! It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed drinking so freely.” Liu Chang poured and drank another cup before continuing, “Ask yourself honestly, regardless of what kind of person I am, haven’t I always treated you well? Otherwise, why would you come to me when you had nowhere else to go? It’s because you knew I was a good person, and there would be a place for you here. Isn’t that right?”
Jiang Changyi’s mouth twitched as he changed the subject: “How is my aunt?”
Liu Chang replied, “She’s dead. She hanged herself that night. The Jiang clan refused to let her be buried in the family cemetery. Jiang Dalang bought her a separate plot. His steward, along with your Snow Aunt and sister, handled the arrangements.” He paused, then added somewhat reluctantly, “Your sister-in-law had prayers said for her.”
Tears streamed down Jiang Changyi’s face. The reasons why the Jiang clan refused to let Aunt Xian be buried in the family cemetery were obvious: firstly, the Duke’s household had fallen from grace; secondly, Aunt Xian’s lowly origins; and lastly, because she had been implicated by him. Aunt Xian’s quick and clean death was to ensure he had no lingering concerns, hoping he would live on. Though she hadn’t raised him personally all these years, her whole heart and soul had been devoted to him.
From the worried glances she cast from afar when he was just beginning to understand things, to the genuine joy on her face when he grew up and vowed to give her a good life—these were unique in this world. Jiang Zhong had never given him such looks, let alone Madam Du. All because he was born a concubine’s son, inherently inferior in this world. Why had his aunt died while Madam Du lived on?
Liu Chang observed him silently, not offering any consolation, and continued drinking. When Jiang Changyi stopped crying, he asked, “Do you have any unfulfilled wishes?”
Since ancient times, who hasn’t faced death? Since ancient times, who hasn’t feared death? Jiang Changyi trembled slightly and smiled bitterly, “I want to see my father one last time.” He didn’t ask who wanted him dead. He knew that if Liu Chang truly wanted him dead, he was powerless to resist at this moment. So it was better to be compliant; perhaps in death, he could be buried alongside Aunt Xian.
Liu Chang frowned slightly, looking quite unwilling.
Seeing his expression, Jiang Changyi sighed inwardly, realizing it was probably impossible. Regretting that he couldn’t reveal certain truths to Jiang Zhong in person, he said, “If it’s truly inconvenient, seeing my sister Yunqing would be fine too. She’s a good girl and won’t say anything.”
Liu Chang replied irritably, “How can I meet an unmarried young lady? If your elder brother and sister-in-law found out, it would cause another inexplicable scandal.”
This won’t do, that won’t do—what exactly did he want? Jiang Changyi fell silent.
Liu Chang said, “I heard from Changshou that you’ve been writing something these past few days?”
Jiang Changyi answered carefully, “Yes, to be honest, I’ve handled a few matters for the Xiao family before. I’ve always had an excellent memory. You’ve sheltered me, and I have no way to repay you, so I thought I’d write down everything I know for you, in case it might be useful…”
Liu Chang inwardly smiled, realizing Old Jiang was trying to barter information for his life. But given Old Jiang’s position, how could he know anything important about the Xiao family and Prince Min? Then again, he frowned slightly—at that time, Old Jiang had been the Xiao family’s son-in-law. Perhaps the Xiao family hadn’t been guarded around him, and if he had been observant, who knows? While these thoughts ran through Liu Chang’s mind, his expression remained indifferent. “I’m not after that. I took you in because I pitied you. Is that what you’ve been writing?”
Uncertain whether Liu Chang was interested or not, Jiang Changyi gritted his teeth and said, “I wrote a letter to my father. That day was chaotic, and I left in a hurry without having the chance to explain many things to him clearly. Please grant me this wish. Even if I die, I won’t resent you, I’ll only remember your kindness.”
Liu Chang nodded impassively, “Fine, give me everything you’ve written.”
Jiang Changyi indeed rose and took a stack of papers from his pillowcase. He selected a folded square and handed it to him, “Please make sure this reaches my father.” After a moment’s hesitation, he handed the rest to Liu Chang, “Whether useful or not, keep them all.”
Liu Chang accepted them indifferently and jerked his chin, “The wine’s gone cold.”
Jiang Changyi looked at the cup of wine and said mournfully, “I want to feel the sun.” Being confined in this room day after day, not daring to even open the windows, he just wanted to bask in the sunlight.
Liu Chang readily agreed, “Alright! If you want to bathe or wear new clothes, that’s fine too. If there’s anything you want to eat, don’t hesitate to ask. As for women… though it’s troublesome, it can be arranged.”
“None of that is necessary,” Jiang Changyi’s mind was in turmoil. He had thought he wasn’t afraid of death, but now that the moment had come, he realized how difficult it was to face mortality. Even with sunshine, good food, and beautiful women, what did it matter? He would still die in the end. So he gave up on the idea of sunbathing and tremblingly raised the cup of wine.
Liu Chang gleefully watched Jiang Changyi’s despairing, death-like expression, pretending that the person before him—manipulated so easily, clinging to life, cunning and despicable—was Jiang Changyang.
Jiang Changyi set down the cup, “I don’t want to die! I’ll do anything you ask!” He and Liu Chang had no deep grudges. He instinctively felt that if Liu Chang truly wanted him dead, he wouldn’t toy with him like this but would have killed him unknowingly.
Liu Chang shook his head slightly, “But someone wants you dead. Jiang Changyi must die.” He smiled slyly, “Of course, if you’re willing to live differently, can endure pain, and are willing to disfigure your face, it might be possible.” He gently pushed forward a piece of paper, “Look at this and think it through before you answer me.”
A slave contract. If he pressed his handprint on it, he would become a nameless slave, his life and death at Liu Chang’s mercy. What was the point of living like that? Without a second thought, Jiang Changyi swept away the contract and sneered, “I may be just a concubine-born son, but I come from a noble family. Disfiguring myself to become your slave? How could you even think of such a thing!” He drank the cup of wine decisively. Why had he struggled so hard if not to avoid a life at others’ mercy? To reach this point only to fall into an even deeper mire—he’d rather die cleanly! He still had this much integrity.
Liu Chang smiled lazily, “Just a moment ago you said you’d do anything I asked, and now you’ve changed your tune. Tsk tsk… quite some backbone for a noble family’s son.”
It wasn’t poisoned? Jiang Changyi blinked in confusion. What game was Liu playing?
Liu Chang said flatly, “In a few days, a group of Hu merchants will be returning to Persia.”
Now Jiang Changyi dared not believe it, “Why?”
“Because I’m a good person, of course. Saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. I want to accumulate merit.” Liu Chang fingered something in his sleeve and smiled. Jiang Changyang, oh Jiang Changyang, I now know all your family’s dirty secrets, written down by your own brother’s hand. This is going to be fun.