“What about me?” Jiang Xuanjin turned his hand over, pulling his sleeve up to cover the scar, and looked away. “Don’t look at me like that.”

He preferred her lively and teasing, her almond eyes filled with the warmth of spring, rather than this, with her eyes downcast and lips quivering as if about to cry. It made his heart ache.

“How did you find out about these things?” she asked, her voice thick with emotion.

Jiang Xuanjin instinctively replied, “Qingsi.”

Li Huaiyu laughed in exasperation, “So you knew all along and still claimed it had nothing to do with you?”

Jiang Xuanjin: “…”

Why did every conversation with her feel like stepping into a trap?

Frustrated, she flipped the low table on the couch and sat in front of him, glaring, “Weren’t you upset when you found out I was deceiving you?”

He pursed his lips, looking at the overturned table on the floor. Jiang Xuanjin was silent for a long time before he softly murmured, “Yes.”

“If you were upset, why did you still care about me?” she asked, hands on her hips. “To make me feel guilty?”

“No.” He shook his head. “Right is right, wrong is wrong. The blame that is yours is yours, but there’s no reason for you to bear what isn’t.”

It was the same principle as when he promised to overturn Danyang’s case—not for anything else, just for justice.

He must have grown up with a ruler in hand, she thought. How could he be so upright? Li Huaiyu didn’t know what to say. She pulled up his sleeve, grasped his hidden hand, and rubbed it gently, murmuring, “It’s not necessary. I’ve borne it for so many years. To overturn it now would take too much effort. Instead of doing that, it’s better to clear the names of those implicated by me. It’s easier for them to recover.”

At this, Jiang Xuanjin’s expression darkened.

“Since you arrived in Yixian City, you’ve been paving the way for them.”

“Hmm?” Huaiyu took a moment to realize who he meant by “them” and laughed, “They’ve followed me for years and done a lot for me. Isn’t it right to repay them a little?”

“Repay a little?” Jiang Xuanjin repeated coldly. “Replacing the Yixian City government, clearing out the governor’s office, appointing those people to official positions despite opposition from surrounding lords, even sending their names to the capital, ignoring assassination attempts—this is just repaying a little? What about the rest?”

He spoke as if taking over Yixian City was a simple task.

“Why are you angry?” Huaiyu laughed, “Didn’t I succeed?”

“You did.” Jiang Xuanjin nodded. “In five months, you cleaned them up, but you never defended yourself. In Yinping, you got angry when the Jiang family scolded them, but what about you? Are you happy carrying the blame?”

“…No… not happy.” Her voice weakened, and Huaiyu scratched her chin, feeling inexplicably guilty.

Jiang Xuanjin’s gaze was icy, “If you’re not happy, why do nothing? With your skills, causing a scene and clarifying the past isn’t difficult.”

“It’s not difficult, just not the right time.” Huaiyu smiled, squeezing his hand. “Think about it. If I rushed to clear my name while Yixian City was still in turmoil, wouldn’t people later say I only did it to clear my bad name? They worked hard and are talented. I can’t overshadow their efforts.”

“You value them too much!”

Huaiyu frowned, “After so many years if it weren’t for me, they wouldn’t have endured so much. Is it wrong to value them?”

“No problem!” he said fiercely, “You think they’re important, and I think you’re important. If you won’t spend the effort on yourself, I will!”

His words were clearly for her good, yet they sounded so exasperated.

Softening her gaze, Huaiyu snuggled into his arms, placing his hand on her belly, pouting, “Listen, your father is bullying your mother!”

His face stiffened, Jiang Xuanjin seemed at a loss for words, his fingers curling, eyelashes trembling, and he fell silent.

With a mischievous smile, Huaiyu lay against his chest, teasing her belly, “You should learn from your mother. Speak your mind openly. Your father is a good man, but he’s too reserved. He never says what he wants, like now. He wants to kiss your mother but won’t say it.”

Half his face darkened, Jiang Xuanjin gritted his teeth, “When did I… don’t talk nonsense about it!”

“Am I talking nonsense?” Huaiyu blinked, “You don’t want to kiss me?”

“I don’t!”

Turning to look at him, Li Huaiyu pondered for a while, then hooked her arm around his neck and leaned in, planting a kiss on his lips.

“Then I do,” she said seriously.

“…”

The cold wind swirled outside the window, unable to enter the room. Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips, staring at the brazier, his lips turning a soft, vibrant red.

Huaiyu admired him, reaching out to caress his lips, her eyes gleaming, “You’re so handsome. I want to kiss you again.”

With his hand on her belly, Jiang Xuanjin lowered his head to rest on her shoulder, speaking to the round belly, “Don’t learn from your mother, always speaking without seriousness.”

As he said this, he couldn’t help but smile.

The person in his arms was indignant, raising her neck, “What do you mean I don’t speak seriously?”

Pausing, she added righteously, “I don’t act seriously either!”

Jiang Xuanjin gave her a deep look, speaking to her belly, “In terms of self-awareness, your mother is truly exceptional.”

Huaiyu smacked her lips, puzzled, “Is that a compliment or an insult?”

Jiang Xuanjin didn’t answer, but the amusement in his eyes grew, melting the winter snow and blossoming into a vibrant flower on his lips.

“Your Highness,” came Juwu’s voice from outside the door.

Huaiyu tried to get up, but Jiang Xuanjin pressed her back down, his smile fading as he asked, “What is it?”

Juwu entered, saying, “There’s news from the capital. His Majesty has ordered troops from Pingling to suppress bandits in Yixian City.”

Bandits? Huaiyu sneered, “The original Yixian City scoundrels have reached the capital, haven’t they?”

Juwu nodded, “They’re all at the Court of Judicial Review.”

“Is there an imperial envoy in Pingling?”

“There is.”

“Good.” She cradled her belly, “Inform Danyang Border City to prepare for guests.”

She was just worried that the good news from Yixian City wasn’t known, and now an opportunity was being delivered to her. How could she not seize it?

“What are you doing?” the person behind her held her still.

Huaiyu turned back, blinking, “I’m going to make arrangements. Danyang Border City is thirty miles from here. If we don’t prepare in advance, how can we receive such distinguished guests?”

“Rest well,” Jiang Xuanjin said. “You don’t need to worry about anything else.”

Li Huaiyu was taken aback. She wanted to say, that this is her territory, if she doesn’t manage it, who will? But she quickly realized something.

Yixian City is only ten miles from Ziyang Border City…

Blinking, then blinking again, she grinned, grabbing his sleeve, “Are you going to protect me?”

Letting her lean against the soft pillow, Jiang Xuanjin got up from the couch, expressionless, “National Affairs, what protection?”

Then he left with Juwu.

Juwu followed him to the backyard, puzzled, and as soon as they stopped, he heard Jiang Xuanjin say, “A pregnant woman shouldn’t be too tired. In the future, you can report these matters to me.”

“This…” Juwu lowered his eyes, “Informing Her Highness of the news is my duty.”

Looking at him indifferently, Jiang Xuanjin asked, “Do you know martial arts?”

Juwu’s temple twitched, and he bowed, “I know a little. I taught Qingsi and Her Highness their skills.”

You know Qingsi, right? The best martial artist in the harem! You know the Princess, right? Once unbeatable on the streets of Chang’an! Juwu, who had wandered the martial world for years, was questioned about his martial prowess for the first time, and his face turned blue.

However, the person in front of him seemed to recall the skills of those two and then said slowly, “Indeed, just a little.”

Juwu: “…”

How could he forget that Qingsi was captured by this man? And the Princess, even more so.

But they were both women! They hadn’t fully learned his skills, so what did this dismissive attitude mean? Juwu was a steady person, but facing Jiang Xuanjin’s demeanor, he couldn’t hold back.

“Did I offend you, Lord?” he asked, surprised that Jiang Xuanjin would bother to mock him.

Jiang Xuanjin shook his head kindly, “You’re overthinking. I’m not one to hold grudges, but I have an important task to entrust. I’m concerned you might not be up to it, so I asked a few more questions.”

Saying this, he generously took off his insignia and placed it in Juwu’s hand.

The cold object fell into his hand, and Juwu looked down, his heart pounding.

The insignia of Lord Ziyang, something that could be used as a military token, was given to him so lightly?

“Ziyang Border City has a garrison. Take this to the commander, and he will follow your orders,” Jiang Xuanjin said. “People from Pingling will come, and there should be news tomorrow. Lead the troops outside Yixian City and act as the situation demands.”

Juwu was stunned, “Is the Lord going to defend Yixian City for Her Highness?”

Who said he wouldn’t protect her just now?

“How can it be called defending?” Jiang Xuanjin stood with his hands behind his back, full of righteousness, “It’s just proper etiquette to welcome guests.”

Juwu was silent, staring at the insignia in his hand, thinking this etiquette was quite intimidating.

However, he had the opportunity to lead troops and possibly face an opponent. Just thinking about the clash of swords and the battlefield made his blood boil.

“I accept the order!” he saluted Lord Ziyang.

Huaiyu lay on the couch, curious and restless, wanting to eavesdrop, but her current condition made it difficult to move. If caught, she’d surely be scolded. But staying put was unbearable!

After much struggle, she quietly got off the couch, tiptoeing in her embroidered shoes to the door.

“Creak—” The door opened, but not by her hand. Someone entered, bringing in the cold wind.

“What are you sneaking around for?” he asked coldly.

Shrinking her neck, Huaiyu turned and rolled back onto the couch, pretending nothing happened, tucking herself in and smiling at him, “You’re back?”

Jiang Xuanjin entered, standing over her on the couch, “Afraid I’ll eat Juwu?”

“Not at all,” Huaiyu laughed, “Just worried you’d catch a cold outside.”

Pausing, she couldn’t help but ask, “You didn’t do anything to Juwu, did you?”

When they returned from the post station, she heard Juwu say Lu Jingxing was better than him, and she saw the look in his eyes!

Adjusting her collar, Jiang Xuanjin said slowly, “What could I do to him? He’s a martial artist and learned a lot about military strategy with you. I just asked him to help mobilize troops.”

“Mobilize troops?” Huaiyu was surprised, “You trust him that much?”

“I don’t trust him.”

I trust you.

He didn’t say the latter part, just snorted coldly, giving her a sidelong glance.

Li Huaiyu understood, touched by his gesture, “You’re so considerate.”

With Juwu’s temperament, he would surely enjoy such a task.

“Your Highness flatters me,” Jiang Xuanjin smiled slightly, “While it’s still early, perhaps you should bid him farewell.”

“Okay… wait, farewell?” Huaiyu was confused, “It’s only two or three days, no need for such formality, right?”

Jiang Xuanjin’s gaze softened, gently patting her head, “He has other tasks. He might not return for ten days or half a month. It’s best to see him off.”

The street was cold. Xu Chuniang wrapped herself in a thick cloak, holding a hand warmer filled with hot water, and walked slowly. If Jiang Shen were beside her, he would have impatiently strode ahead by now. However, Chijin did not; his dark cloud boots matched her pace, never leaving her behind.

Chuniang turned her head and couldn’t help but say, “Sir, you can go ahead. I know where the pharmacy is, and we can meet there later.”

Chijin glanced at her and chuckled softly, “Do I look like I’m in a hurry?”

“Not really…” Chuniang shook her head. “But I am walking very slowly, and you can’t take big steps with me.”

Did he accompany her just to take steps? Chijin pursed his lips, thinking this Xu family girl was somewhat naive. Everyone else could see his intentions, yet she remained oblivious, completely unaware.

Or perhaps, she simply never thought in that direction.

“Walking too fast after lunch isn’t good for the body,” Chijin said, looking at the small stalls by the street. “It’s nice to walk and look around like this.”

With such a gentle nature, Xu Chuniang couldn’t help but marvel. She hadn’t realized men could be so gentle.

“Do you like this?” Passing by an old lady’s stall, Chijin stopped and asked her, looking at the items on display.

Chuniang turned back to see many wooden hairpins carved from bamboo strips on the stall. Though rough, they were elegant.

Seeing someone stop, the old lady quickly said, “Take a look, young lady and gentleman. They’re cheap, just two coins each.”

Yixian City had just opened its waterways, alleviating the drought, but life was still hard for the people. Seeing the large patches on the old lady’s clothes, Xu Chuniang felt a pang of sympathy and reached for her purse, intending to give her some silver.

However, Chijin stopped her, crouched down to examine the items, and said, “No one in the household has seen these before. Let’s buy one for each of them. Just right.”

Saying this, he picked up a woman’s hairpin and handed it to her, took another for himself, then wrapped up the rest and handed over two taels of silver.

“This… this is too much,” the old lady said, flustered.

Chijin smiled gently, “The young lady is kind-hearted, understanding your age, and wants you to go home and rest early. Use the extra silver to buy some good food.”

Gratefully, the old lady nodded repeatedly at Xu Chuniang, “Thank you, thank you!”

Xu Chuniang felt embarrassed, returned the gesture, and followed Chijin, whispering, “The silver was yours, how does that make me kind-hearted?”

Chijin played with the hairpin in his hand, smiling but not answering directly, “Want to try it?”

When she left Yinping, she hadn’t packed any luggage, so she had no accessories for her hair. Thinking for a moment, Chuniang reached up to her hair bun and inserted the hairpin she held.

Chijin looked at her and nodded, “It looks nice.”

“Do you want to try it too?” she asked, touching the hairpin with delight.

Looking at the hairpin in his hand with some difficulty, Chijin said, “I’m not good at tying hair. If I take out the hairpin, I might have to walk with my hair down.”

“No problem, I can do it!” Xu Chuniang looked around, leading him to a side alley to avoid prying eyes, and whispered, “Bend down a bit.”

With a slight movement in his eyes, Chijin handed her the wooden hairpin, then turned his back to her, crouching slightly, allowing her to undo his original bun and deftly re-tie it with her hands.

With his back to her, Xu Chuniang couldn’t see, but Chijin pressed his index finger to his nose, silently laughing for a long time.

Moments later, both had new hairpins in their hair and continued slowly toward the pharmacy. Xu Chuniang, who had been feeling a bit down, found herself uplifted by the sights of everyday life on the street and the occasional street snack. She suddenly realized that wallowing in sorrow was a waste of time. Life had to be lived earnestly; so many people with worse fates than hers were still striving to live.

Taking a deep breath, Xu Chuniang’s steps became lighter, her gaze clearer. After selecting herbs at the pharmacy with Chijin, they went to the neighboring street to buy candles, chatting and laughing as they returned to the Princess’s residence.

“I brought you something,” she said enthusiastically, placing a large bundle of wooden hairpins on the table.

Everyone was at the residence on their day off, feeling bored. Seeing the commotion, Qingxian was the first to jump up, “What is it?”

Bai Ai was quicker, stepping forward to unwrap the bundle, exclaiming, and picking up a hairpin to examine it. He raised an eyebrow at Xu Chuniang, “What made you think of buying these?”

Chuniang laughed, “An old lady was selling them, and Sir Chijin was kind-hearted, so he bought them all. Yixian City isn’t a bustling place, so it’s nice to blend in and wear these.”

Qingxian, without thinking, said, “When did Chijin become kind-hearted?”

Wasn’t he known throughout Feiyun Palace for being ruthless and cunning?

Chijin glanced at Qingxian, “There aren’t enough hairpins. We need to save two for His Highness and the Lord, so you can’t take one.”

Qingxian choked, immediately changing his tune, “I meant, when was Sir Chijin not kind-hearted? Oh, look at my mouth, I can’t speak properly when it’s cold.”

Saying this, he grabbed a hairpin and shrank to the side.

Xu Chuniang was about to laugh when she saw Huaiyu and Lord Ziyang finally come out.

“What’s this?” Li Huaiyu curiously leaned in to look.

Jiang Xuanjin, expressionless, walked over with her, glanced at the table, and said, “Haven’t seen wooden hairpins before?”

“No, but they’re quite clever.” Picking one up to examine, Huaiyu laughed, “The carved head is lifelike.”

Bai Ai scrutinized her, seeing her complexion was normal and her body seemed fine, he sighed in relief and whispered, “Chijin brought them back. Does Your Highness like any?”

“This one!” Huaiyu picked a peony-shaped one, then took a plain one for Jiang Xuanjin, running back to him and comparing it to his head, smiling brightly, “You look good in anything!”

Everyone: “…”

Jiang Xuanjin stiffened, annoyed, “Shut up.”

“You’ve been telling me to shut up all day, and now again?” Li Huaiyu protested, hands on her hips, “I’m not wrong!”

Teasing him inside the house wasn’t enough, and now she was causing a scene? Jiang Xuanjin’s ears turned red, but he couldn’t do anything about her, rubbing his temples in frustration.

Xu Chuniang watched, her eyes filled with a bit of envy. Despite everything, these two seemed unchanged when they reconciled.

For a moment, it gave the illusion of eternal love.

“Don’t like this one?” Li Huaiyu muttered, examining the plain hairpin, “Isn’t it nice?”

Jiang Xuanjin took the hairpin from her, glanced at it, and then at Chijin and Xu Chuniang, “These hairpins come in pairs. The women have larger heads and the men’s smaller ones. Since you took the peony, why not give me the other half?”

“Huh?” Huaiyu only then noticed, “They’re paired?”

Chijin paused slightly, looking up at him. Jiang Xuanjin met his gaze calmly, his eyes falling knowingly on his bun.

Was he discovered? Chijin raised an eyebrow, then smiled.

The hairpin on his head had a small head, making it hard to see from a distance. Xu Chuniang’s was more obvious, with three plum blossoms.

“I didn’t notice,” Xu Chuniang said, surprised, watching Huaiyu find the peony men’s hairpin, then turned to Chijin’s head. “Does Sir have another half too?”

Looking down at her, then at the hairpin in her hair, Chijin said nonchalantly, “Don’t worry about it. They’re just hairpins, let it be.”

He spoke as if it didn’t matter, clearly setting a trap in advance. The Xu family was so simple-minded, they didn’t think much of it, agreeing and turning to help Huaiyu with the hairpins.

Jiang Xuanjin watched Chijin for a while, suddenly feeling that his second brother, though charming, might not match up in tactics.

“Lord,” Chengxu whispered beside him, “There’s news from the capital.”

Feeling relieved, Jiang Xuanjin nodded, sternly asking Li Huaiyu, “Want to see a good show?”

“What kind of show?” Huaiyu leaned in, full of curiosity.

He touched her hand, finding it cold, and wrapped her in her tiger fur cloak, whispering, “Come with me.”

The others were puzzled, watching the two whisper to each other before walking out together.

“Hey…” Qingxian grumbled, watching their backs, “Just arrived, and now leaving?”

“This is normal,” Chijin said. “After a long separation, they need some time together.”

“But that Lord Ziyang doesn’t seem like someone who enjoys being clingy.”

Xu Chuniang listened, whispering, “He just doesn’t like being clingy with others.”

Huaiyu was different. Back at the Jiang residence, she noticed that the Lord had no patience for anyone, and found them noisy and annoying, but with his lady, no matter how tightly his brows furrowed, he never drove her away.

During that time, everyone thought the Lord had become more amiable, and easier to talk to and get along with. It wasn’t until the lady left that they realized the Lord hadn’t changed at all; he was just more gentle when in a good mood.

He gave all his exceptions to her, and others could only benefit from it, nothing more.

How wonderful.

Jiang Xuanjin walked toward the guest room with a stern face, Huaiyu beside him, swinging his hand, “You’ve been sulking for two hours, still not over it?”

It was fine until she mentioned it, then he remembered the incident in the red tent, his jaw tightening, eyes unfriendly.

“You said you wouldn’t bully me again.”

And yet?

With stars in her eyes, Li Huaiyu hooked his little finger, “How can that be bullying? You’re too serious, always shy… Hey, don’t scowl, not shy! How could Lord Ziyang be shy? I mean reserved! You’re too reserved!”

Jiang Xuanjin glared at her coldly.

That familiar look made Huaiyu laugh, teasing him softly, “Next time, don’t be fierce, just beg for mercy, it’ll work!”

Releasing her hand, Jiang Xuanjin said expressionlessly, “Go back to your room.”

“Hey?” Huaiyu widened her eyes, “Didn’t you say there was a good show for me to see?”

“Suddenly, there isn’t.”

With a flick of his cyan sleeve, Jiang Xuanjin turned and entered the guest room, closing the door with a “bang.”

Huaiyu leaned against a pillar, laughing heartily, and said to Chengxu, “How can your Lord be so endearing?”

Chengxu stumbled, his mouth twitching, “En… endearing?”

“Look.” She pushed the door slightly with her finger, and it opened with a creak.

Li Huaiyu laughed so hard she could hardly stand, “So angry, yet didn’t lock the door. Isn’t that endearing?”

Chengxu remained silent, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, thinking that while she dared to say it, he wouldn’t dare agree. That would be courting death.

After laughing for a while, Huaiyu entered the room and saw Jiang Xuanjin sitting on the couch with his back to her, still seemingly angry. But hearing her movements, he, while angry, pulled over the cushions piled beside him, covering the hard edges of the couch. Finally, he snorted coldly.

Huaiyu wanted to pounce on him and kiss him, but her body was heavy, and she couldn’t jump. She could only climb onto the couch, poking his arm with the wooden hairpin, “Sir?”

The gentleman ignored her, coldly tossing a letter her way.

Seeing the seal of the capital’s post station, Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, setting aside her teasing to open the wax seal and read.

At a glance, her expression turned serious.

“Zhang De… held accountable for his crimes, coffin moved to the sea?” She could hardly believe her eyes, frowning. “What happened?”

Zhang De was an attendant on the late Emperor’s side, the one who tried to trick her into Li Shan’s palace to be humiliated, and later executed by her. When he died, the court and the public condemned the Princess for her cruelty, and to atone for the royal family, his coffin was allowed to rest in a mountain blessed by dragon energy.

Now, his coffin was to be exhumed and thrown into the sea, with the news published by the Grand Commandant’s office. This meant everyone in the capital knew about it.

What kind of crime could make Li Huailin decide this? He must know that holding Zhang De accountable was equivalent to vindicating her actions back then.

“Zhang De had an adopted son who recently lost money gambling and was chased with a knife. To save his life, he shouted in the street that he had the late Emperor’s edict and even produced a seemingly authentic yellow scroll. The Emperor, upon hearing this, was furious and executed him for desecrating the late Emperor, implicating Zhang De as well.”

The person with his back to her spoke coldly, “You’re lucky, so even from afar, you can enjoy this good show.”

Huaiyu was stunned, setting down the letter and looking up at him, “Do you think I’m stupid? Zhang De was by my father’s side for so many years, wouldn’t I know if he had an adopted son?”

His back stiffened, Jiang Xuanjin was silent for a moment, then said, “Your Highness isn’t a deity, you can’t know everything.”

Both angry and amused, Huaiyu pulled him around to face her, looking into his eyes, “I happen to know everything! The news I didn’t receive, you got first. Lord Ziyang, is it so hard to admit you care for me and want to clear my name?”

His eyes flickered, and Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips.

This was something he had been planning since learning about her past from Qingsi, putting in a lot of effort and even using the schemes he usually disdained, finally achieving a satisfactory result.

But to say it… how could he? Should he say, “I know someone bullied you, so I thought of ways to bully them back”?

Lord Ziyang felt that saying this would be like boasting, childish, and he didn’t want to say it!

“The Jiang family does not engage in deceitful acts,” he said righteously, “This matter is unknown to me.”

Li Huaiyu squinted, “Unknown, huh? Fine!”

“Qingsi!”

Someone responded from outside, and Huaiyu said, “Find out how Zhang De was convicted!”

Qingsi was taken aback, glanced at the person beside her, thought for a moment, and nodded, “Yes.”

Jiang Xuanjin was somewhat helpless, “Why waste the effort? The result is good, isn’t it?”

With Zhang De convicted, the heavy accusations against the Princess over the years would dissipate. Although many might still habitually see Danyang as a villain, many would realize that over the years, the Princess’s contributions outweighed her faults.

He didn’t know about others, but the Jiang family would understand.

He wasn’t deceived, nor did he love the wrong person.

Li Huaiyu looked at him for a long time before saying, “I was foolish, only now realizing.”

The previous confession wasn’t for any favor; he had planned all along to expose Li Shan’s misdeeds to the public. She only saw the tributary canal construction plans from Pingling, not noticing the subsequent change in attitude from local lords.

It’s not surprising she didn’t think of it; at that time, Jiang Xuanjin hated her so much. Who would have thought he harbored such intentions beneath that intense hatred?

“You…” she murmured, looking down at his hand.

There was a shallow scar, similar to the one on her neck, from when he stopped her from taking her own life.

He never said much, but what should be there was never less than what she had.

Qi Jin dared not make a sound, pretending to be a piece of furniture in the room. She crouched by the table, peeking through her fingers. Ziyang Jun leaned against the bed, his head tilted back, a hand covering his eyes. Madam half-kneeled on the bed, one hand supporting the bedpost he leaned on, the other tucking stray hair behind her ear, her lips pressed against his fingers with a smile.

No artist could capture such a beautiful scene, as tender and enchanting as a long-lost dream brought by the spring breeze.

Qi Jin didn’t know what had happened during their separation, but inexplicably, watching this scene made her nose tingle.

“What are you doing?” The kissed man remained motionless, speaking in a muffled voice.

Huaiyu’s eyes sparkled. Seeing his hand refusing to relax, she whispered, “I’m coaxing you.”

“There’s no need.”

She reached out to support his wrist, which he had been holding up and smiled. “You’re right, how could Ziyang Jun need coaxing? Just mentioning his name would make the Northern Wei tremble.”

The thin lips before her tightened, showing a hint of annoyance.

Seeing this, Huaiyu’s smile deepened. “Shall I bring you some sweet pastries?”

“No.”

“Then, how about I hum a tune for you?”

“No.”

Pouting helplessly, Huaiyu sighed and looked at Qi Jin by the table. “Your master is hard to coax!”

Qi Jin shook her head vigorously. “No, no, no, the master… actually… uh, this servant will take her leave now!”

Realizing her presence was unnecessary, Qi Jin bowed, turned, and ran out, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.

Huaiyu chuckled softly, watching the door close. She then reached out to grasp the wrist of the man before her, pulling it down with some force.

Jiang Xuanjin frowned, unwilling to let her succeed, but she was cunning. Unable to match her strength, he let out a pained grunt.

His heart trembled, and he released his hand, wanting to see what was wrong with her. As his hand fell, a warm kiss landed on his eyes.

Her soft lips absorbed the moisture from his eyes, moving gently, tracing his nose, seeking his lips. With a sigh, she finally pressed down on them.

“I won’t bully you anymore,” she murmured, “I won’t bully you ever again, okay?”

His body trembled, and Jiang Xuanjin opened his eyes, seeing her gaze, clear and sincere, filled with a truthfulness even dreams couldn’t offer, looking steadily into his eyes.

His palm grew warm, and his expression softened. He reached out to support her waist, letting her lean back against the soft pillow, then leaned down, pressing his lips against hers with restraint. As her teeth parted, he invaded, holding the back of her neck, fiercely sucking on her tongue.

“Mm.” Huaiyu was momentarily stunned, then relaxed, gently accommodating him, her hand stroking his back soothingly.

“Don’t move,” he rasped after a long, deep kiss, burying his head in her neck. “Don’t move.”

His voice usually tinged with the scent of incense, was now colored with the hues of the mundane world.

If it were any other girl, realized what was happening, she might blush and stay still. But Li Huaiyu, the little tyrant of the Li family, was different. Even with her face flushed, she mischievously explored further.

“You…” She blinked, teasing, “You haven’t been with anyone else, have you?”

A faint pink spread from his neck upwards, and Jiang Xuanjin, annoyed, gritted his teeth. “Shut up!”

“Okay, I’ll shut up.” Obediently closing her lips, Huaiyu said nothing, only smiling at him.

Jiang Xuanjin’s face grew redder, his body trembling slightly until he couldn’t resist capturing her mischievous hand. “Li Huaiyu!”

She’s still pregnant! How could they… how could they be like this?

For Jiang San Gongzi, who found even bathing together absurd, being intimate with a round belly in between was a complete violation of the propriety he had adhered to for years. Not, no way, under no circumstances!

Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, looking down at her belly, and said seriously, “I’m its mother, you’re its father, what are you afraid of?”

He dared not press against her belly, needing to support himself with one hand on the bed. How could one hand compete with her two? After several rounds, she pinned his hand behind his back.

“Didn’t you say you’d give me anything I wanted as long as I stopped crying?” Huaiyu feigned anger. “Ziyang Jun, are you going back on your word?”

Jiang Xuanjin’s face turned blue.

He knew she always wanted things different from others, but he hadn’t expected it to be this different.

Her soft hand teased him mercilessly, and he couldn’t help but bite her earlobe, his body arching like a taut bow. A sound escaped his throat, unable to be suppressed.

“Stop fooling around… Huaiyu, stop fooling around.”

“I’m worried about you. What if you get all pent up?” The person beneath him smiled, her words brushing his ear, sending shivers through him.

Jiang Xuanjin was at a loss, unable to stop her, afraid to move lest he hurt her, unable to break free.

The room grew warm, like the bright sun of early spring, the red canopy thick with passion, hard to dispel. Chengxu and Yufeng had intended to eavesdrop, but halfway through, they couldn’t bear it, fleeing with red faces.

Madam is formidable, Madam is mighty! Their master had seemed to be in the depths of hell this morning, yet in the blink of an eye, he had returned to the world of the living. No wonder they say even heroes can’t resist a beauty’s charms. Madam’s barrier was well set, and it was fine if the master couldn’t pass!

Xu Chunian was waiting for Huaiyu to have some free time to chat, but even by lunchtime, no one had emerged from the room.

Having been married, she could guess what was happening and couldn’t help but worry. “Isn’t there a problem?”

Qi Jin stood by, confidently saying, “The master knows his limits.”

In the entire courtyard, the person most worried about Madam was the master. Anyone could hurt her, but he wouldn’t.

Xu Chunian was still a bit concerned. Chi Jin quietly finished his meal, then put down his chopsticks and asked her, “A new batch of medicinal herbs has arrived at the pharmacy in the west of the city. Shall we go take a look and bring some back for the princess’s medicinal meals?”

“Sure!” It was a good idea, and Chunian nodded in agreement, adding, “But I’m not very good at identifying herbs. Should we bring Physician Qi along?”

Chi Jin shook his head. “No need, I can recognize them.”

Jiu Wu, Qingxian, and Bai Ai at the table: “…”

Since when could he recognize medicinal herbs? How come none of the brothers knew?

Jiu Wu scrutinized Chi Jin for a moment, then suddenly said, “Since you’re going out, why not take a detour and bring back some candles from the general store for the residence?”

Chi Jin looked at him in confusion. “Candles?”

Jiu Wu nodded. “Last night, most of the candles in the residence burned out. If we don’t replenish them, we’ll be in the dark.”

Xu Chunian listened, feeling a bit guilty. She hadn’t slept last night, and many candles had burned in her room, so she immediately agreed. “Okay.”

She was the only one who didn’t catch on, oblivious to the teasing. Jiang Shen watched with a cold smile, half-closing his eyes as he looked at Chi Jin.

Using such old tricks on people?

Chi Jin met his gaze calmly, asking, “When does Jiang Er Gongzi plan to leave?”

Their eyes met, and in a flash, both understood the other’s thoughts.

“No need for your concern,” Jiang Shen chuckled. “When the beauty returns, I will naturally return.”

“Beauty?” Chi Jin was slightly puzzled as if wondering which beauty he was referring to.

Qingxian chimed in, “Jiang Er Gongzi’s charm has overflowed from the capital to Ziyang. There are so many beauties. If they all return, won’t the household be in chaos?”

“Not necessarily,” Jiu Wu scooped some soup. “Now that the Jiang family is based in Ziyang, Er Gongzi can build a large estate anywhere, accommodating three thousand beauties is no problem.”

Chi Jin suddenly understood, respectfully cupping his hands to Jiang Shen, then quietly said to Xu Chunian, “Let’s go.”

Chunian lowered her eyes, softly responding, and stood up to leave with him.

“Hey.” Jiang Shen couldn’t hold back, getting up to block her path.

“What does Er Gongzi want?” Xu Chunian didn’t lift her head.

“Third Brother was talking nonsense. You have to believe me,” he frowned. “I only took Jiang Yan to a brothel in Ziyang once, and I left without doing anything. You can ask Jiang Yan if you don’t believe me!”

Her body stiffened, and Chunian’s expression was complicated. “Er Gongzi is now explaining these things to me.”

Jiang Shen was at a loss for words, knowing she still remembered his past nights of debauchery, his voice softened. “I’m changing.”

He was slowly changing everything she disliked about him, hoping he could change for the better.

However, there was no joy on Xu Chunian’s face. She nodded indifferently, bypassed him, and continued walking with Chi Jin, saying as they walked, “It’s not far, so we don’t need to take a carriage, right?”

“Whatever you prefer,” Chi Jin replied softly, handing her a cloak brought by a servant, and watching her put it on.

Jiang Shen stood there, stunned, suddenly feeling that it was truly over between them.

In the past, when Xu Chunian was angry, he could coax her, and it would be fine. Later, when coaxing didn’t work, admitting his mistakes would. But if even admitting and correcting his mistakes didn’t work, how could he earn her forgiveness?

He had tried every method, but none worked.

The person who once tolerated him the most, who admired him the most, had withdrawn her patience and enthusiasm. No matter how much he regretted it, she walked away without looking back.

“Why?” Jiang Shen couldn’t understand, muttering to himself.

Qingsi passed by with a bowl glanced at him, and answered softly, “She’s not blind anymore.”

Love can blind a person, making it hard to distinguish right from wrong. Even if they’ve suffered countless grievances, as long as the person they love is still there, they won’t want to leave. Such a girl is foolish, offering everything for a fraction in return, and still feeling content.

But one day, she’ll open her eyes. After enough pain, she’ll look at her wounds and gradually see the person before her. Once she sees clearly, she’ll never be fooled again.

Miss Xu is a gentle person, but gentleness doesn’t mean she won’t resist. In other words, the gentler a person is, the more complete the break when it comes.

In the days leading up to the incident at the palace, he hadn’t returned home. The next time he saw her was when she was besieging the Imperial Study with others. Was she pregnant at that time?

Jiang Xuanjin stared blankly at his fingertips.

“To be honest, after everything that happened, if she hasn’t killed you yet, you should know what you mean to her,” a voice drawled from the doorway.

He turned slowly to see Lu Jingxing leaning against the doorframe, his face full of mockery. “If it were me, carrying your child, risking my life to enter the palace to save you, and then being thrown into the dungeon by you, you’d be dead countless times over.”

His heart felt as if it were being squeezed tightly. Jiang Xuanjin took a deep breath, choking for a moment.

“What… did you say?”

“I said, you were deceived. Huaiyu and I never had an affair.” Lu Jingxing raised his chin, looking at him with a gleeful expression. “I don’t know who fed you that information, but how did the child get pinned on me?”

Not Lu Jingxing’s child?!

Jiang Xuanjin’s face turned pale.

In an instant, everything shattered on the ground, breaking into pieces like glass. The scenes reassembled: her joyful and relieved expression when she pushed open the door to the Imperial Study, the cold sword he held to her neck, the dark, damp dungeon, and the prayer beads forcibly torn from her hands.

She had said, “Jiang Jie, I truly like you.”

She had said, “I was afraid you wouldn’t understand, so I had to tell you, I want to have a child with you.”

Her almond eyes sparkled in the darkness, each word sincere. He had heard them, remembered them, but why… why hadn’t he believed her?

Lu Jingxing watched with schadenfreude, twirling his fan. “The weather is nice today, I don’t mind chatting a bit more—do you know why the Princess Consort keeps so many male companions? Because they’re all her subordinates, each possessing extraordinary skills. But unfortunately, she has someone in her heart, so even if one of them is deeply in love with her, they can’t get close.”

The cold wind from outside the post station blew in through the open door, making the robes flutter and filling the air with desolation.

Jiang Xuanjin looked up at him, his throat dry and unable to speak.

Male companions… weren’t male companions?

He thought she was promiscuous, thought she was capricious, thought she was scheming, thought she was trampling on his sincere heart.

But she wasn’t. She hadn’t done any of that.

Her sincerity was the same as his, no different. She said she had given him her heart, and she truly had, earlier and more deeply than he had.

The last image in his mind was her delicate face at the door of the Imperial Study, full of light, dimming visibly when pointed at by his sword. Behind her was the overwhelming sound of battle, but her eyes held only his cold face.

What had he said then? Oh, right, he had said: I don’t believe you.

The face before him turned pale, and in a hoarse voice, she said, “You just want me dead, don’t you? I’ll grant your wish.”

How heartbroken must she have been to not even care about her own life? When that sword came down, she hadn’t even thought about what would happen to the child in her womb.

Panicking, Jiang Xuanjin clasped his hands together, shaking his head instinctively, as if he couldn’t stand any longer, and rushed out over the threshold.

“Your Majesty, mind your demeanor,” Lu Jingxing called lazily after him. “The Jiang family motto: walk upright, sit straight. How come you can’t even walk properly?”

The teasing voice faded into the distance, but Jiang Xuanjin seemed not to hear it. He saw the carriage still parked at the door, hurried over, but suddenly stopped at the side, placing a hand on the shaft, his dark eyes slightly red.

The morning sun rose, casting a serene light over the countryside. He stood there, at a loss, reaching out and then pulling back.

Someone lifted the curtain of the carriage, kneeling inside with a smile, looking at him.

“Regret it?” she asked.

He looked up, three parts angry, seven parts aggrieved. “You tricked me again!”

What nonsense about living a good life with Lu Jingxing, naming the child with the surname Lu—she did it on purpose, just to make him suffer.

“Yes, I tricked you again,” Li Huaiyu said shamelessly, “Who told you not to coax me?”

She smiled, but her almond eyes were red, and by the end of her words, her nose was red too.

“I was just thinking, maybe I should just drive back and let you walk back if you want to return. You were so cruel to me, I can’t just be nice to you and let you have your way.”

“But then I thought about it and couldn’t bear to.”

Touching the shallow scar on her neck, she asked in confusion, “But how could you bear to let me go?”

His heart clenched, Jiang Xuanjin’s eyelashes trembled, wanting to reach out and touch her neck, but before he could, she slapped his hand away fiercely.

“What are you doing?” she glared with rabbit-like eyes. “Don’t you know the rules? Men and women shouldn’t touch each other.”

Looking at her helplessly, Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips and reached out again.

Li Huaiyu showed no mercy. Every time he reached out, she slapped his hand away, like a child throwing a tantrum, until his hand turned red.

With a crisp “slap,” she accidentally hit too hard. Her eyelid twitched, and Huaiyu instinctively wanted to pull his hand to check, but as soon as she touched his fingertips, he took the opportunity to wrap her hand in his palm.

“I’m sorry,” Jiang Xuanjin said hoarsely.

Li Huaiyu trembled slightly, swallowing hard, unable to control the tears welling up in her eyes.

She had no real reason to blame him, but she had been vomiting constantly, her back aching, and she just wanted to throw a tantrum. Hearing those three words, her insides twisted with sourness and bitterness.

Unable to hold back, the tears fell.

Jiang Xuanjin panicked, unable to maintain his composure, using his sleeve to wipe her face, frowning as he did. “They say pregnant women shouldn’t cry. Whatever you want to hear, I’ll say it. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you. Just please, don’t cry.”

“I can’t,” she gritted her teeth. “I can’t control it.”

Like a flood that had been building for years, once the dam broke, it couldn’t be stopped. Li Huaiyu sat in the carriage, sobbing, while Jiang Xuanjin, anxious, looked around and walked off in one direction.

He just left like that? Li Huaiyu was furious, her cheeks puffed like a frog’s, thinking that he was hopeless. Maybe she should just let him walk back!

Just as she was about to call for the driver, she looked up to see that blue-green robe returning.

His long fingers held a bright orange tangerine. He walked back to her, carefully peeled it, removed the pith, and offered a segment to her lips.

“I’ll peel a tangerine for you. Will you forgive me?” A long time ago, she had said this to him.

Looking down at his juice-stained hand, Li Huaiyu stopped crying, staring at him with wide, watery eyes.

Jiang Xuanjin felt a bit awkward, holding his hand up, his usually calm eyes full of unease.

“It should be… very sweet,” he said.

Such a sweet tangerine, won’t you try it? If you try it, you won’t be angry anymore, and we can go home together.

The emotions in his eyes were clear, like a stubborn child finally mustering the courage to make amends. His eyelashes fluttered, his gaze wandered, but he forced himself to appear calm, his thin lips pressed together, unwilling to show too much weakness.

Li Huaiyu thought, that even if he were made of iron, his heart would soften in front of him.

She bit into the tangerine, pulled his sleeve to wipe her face, and asked, “Are we going back?”

His fingertips brushed against her warm lips, Jiang Xuanjin paused, his gaze falling on her still-red eyes, his heart tightening.

“Yes,” he nodded.

Qingsi and the others hadn’t followed them out, all waiting in the Princess’s residence, unable to guess what the outcome of this trip would be, and naturally worried.

As the sun rose higher, there was movement outside the door. Everyone stood up, eagerly looking toward the entrance.

A peony skirt swept over the threshold, and Li Huaiyu entered alone, holding her belly and looking at them.

Seeing her red eyes, Qingxian rushed forward, saying, “Your Highness, don’t be sad. There are all kinds of men in the world. If you want one, no matter who it is, we’ll snatch him back for you!”

“Yes,” Xu Chunian quickly chimed in, “If someone wants to leave, no one can stop them. Don’t take it to heart.”

Jiu Wu frowned and shook his head. “Ziyang Jun is not a good man. In my opinion, Shopkeeper Lu is no worse than him.”

Jiang Shen stood awkwardly to the side, wanting to stay silent, but unfortunately, Xu Chunian glanced at him with hostility.

Was he caught in the crossfire? His eyelid twitched, and Jiang Shen quickly said, “Even if we’re brothers, I won’t side with Third Brother this time. If it’s a misunderstanding, how can he not listen to an explanation? Truly heartless and unreasonable!”

He didn’t know what had happened, but from the discussions in the hall earlier, it seemed his third brother was in the wrong. Since he wasn’t here, saying a few words wouldn’t hurt.

With this thought, Jiang Er Gongzi’s courage grew, and he looked at Xu Chunian, wanting to express his stance: “If it were me…”

“If it were you, you’d be visiting brothels and theaters, making a few perfumed beauties cry outside the Jiang residence, then traveling a thousand miles to say you know you’re wrong,” someone said, following Li Huaiyu into the room, coldly finishing his sentence.

His heart skipped a beat, Jiang Shen turned stiffly, meeting Jiang Xuanjin’s icy gaze, nearly choking on his breath.

“Th-Third Brother?”

Jiang Xuanjin’s smile didn’t reach his eyes, which were as cold as snow, his words like shards of ice: “Even if we’re brothers, I won’t side with Second Brother. Too much frivolity and all you do is hurt others’ sincere hearts.”

His face turned blue, then red, then green again. Jiang Shen looked at the frowning Xu Chunian beside him, shaking his head repeatedly. “I didn’t… I wasn’t…”

Xu Chunian calmly curtsied to him. “We’ve already separated. You don’t need to explain to me.”

“No, last time I went to the brothel, I didn’t even…”

“Second Gongzi,” Chi Jin interrupted gently, “since Miss Xu doesn’t want to hear it, why keep talking?”

Jiang Shen was about to explode. He felt it was necessary to clarify, but Xu Chunian truly didn’t want to listen, turning her head and going straight to Li Huaiyu’s side.

“Congratulations, Your Highness,” she said softly.

Li Huaiyu was surprised. “Aren’t you curious about what happened? Don’t you want to know how I brought him back?”

Shaking her head, Xu Chunian smiled faintly. “You wanted him back, and he came back. That’s enough. For us, nothing else is urgent. You can tell us slowly when you have time.”

Jiang San Gongzi was mentally noting down the people who had spoken ill of him earlier. Hearing this, he glanced at Xu Chunian and crossed her name off.

Huaiyu’s eyes reddened again, and Lu Jingxing pushed Qi Jin forward, saying nonchalantly, “Let someone check your pulse. You’ve been crying all day.”

Everyone snapped back to reality, hurriedly escorting her back to her room, leaving only Qi Jin and Jiang Xuanjin to keep watch, while the rest withdrew.

As soon as the door closed, Lu Jingxing was dragged to a corner of the courtyard.

“What happened? How did those two end up together as if nothing happened?” Xu Chunian asked, eyes wide.

Qingsi was also anxious. “If everything’s fine, why was the master crying? Was she wronged?”

Jiu Wu couldn’t understand either. “Ziyang Jun is such a proud person. How could he just come back like that?”

Lu Jingxing listened, his mouth twitching. “Who said nothing else was urgent and could wait for the master to tell us slowly?”

Everyone looked at Xu Chunian, who said softly, “That was to comfort her, seeing her emotional state.”

“Please, tell us!” Qingxian was scratching her head in frustration.

With a light snort, Lu Jingxing leaned against a vermilion pillar, twirling his fan, glancing at the closed main room door before slowly beginning to speak.

Inside the room, it was very quiet. Feeling Ziyang Jun’s gaze, Qi Jin was nervous, her fingers trembling on Li Huaiyu’s wrist.

“Hey, what are you afraid of?” Huaiyu laughed. “You’re already a seasoned physician in the Jiang residence.”

Qi Jin glanced nervously at the person beside her.

Understanding, Huaiyu shifted, patting the bed and saying to Jiang Xuanjin, “Come here.”

Jiang Xuanjin frowned. “She’s still taking your pulse.”

Despite his words, he obediently sat down, letting her lean half her body against him.

Smiling, Huaiyu found a comfortable position, watching him while Qi Jin took her pulse, her eyes full of unspoken emotions.

At first, he could meet her gaze calmly, but as she continued to look, and with someone else present, Jiang Xuanjin’s ears slowly turned red.

“Stop looking,” he muttered.

The atmosphere in the room inexplicably lightened, and Qi Jin secretly breathed a sigh of relief, focusing on the pulse, and then checking Huaiyu’s belly before stepping back. “Mother and child are both well, but Madam’s belly is quite large. Extra care will be needed during delivery.”

Hearing this, Jiang Xuanjin’s back stiffened, and he asked, “Will there be danger?”

Qi Jin whispered, “There’s always a danger in childbirth. If you’re worried, Your Majesty, find experienced midwives.”

“Can midwives ensure safety?”

“…Not necessarily, but it increases the chances.”

His jaw tightened, Jiang Xuanjin stared at Huaiyu’s belly for a while, then asked, “Can she not give birth?”

Li Huaiyu dug at her ear, thinking she misheard. “What did you say?”

“Don’t give birth,” he insisted. “We don’t need a child.”

Anger flared, and Huaiyu moved away, facing him. “It’s not you who’s been carrying this for over six months. You think you can just decide not to have it?”

“No.”

“Then what?” she shouted.

Jiang Xuanjin closed his eyes, twirling a strand of her hair, and after a long silence, he said softly, “What if something happens to you?”

If she ended up like his sister-in-law, gone after giving birth, what would he do?

Li Huaiyu was stunned, looking up at his expression, belatedly asking, “You’re worried about me?”

Worried enough to not even want a child?

Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips, nodding seriously.

From the first moment he saw her belly, his predominant emotion wasn’t anger but fear. He had seen the Jiang residence covered in funeral paper and watched his brother kneel at the altar, holding the baby Jiang Yan, crying uncontrollably.

That kind of pain, he never wanted to experience.

Huaiyu was taken aback, staring at him for a long time, finally exhaling slowly and laughing. “The divorce letter was written in vain.”

Mentioning this, Jiang Xuanjin was still displeased. “Since you had no affair with Lu Jingxing and are carrying my child, why the divorce letter?”

Was it just to make him sad?

Rubbing her nose, Huaiyu chuckled awkwardly. “I was plotting against you.”

“Hmm?” He frowned.

“In Northern Wei, children belong to the husband’s family, right? I was afraid you’d find out the child was yours and try to take it, so I wrote a divorce letter. Everything we share, everything I like, should belong to me.”

Under his gaze, Li Huaiyu’s voice grew smaller. “The child is ours, and I like it, so it should belong to me…”

His gaze was as cold as the wind outside, chilling her to the bone.

Jiang Xuanjin asked coldly, “Is that how you see me?”

Realizing she had misjudged him, Huaiyu sheepishly tugged his hand. “I was just being cautious…”

He looked at her deeply, then closed his eyes, leaning against the bed, rubbing his temples, his lips devoid of color.

Li Huaiyu felt a pang of guilt, thought for a moment, and asked, “Where’s the ‘Release Husband Letter’ I gave you?”

He opened his sleeve pocket, took it out, and placed it in front of her.

He carried it with him!

Feeling even guiltier, she coughed twice, took out the divorce letter from her sleeve, and tore them both in half.

With a ripping sound, Jiang Xuanjin opened his eyes.

The person in front of him smiled roguishly, tossing the torn letters to the ground, tapping his chest with her finger, and said cheekily, “You’re also something we share, and I like you, so you should belong to me too.”

“……”

The smiling face before him was one he hadn’t seen in a long time, as if from another lifetime, shining with the light of the rising sun, dazzling his eyes and making his heartache.

Slowly raising his hand, he covered his eyes, his Adam’s apple moving slightly.

Huaiyu watched quietly, propping herself up, gently leaning over to place a soft kiss on the back of his hand.

The crisp laughter was like the sound of wind chimes, ringing in his ears. Jiang Xuanjin’s face turned ashen, and he closed his eyes in frustration. In his past life, he must have been a heinous villain, which is why he encountered such a troublesome person in this life—one he couldn’t break free from, couldn’t escape, and despite all his efforts, couldn’t achieve a happy ending with.

The abbot of Hanshan Temple once said that he was a person of great wisdom, knowledgeable in law and self-restraint. If the abbot saw him now, he might be so angry that he’d break his wooden fish.

Li Huaiyu laughed to herself for a long time. Her thumb gently stroked the back of his hand as she whispered, “You are a fool.”

His lips turned even paler, and Jiang Xuanjin turned his head away. He knew he was foolish; every word and action he took was utterly foolish.

“I’m going back to Ziyang,” he said.

Huaiyu raised an eyebrow but didn’t try to stop him. She only asked, “How long until Qi Jin arrives?”

“At the latest, she’ll be at the outskirts of the city by tomorrow morning.”

“Good,” she smiled, “Tomorrow morning, I’ll see you off and pick up Qi Jin. If you’re not busy, you can meet her.”

Her tone was so relaxed, without a hint of sadness.

Taking a deep breath, he couldn’t help but laugh softly, “In this world, there is probably no one more carefree than Your Highness.”

“You’re too kind,” Li Huaiyu withdrew her hand, still looking at him with a face full of joy.

Qingsi remained on the city tower, watching the carriage by the moat grow smaller and smaller, her heart full of worry.

Xu Chuniang gently patted her shoulder, handing her a hand warmer, “Don’t worry, Huaiyu always knows what she’s doing. Since she chose to take this step, it means she’s thought it through.”

Qingsi turned her head, her brows furrowed with unease, “The Lord…”

She feared the Lord of Ziyang might harbor ill intentions, be angry at her master’s betrayal, and might harm her master directly.

Xu Chuniang seemed to guess what she wanted to say and shook her head with a smile, “No, you should worry about the Lord of Ziyang. I think he doesn’t stand a chance against Huaiyu.”

How could that be? Her master was pregnant and couldn’t fight, and the Lord of Ziyang’s face was so grim as if he was holding back something. If he couldn’t hold back and act, who would protect her master?

But…

Turning to look at Manager Lu beside her, he didn’t seem anxious either, standing on the city tower, gazing at the carriage with a half-smile.

Jiu Wu stood by his side, asking quietly, “Are you content?”

The jade bone fan twirled between his fingers, and Lu Jingxing replied leisurely, “She never gave me a chance, so what is there to be discontent about?”

“Then, are you going to the main city of Danyang?”

“No,” he said, his phoenix eyes narrowing, “The scenery in Yixian City is beautiful. I like it here, wouldn’t trade it for three thousand beauties.”

With that, he waved his sleeve and descended the city tower with great flair.

Jiu Wu watched his retreating figure, thinking that Manager Lu was indeed a shrewd businessman, always knowing which decision was most beneficial.

If only he had met him before the Princess encountered the Lord of Ziyang, would everything have been different?

The Princess’s residence was brightly lit at night. Whether it was because the river in Yixian City was flowing again or for some other reason, many courtyards had their lights on, burning all night.

“What’s going on?” The servants in the residence were puzzled, “Manager Lu can’t sleep, and neither can the Lord of Ziyang.”

“Don’t mention it, even Miss Xu and Young Master Jiang haven’t slept. Look, even the lights in the Princess’s room are still on.”

“Strange…”

He didn’t know why others couldn’t sleep, but Jiang Xuanjin knew why he couldn’t close his eyes.

The main cities of Ziyang and Danyang were six thousand miles apart. He was heading to Ziyang, and she to Danyang. Once they parted, they might not meet again until their hair turned white.

She didn’t have the slightest reluctance.

The candle burned out, leaving a wisp of smoke on the candlestick, dimming the room, with only the moonlight outside still bright. Jiang Xuanjin reached out, touching the moonlight gently.

Not being able to pluck the moon was fine; when nothing else was left, at least it was still in the sky, watching over him.

The silent night gradually turned pitch black, then slowly brightened with the dawn, and before he knew it, it was morning.

“Master,” Chengxu pushed the door open, bringing him water.

Jiang Xuanjin came back to his senses, moving slightly only to find his body stiff from the cold. He chuckled hoarsely, “Chengxu, help me up.”

Chengxu was startled, reaching out to find him ice-cold.

“You…” His eyes reddened, Chengxu gritted his teeth, his brows furrowing and relaxing, full of words of persuasion, but he couldn’t bring himself to say them.

Jiang Xuanjin shook his head, “I’m fine.”

No matter what happened, he always said, “I’m fine,” or “It’s nothing,” as if saying it enough would make it true. Chengxu was both angry and heartbroken, pouring him hot tea and wrapping him in a cloak.

“The carriage is already waiting outside.”

So early? Jiang Xuanjin closed his eyes, washed up, and stepped out the door as if nothing had happened.

Li Huaiyu, rarely up early, stood in the courtyard wrapped in thick tiger fur. Seeing him, she waved her paw, “Good morning, Lord.”

Nodding at her, Jiang Xuanjin didn’t lift his eyes, staring at a spot on the ground, “When are we leaving?”

Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, stepping beside him, whispering, “In such a hurry to leave, Lord? Won’t you miss me?”

His back stiffened, and he replied coldly, “Your Highness overthinks.”

“I had a dream last night,” she said, tugging at the fox fur on his cloak, pulling out a tuft and blowing it from her lips, then looking up at his face, “I dreamed you left the city outskirts and came back.”

“Dreams are the opposite,” Jiang Xuanjin said, “I won’t look back.”

“What if you do?”

Her tone was as if she had him figured out, full of confidence.

His jaw tightened, and Jiang Xuanjin met her gaze, “Impossible.”

“Really?” The person in front of him wasn’t intimidated by his look at all, making a face at him before calling out to Lu Jingxing in the neighboring courtyard.

“Why drag me along?” Lu Jingxing, sleepy-eyed, said wearily, “I don’t have to go, do I?”

“No,” Huaiyu shook her head, “You’re still carrying the title of my child’s father.”

Staring at her for a moment, he asked, “Decided?”

“Yes,” she replied, “If there’s no love, so be it. But since there’s reluctance, why not give it another chance?”

“You let things go.”

“I never like to make things hard for myself.”

Talking to Lu Jingxing was easy; a few words without beginning or end, he understood, and she knew what he meant. The people beside them were bewildered, but the two of them were already on the same page.

At dawn, everyone boarded the carriage. Jiang Xuanjin intended to avoid Li Huaiyu, but when he lifted the curtain, she was already sitting there, waving at him, “Come on up.”

Holding the curtain, Jiang Xuanjin seriously considered whether to ride with Lu Jingxing instead.

“I have something to say to you,” Huaiyu said.

After a moment of silence, he stepped onto the carriage and sat across from her.

As the wheels turned, Li Huaiyu rested her chin on her hand, asking, “If I said I was sincere when I was with you, would you believe it?”

His hand on his knee slowly clenched, “Your Highness’s understanding of sincerity may differ from mine.”

She was used to having many admirers, perhaps liking one the most meant sincerity to her. But he was different; his idea of sincerity was to give it to only one person.

Huaiyu pouted, “I think you misunderstand me quite a bit.”

“Does Your Highness want to explain?”

“Honestly, I’m not willing,” Huaiyu smiled, looking at him, “I’m quite aggrieved, and without you comforting me properly, I don’t want to speak.”

She’s aggrieved? Jiang Xuanjin gritted his teeth. It seemed he was the more aggrieved one, wasn’t he?

“Will you comfort me?” she asked.

Holding onto his last bit of pride, he shook his head.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Huaiyu chuckled, “You’ll regret it.”

He had too many regrets already. Since it had come to this, what was one more? Jiang Xuanjin turned his head to look outside the carriage.

The carriage passed through the bustling market and out the heavily guarded city gate. Half a mile further, they would reach the post station.

Jiang Xuanjin watched quietly, his throat tightening.

“In the future…” he said softly, “In the future, don’t deceive people anymore.”

The swindler sitting across from him laughed, holding her belly, “Alright, I’ll live well with Lu Jingxing, love each other every day, and after the child is born, I’ll be a good wife and mother, reforming my ways.”

That sounded good. He nodded slowly.

“What should we name the child?” Huaiyu mused, “Lord, you’re so talented, why not help with a name? Lu what?”

His gaze darkened, and Jiang Xuanjin remained silent. As soon as the carriage stopped, he lifted the curtain and got off.

Whatever Lu it was, it had nothing to do with him.

Qi Jin was already waiting at the post station. Jiang Xuanjin wanted to leave immediately, but thinking of the person in the carriage with her round belly, he paused and walked into the station.

As soon as he opened the door, someone knelt before him.

“This servant knows her guilt!” Qi Jin kowtowed, trembling, “This servant shouldn’t have agreed to keep the Madam’s secret. Please, Lord, in light of the happy occasion, spare this servant!”

Jiang Xuanjin looked at her, puzzled, “What are you talking about?”

Hearing his tone, Qi Jin thought her attitude wasn’t sincere enough and quickly kowtowed again, “This servant was only following orders, thinking the Madam would immediately tell the Lord about her pregnancy. Who knew so much would happen afterward, and this servant didn’t know what to do, so I never reported it…”

Li Huaiyu’s pregnancy, Qi Jin knew about it too?

Jiang Xuanjin was a bit slow to react, “You diagnosed her condition?”

Qi Jin hesitated and nodded, “At the time, it was early, and this servant didn’t dare confirm, but it was almost certain. The Madam was very happy, saying she wanted to tell the Lord herself, so…”

“Wait a moment,” his heart skipped a beat, Jiang Xuanjin’s pupils contracted, “She said she wanted to tell me herself?”

“Yes,” Qi Jin nodded, “Second Madam knows about it too, just two days before the incident in the palace.”

Hearing her relaxed tone, it seemed as if she had completely let go from the moment she received the divorce letter. She no longer avoided him and even invited him to stay a while longer.

Jiang Xuanjin pressed his lips together, his hand gripping his sleeve tighter and tighter. Was she asking him to stay to witness the opening of the city moat, or to watch her wedding with Lu Jingxing? It would be better if he left; if he stayed, he couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t do something rash. Was this her way of revenge?

The chill seeped in from the window, freezing him to the bone. The person in front of him seemed to sense something, pushed open the window, and exclaimed, “Wow!”

It was snowing! The city, which hadn’t seen rain or snow for years, was now experiencing a light snowfall. The crystalline white flakes fell on the windowsill. She caught some with her sleeve and turned to show him with a bright smile, “Look!”

In a daze, Jiang Xuanjin felt as if he had returned to the main building of Mo Residence. The long separation and tearing apart seemed like a nightmare, and upon waking, she was still by his side, laughing and playing, wanting to enjoy the deep winter snow scene with him.

He reached out, touching the white on her sleeve lightly, but as soon as he did, the delicate white melted away.

His eyelashes trembled, and Jiang Xuanjin pressed his lips together, his eyes swirling with dark emotions. He couldn’t touch it; once touched, it would disappear.

Retracting his hand behind his back, he tightened his jaw, wanting to coldly say, “Your Highness, please return,” but the words stuck in his throat, and he swallowed them back.

He had a long life ahead to be reserved; for now, why not indulge himself a little?

Li Huaiyu seemed unafraid of the cold, standing by the window catching snowflakes for quite a while, still not satisfied. She wanted to climb onto the nearby couch to reach further.

Jiang Xuanjin couldn’t hold back any longer and stepped forward to stop her, “Don’t move!”

Huaiyu raised an eyebrow and turned to smile, “What? Afraid I’ll get hurt? Didn’t you say it was Manager Lu’s child? Why are you worried?”

With a stiff face, Jiang Xuanjin replied coldly, “There are low tables on the couch with many sharp corners. If Your Highness gets hurt, Manager Lu will surely blame me.”

“No worries,” Huaiyu waved her hand nonchalantly, “He can’t do anything to you.”

“Even if he can’t, there’s still Jiu Wu and Chi Jin. And all the people in your Princess’s residence, I can’t afford to offend them.”

“You’re too modest,” Huaiyu teased with her almond eyes sparkling, “If you put your mind to it, not just my Princess’s residence, but the entire city wouldn’t be safe.”

After saying that, she continued to move. However, as soon as her knee touched the couch, a greenish-blue sleeve suddenly blocked her path.

Jiang Xuanjin’s movements were restrained, his arm across her collarbone, holding her shoulder, pulling her back.

With a smile, Li the Rascal took a few steps back, leaning against his chest. A slight tremor passed through her back, and she could hear his soft intake of breath, which disappeared in an instant. He stood straight, his hand dropping away.

“Can’t Your Highness stand steadily?”

“Mm,” Huaiyu sighed, “Ever since my belly grew, my feet have been swelling. My back aches every day, and I often can’t stand steadily.”

If Qingsi heard this, she would surely be exasperated. Not standing steadily? Who was the one running faster than a rabbit on the street last time?!

Jiang Xuanjin listened, his jaw tightening, looking down at her, wanting to support her but unsure where to place his hands.

Suddenly, the person in front of him exclaimed, and his heart skipped a beat. He frowned, “What is it?”

Holding her belly, she sat on the couch, her expression strange, frowning in silence.

“Speak!” Jiang Xuanjin stood before her, maintaining a calm expression, but his voice betrayed his fear.

Huaiyu slowly raised her head, pointing at her belly.

Jiang Xuanjin couldn’t care about much else and reached out to feel it. Her belly was firmer than he imagined, heavy and round. As soon as he touched it, something inside moved, a small sensation landing right in his palm.

Jiang Xuanjin was startled, quickly withdrawing his hand, forcing himself to remain calm, “I’ll have Chengxu call a doctor.”

“No need,” Huaiyu’s expression returned to normal, “It’s just fetal movement, perfectly normal.”

If it’s normal, why the expression?! Jiang Xuanjin turned back, glaring at her.

Li Huaiyu grinned mischievously, “Every time the baby moves, I get scared. I’m afraid it’ll suddenly break through my belly.”

She wanted him to experience this fear too, only then would she feel at ease.

Jiang Xuanjin remained silent for a long time before slowly exhaling.

What a mess.

An urgent letter was sent back to the main city of Ziyang within a day. Lü Qing was dragged out of bed, thinking something major had happened, hurriedly took the letter, and opened it.

However, after reading it, he twitched his mouth and couldn’t help but throw the letter to the ground, “Using an urgent letter for a female doctor? Does he think horses don’t get tired?”

A subordinate timidly reported, “The Lord used a thousand-mile horse, it didn’t die.”

Lü Qing shot a cold glance, and the subordinate immediately fell silent.

“Tell Qi Jin to set off today, find some people to escort her, and ride there.”

“Yes.”

After giving the orders, Lü Qing paced back and forth in the hall, almost stomping the floor tiles to pieces, muttering, “Always urging, never coming back. If he doesn’t come back, fine, but it’s like he wants to settle down in Yixian City. Even if he were to annex Yixian City to Ziyang, he wouldn’t be happy. What is he thinking?”

“He’s busy, but I’m not? I want to get married too, but I’m so busy I can’t even leave the county governor’s mansion. Who’s the real Lord of Ziyang here?”

The silent subordinate couldn’t help but speak again, “The Lord has prepared many portraits of noble ladies for you, all placed in your study.”

Lü Qing glared, “What’s the use of portraits? He should give me real beauties!”

The subordinate remained silent, thinking that even if there were real beauties, with your temperament, you wouldn’t dare enter the door.

However, he was considerate enough to have Lü Daren’s words delivered to the Lord when Qi Jin set off.

Qi Jin mounted her horse, trembling with excitement. Calculating the days, the Madam should be six months along. She hadn’t received any news before and had prepared for the worst. But now, the Lord suddenly summoned her.

There were female doctors everywhere. If there was a reason only she could go, it must be that the Lord knew about the Madam’s pregnancy and called her to account.

Even if it was to account, Qi Jin thought with teary eyes, that as long as the Lord and Madam could reconcile, she wouldn’t mind being punished.

However, knowing the Lord’s temperament, if he knew he had a child, he might be so happy he’d forget to punish her!

Thinking optimistically, Qi Jin rode swiftly with the guards.

After a light snowfall in Yixian City, the water in the moat grew stronger. The people cheered on the riverbank, and some couldn’t resist bending down to scoop water with buckets.

“We’re saved, our fields are saved!”

“Give me a hand, come on, let’s fetch water!”

“Water, so much water!”

More and more people gathered by the river, some even jumping in, their joyful shouts spreading from the city gate throughout the city. Yixian City finally came back to life.

Huaiyu stood on the city tower, smiling as she watched. Jiu Wu and others reported beside her, “The Qu Lin River canal has started construction. Once completed, the remaining tributaries of the three counties in Dongping will be cut off. Even if Yixian City has little rain, it won’t suffer from drought again.”

“Very good,” Huaiyu nodded, about to say more when she saw a group of people gathered below the tower, each holding a plate with Steamed Buns and buns, seemingly wanting to offer them, but were stopped by the guards. They shouted:

“Lord Jiu Wu! Lord Jiu Wu!”

“Miss Xu, we’re here to give thanks!”

“Commander, let us up!”

Understanding, Huaiyu smiled at those around her, “You are now beloved officials, you should accept the people’s goodwill. Go on, it won’t count as bribery.”

The men scratched their heads in embarrassment. Xu Chuniang saw an old woman unsteady on her feet and quickly led the way to welcome her.

Huaiyu watched, finding the scene heartwarming. This was the treatment good people deserved, not being reviled but cherished by the people like family, offering food and saying, “Try it, we made it, added extra sugar just for you!”

Retracting her gaze, Huaiyu stood alone on the city tower, continuing to watch the river below, a hint of envy in her eyes.

She could help them, but not herself. In the eyes of the people, she was still the notorious Princess Danyang.

The cold wind blew, ruffling her hair. Huaiyu tucked it behind her ear, thinking generously that it was okay. She had lived four years of reckless days and had to pay the price.

Irregular footsteps sounded beside her. Li Huaiyu thought someone had returned and didn’t turn her head.

However, after a moment, an elderly hand held a plate of Steamed Buns, offering it to her side.

Her heart trembled, and Huaiyu turned sharply.

The old woman’s face was deeply wrinkled, her eyes disappearing when she smiled. She had lost many teeth, making her speech unclear, but Huaiyu still heard her.

She said, “Your Highness, my son, and daughter-in-law are fetching water for the fields. I’m here to thank you.”

Blinking, Huaiyu looked at the Steamed Buns on the plate, her throat tightening, then smiled, “Old lady, you should give it to whoever you want, no need to listen to them and give it to me.”

The old woman paused, asking, “Are you the Princess?”

The guard beside her frowned, about to scold her for her rudeness, but Li Huaiyu stopped him, nodding slowly.

“Then it’s for you,” the old woman smiled, her gums showing, “You’re a good person.”

The plate of Steamed Buns was pushed into her hands. Huaiyu was bewildered, even glancing at Jiu Wu below, suspecting they had arranged this to make her happy.

But the old woman said, “I came here from Jiangxi over two years ago. You saved my family once, and this is the second time.”

In the sixth year of Daxing, Jiangxi suffered a drought, and an epidemic spread across seven counties, threatening to engulf the entire region. If not for the Princess’s decisive action to seal the city, the disease, impervious to medicine, would have claimed more lives.

The old woman didn’t understand court politics; she only knew her family was saved because of the Princess.

And this time, thanks to the Princess, the long-dry Yixian City had water. They could irrigate the fields, grow crops, and continue living.

A plate of Steamed Buns was equivalent to a family’s daily ration, and she brought it all, wiping her hands on her patched apron, looking a bit uneasy.

Li Huaiyu stood in a daze for a while, picked up a Steamed Buns, and took a bite.

The dry texture was far inferior to Chi Jin’s cooking, but she swallowed it and took another bite.

“Your Highness?” The guard beside her wanted to advise, but Huaiyu shook her head, stubbornly finishing the large Steamed Buns, then hugged the plate and said to the old woman, “I’ll eat them all.”

The old woman smiled, nodding repeatedly.

Li Huaiyu asked, “Where is your home?”

“Not far, just outside the west suburbs,” the old woman pointed, “I should be going back.”

Looking in that direction, Huaiyu nodded, gesturing to the guard beside her, who understood and helped the old woman down the tower, taking a few bags of rice with her. They were sent back to her home.

When Jiang Xuanjin came up, he saw Li Huaiyu holding a plate of Steamed Buns, lost in thought.

He was puzzled and walked over to look, the plate was rough, the Steamed Buns coarse, but her fingers had crumbs, indicating she had already eaten one.

“Your Highness?”

Hearing his voice, the person in front of him looked up, her eyes bright as stars.

She raised the plate like a child, her eyes wide with pride, “An old woman gave this to me!”

Jiang Xuanjin didn’t understand. She quickly pointed to the people still surrounded by the crowd below, then to the plate in her hand, grinning, “I have one too!”

Slightly stunned, Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze, “A plate of Steamed Buns makes you this happy.”

“You don’t understand!” Huaiyu couldn’t stop smiling, her eyes full of brilliance, “She said I’m a good person!”

For so long, living amidst the court’s scheming, she was used to the ministers’ and people’s curses, and the comforting words of those around her. It was the first time someone had sincerely and simply praised her.

For someone like Jiang Xuanjin, who was highly esteemed, people’s respect and admiration were commonplace. Unlike her, who had waited eight years for a plate of Steamed Buns.

Behind them, Chengxu frowned, hesitant to speak.

How could the Lord not understand? If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to change the situation for her.

“I don’t understand,” Jiang Xuanjin replied calmly, his expression unchanged.

Li Huaiyu, in a good mood, laughed and asked, “Would you like to come down with me to take a look? We can discuss the matters of Danyang and Ziyang along the way.”

“No,” he refused without thinking.

However, two incense sticks later, a carriage slowly traveled along the moat. Inside, thick bedding was laid out, and Huaiyu nestled in a corner, placing a pillow behind her back, and letting out a comfortable sigh.

The Lord of Ziyang knelt on the soft bedding, his body still straight.

“Aren’t you tired?” Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, “This carriage is meant for reclining, sitting is uncomfortable.”

“Speak, Your Highness,” he replied coldly.

Li Huaiyu chuckled, resting her chin on her hand as she looked at him, “Lu Ji is supplying goods to Yixian City. The border city of Danyang doesn’t have enough supplies, some need to be transported from the border city of Ziyang. But Ziyang is strict with Danyang, the goods can’t leave the city gate, I ask the Lord to grant some leniency.”

Riding with him, just to plead for Lu Jingxing?

His heart tightened, and Jiang Xuanjin sneered, “What if I don’t grant this leniency?”

With a light hum, Huaiyu spoke with confidence, “If you don’t grant this leniency! Then I will!”

She scooted over, moving to his side, hooking her finger around his, Li Huaiyu smiled brightly, “Then I’ll just plead with you more.”

The sudden soft tone was like gentle hands, lifting his sinking heart.

His chest ached, Jiang Xuanjin stared at her holding his hand, silent for a long time, and when he spoke again, his voice was hoarse, “Aren’t you afraid Lu Jingxing will be angry?”

Huaiyu thought seriously, then shook her head, “He won’t be angry.”

“True,” Jiang Xuanjin nodded, “After all these years, for him to stay by your side, he must have his merits.”

Indeed, Lu Jingxing was exceptionally skilled in making money.

Huaiyu laughed inwardly. Seeing his reluctance to shake her off, she boldly reached over, intertwining her fingers with his, just like long ago, holding his hand tightly.

Jiang Xuanjin’s face darkened, “Your Highness.”

“Mm?”

Seemingly finding it hard to speak, Jiang Xuanjin glared at her hand.

Li Huaiyu looked innocent, “What’s wrong? Is there a problem?”

Everything is wrong! Didn’t you ask for a divorce? Aren’t you marrying Lu Jingxing? Why suddenly be so intimate with me?

Sensing she was teasing him, Jiang Xuanjin was annoyed, his lips pressed tightly, his brows furrowed.

“Is it fun?” he asked.

Huaiyu nodded with a smile, holding his hand tighter, “It’s so much fun.”

“Stop the carriage!” he ordered sharply.

The horse neighed outside. Huaiyu leaned forward with the motion, exclaiming, “Oh!”

Jiang Xuanjin intended to get off, but hearing this, he paused, turning to ask, “What now?”

Holding her belly, Li Huaiyu groaned, “Uncomfortable.”

The carriage was by the river, with no village or shop in sight. Jiang Xuanjin gritted his teeth, instructing Chengxu, “Return to the Princess’s residence!”

“No need,” holding his hand, Huaiyu smirked, “Just keep going.”

Jiang Xuanjin: “…”

Returning to his original position, he looked at her for a long time, rubbing his brow wearily, “Can’t Your Highness let me go?”

Since they were destined not to be together, why tease him?

Moving her hand intertwined with his, Li Huaiyu sighed, “Lord, my strength isn’t great, if you don’t like it, you can easily pull away.”

Relying on him not pulling away, she played this game with him? Jiang Xuanjin was so angry he laughed, “Fine, whatever Your Highness asks, I will comply.”

“Thank you!” Huaiyu was delighted but still didn’t let go of his hand.

What was she thinking? Jiang Xuanjin couldn’t understand.

In the Jiang family rules, being intimate with someone else while having a husband was punishable by branding and expulsion. He knew this behavior violated propriety and ethics, and if he didn’t pull away, he was equally guilty.

Yet, inexplicably, he didn’t move.

Li Huaiyu’s smile grew wider, her almond eyes watching him like a cat that had caught a mouse, unable to hold back, she laughed out loud.

“You must have left, otherwise where did this lantern come from?” Qingsi shook her head. “There was nothing like this in Your Highness’s room.”

The servant felt wronged: “I… I have been here the whole time!”

Qingsi wanted to say more, but Huaiyu reached out and stopped her.

“Don’t blame him,” she chuckled softly. “The door is guarded, but isn’t there also a window?”

Some people prefer to walk through doors openly, but if they meet a mischievous lady who teaches them how to climb through windows, then no one will notice when they do it again.

Qingsi saw that Huaiyu seemed to understand but had no intention of pursuing the matter, so she kept quiet.

Li Huaiyu lifted her skirt and entered the room. She picked up the lantern, examined it, and after a moment of contemplation, tucked it into her tiger-skin cloak and turned towards the guest room.

Jiang Xuanjin was standing by the window, lost in thought when suddenly the door was kicked open.

With a loud “bang,” his heart skipped a beat. Turning around, he saw Li Huaiyu poking her head in, grinning as she asked, “Does Your Lordship have some free time?”

His fingers trembled, then clenched into a fist. He frowned and said, “Your Highness should ask that when knocking on the door.”

“You know I never knock,” she said, stepping inside. “I feel a bit guilty for disturbing you so late, so I’ll get straight to the point—

“The moat of Yixian City is slowly filling with water. In a few days, when the dam upstream in Danyang is fully opened, the project will be complete. I plan to officially incorporate Yixian City into Danyang. What does Your Lordship think?”

Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze, gently turning to the side: “Without Your Highness, Yixian City would have long been a dead city. The people here are already devoted to you. What opinion could I possibly have about you incorporating it into Danyang?”

He had no intention of stopping her, not even a hint of hesitation as if he had already considered this matter.

Her previous assumptions were incorrect. Huaiyu looked at him steadily for a moment, then moved to face him again and asked, “Even if Danyang borders Ziyang, it doesn’t matter?”

“No problem,” Jiang Xuanjin seemed reluctant to look at her, turning his body away again.

Huaiyu laughed and insisted on getting in front of him: “What does Your Lordship mean by this? Aren’t we supposed to be mortal enemies? Why aren’t you even fighting me for the border city?”

Was she the only one who thought they were mortal enemies? Jiang Xuanjin clenched his hand, coldly saying, “Is Your Highness eager for me to fight you?”

“No, I just don’t understand.” Looking into his eyes, Huaiyu smiled, but her gaze was sincere. “What exactly do you feel about me now?”

She thought he misunderstood her pregnancy and would never show her mercy, but… the situation seemed different from what she expected.

Could it be… could there be a possibility…

Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brows, his face looking somewhat pale. After a long silence, he said softly, “Aren’t you very clever?”

“If you’re so clever, then guess.”

Huaiyu was stunned, staring blankly into his eyes.

Jiang Xuanjin’s eyes were truly beautiful, like a still ink lake, or a turbulent sea, filled with emotions that were all hidden away when they met her gaze, leaving only a calm, deep black.

She reached out, took the lantern from her cloak, and held it up to him, asking, “Is this yours?”

Her expression seemed confident, but inside, she was anxious, as if standing on thin ice, afraid it would crack at any moment, making her breath light.

Jiang Xuanjin glanced at the lantern, his pale lips parting slightly: “What if it is mine?”

He admitted it!

He admitted it!

Her heart skipped a beat, and Huaiyu blinked, finding his straightforwardness hard to believe: “You…”

“What about me?” he spoke, his voice low, “I have feelings for you. Did it take you this long to guess?”

It was like a giant hammer striking her heart, causing her chest to pause and then race uncontrollably. A wave of heat spread from her throat to her entire body, making her tremble slightly.

Jiang Xuanjin… had feelings for her?

Li Huaiyu’s pupils contracted, staring at him in shock, not just at his words, but at the fact that he would say them.

With his awkward nature, what kind of mindset did he have to tell her this, thinking she was carrying someone else’s child?

“Do you find it strange too?” Seeing her reaction, Jiang Xuanjin’s lips curled in a mocking smile. “I find it strange too. You deceived me, used me, betrayed me, yet I still have feelings for you.”

He turned around calmly, his back to her: “So just treat it as a joke. You can throw away the lantern; it’s worthless anyway. I heard from Juwu that Your Highness and Manager Lu’s wedding is approaching. I wish you both a long and happy life together. I’ll be leaving for Ziyang tomorrow, and I’ll send a gift later.”

His tone was calm. Jiang Xuanjin took a step towards the inner room: “Please close the door for me when you leave.”

He maintained his composure, not letting her see any embarrassment. Once inside, he stood by the window, looking out at the silent night.

It was good. He had said everything he needed to say, and there would be no regrets after leaving. She could laugh at him all she wanted behind his back, but once he left, it would be hard to meet again. At opposite ends of the world, he could pretend she didn’t exist.

It didn’t matter. She could live without him, and he could live without her.

Footsteps sounded behind him, and someone came over, pulling aside his wide sleeve and holding his trembling fingertips.

“Ziyang Lord is quite carefree,” she laughed. “If you’re so open-minded, why are your hands so cold?”

His body stiffened, and the person by the window held his neck rigidly, not turning around.

Huaiyu reached out, pinching his chin as she used to, forcing him to turn his face.

Such a proud and aloof person, yet now his eyes were red, his thin lips stubbornly pressed together, and his pupils filled with mist.

Her throat tightened, and Huaiyu smiled: “Can I understand that you truly like me and want to spend a beautiful life together, which is why you’re so upset now?”

“No.” His voice was hoarse, “The wind is too cold.”

Shaking her head with a roguish smile, she said, “You should be honest. You dared to speak earlier, so why be afraid now? Isn’t it better to let it all out?”

You’re the one who’s broken, your whole mansion is broken!

He shook off her hand, frowning: “Does it matter now?”

“It does.” Huaiyu nodded seriously, “It matters to me.”

The night wind blew in, carrying a chill. Jiang Xuanjin glanced at her, then reached out to close the window: “If I didn’t want to spend a beautiful life with you, you wouldn’t even be able to enter my courtyard, let alone anything else.”

Huh? Wait? Huaiyu was shocked: “Bai Xuanji didn’t enter your courtyard? Who are you fooling? Didn’t you favor her the first day she came?”

Jiang Xuanjin frowned, looking at her as if she were a fool: “Who told you that?”

“Bai…” Her mouth twitched, and Huaiyu realized she had been foolish, actually believing Bai Xuanji’s words. Bai Xuanji would love to make her uncomfortable, and she fell for it.

Jiang Xuanjin looked at her with a strange expression: “Do you take me for your second brother? Letting just anyone into my courtyard?”

Slightly choked, Huaiyu scratched her temple with her index finger, finally swallowing her breath.

“Then…” she said, “since you’re willing to live with me, why don’t you trust me?”

Jiang Xuanjin asked softly: “Trust you about what? Trust that you’re not the Princess of Danyang, or trust that you didn’t approach me for revenge?”

From the moment she confessed to Liu Yunlie in the bamboo forest to confronting him in the dungeon, she never denied these two points. If she had continued to lie and deny it, he might have wavered.

But she didn’t. She was Danyang, she came for revenge, and she deceived him.

“What do you want me to do?” he asked her, “If you were me, what would you do?”

Huaiyu was silent.

She knew the answer herself. If someone dared to deceive her feelings like this, she would have them executed and hung at the city gate.

“Fate is cruel,” she muttered. “If Huailin hadn’t sent you to give me poisoned wine, I wouldn’t have thought you were the one who killed me, and I wouldn’t have gone after you.”

They missed their chance from the start. She had feelings for him, but in his eyes, she was a scourge. He sent her on her way, and she saw him as an enemy. When they met again, she was full of thoughts of revenge, deceiving and using him, only to find out she had avenged the wrong person.

By the time she regretted it, the truth was revealed, and there was no escape. They were destined to drift further apart.

If Jiang Xuanjin hadn’t said these things today, Huaiyu would have let go. Time would erode everything, and two people without fate, separated by so much hatred, would only suffer if forced together. It would be better to forget each other.

But he spoke, and it turned out he, like her, had hoped for a beautiful life together.

She hadn’t lost to him, so who did she lose to? Fate?

Narrowing her eyes slightly, Li Huaiyu suddenly felt indignant.

Letting him go like this, carrying unresolved love and hate alone, was it satisfying? Life is so short, and emotions can’t be taken to the grave. If not resolved in this world, they can’t be spent as money in the underworld!

Her heart suddenly clear, she asked him: “Can you write me a divorce letter?”

Without a divorce letter, remarrying would be somewhat improper, right? Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze, speaking softly: “I can.”

“The divorce letter must include a clause,” Huaiyu handed him a pen and ink, “After you divorce me, everything we shared, anything I want, will be mine.”

If she said this to someone else, they would surely call her domineering. But Jiang Xuanjin said nothing, only nodded.

Watching him write, Huaiyu smiled with satisfaction. When he finished, she happily picked up the letter, blew on it, carefully folded it, and tucked it into her bosom, then asked him: “Do you know where Qi Jin is?”

Jiang Xuanjin replied: “In Ziyang. If you want to see her, I’ll have her come to accompany you.”

“That would be great.” Huaiyu patted her belly, “I’m very confident in Qi Jin’s medical skills. With only a few months left until delivery, have her come to assist with the birth.”

His face turned even paler, Jiang Xuanjin turned his head, stiffened for a moment, and then nodded: “Alright.”

“You should stay too,” she said. “You’ve been here so long, a few more months shouldn’t matter.”

Jiang Xuanjin shook his head, ready to refuse without thinking.

Huaiyu smiled, cutting him off: “It’s settled then. Remember to send a letter to Qi Jin quickly, and let me know when she replies. Also, with the moat about to be filled, please do me the honor of accompanying me to see it.”

Just as the Emperor was about to issue a decree to question the absence of the Lord of Pingling, a major event occurred in Pingling.

On the last day of the memorial for the former Lord of Pingling, Li Shan, the Princess of Danyang issued a letter of accusation, charging him with disloyalty and inhumanity.

In the second year of Daxing, due to a power struggle with the Commandant of Guards, Li Shan murdered the nearly fifty-year-old loyal court servant, Sun Weiwei, strangling him and discarding his body in the Cold Palace. In the third year of Daxing, he attempted to seize the Dowager Consort Feng, driving her to suicide, and instead of repenting, he slaughtered everyone in her palace.

That same year, Li Shan wrongfully killed the elder brother of Xu Xian, leaving his bones to chill at the border, unable to return home. He embezzled 300,000 taels from the national treasury to build a palace, ostensibly for the Emperor but actually for himself, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of laborers. Those who reported him were silenced, leading to a long-standing corruption in the court.

The Princess questioned why such a person deserved to be enshrined in the ancestral temple and receive three days of worship each year. The blood of the Li family flowing in his veins was a disgrace to the family!

The letter of accusation caused an uproar across the land. Few knew whether it was true or false, leading to widespread speculation.

However, soon after, the current Lord of Pingling, Li Fangwu, Li Shan’s son, personally confirmed these accusations as facts. He submitted a memorial to the Emperor, declaring that he would no longer travel to the capital to worship his father, only performing small ceremonies at home to express filial piety.

This decision was seen as appropriate, showing both filial respect and providing a valid reason not to go to the capital. The Emperor could not accuse him of being unfilial, nor force him to leave Pingling.

As a result, everyone knew that Li Shan was far from the virtuous figure praised in books and recorded in history.

Those with intentions began to verify the accusations in the letter, discovering that the Princess’s words were true. Following her directions, they quickly found the remains of Sun Weiwei in the Cold Palace.

The court was shaken, and countless memorials flooded the Emperor’s desk, demanding the cancellation of the annual three-day worship of Li Shan in the ancestral temple.

Li Huailin sat alone on the soft couch in Longyan Palace, the shadows in the corners falling over his eyes.

“Your Majesty,” Liu Yunlie entered and spoke softly, “It has been handled.”

The ancestral worship was decreed by Li Huailin, and Liu Yunlie knew the reason. It was impossible to change it due to a few memorials from the ministers. However, the Princess’s move caught them off guard, and the posthumous title originally intended for Li Shan might not be possible now.

Li Huailin’s voice was low: “Is what the Princess said true?”

Liu Yunlie paused, shaking his head: “You know the Princess’s nature, don’t you? After so many years, suddenly bringing this up must have some interest involved. Whether it’s true or false is no longer important; what’s important is to guard against her and see what she intends to do.”

Huailin shook his head: “I feel like the Princess is telling me she didn’t wrongfully kill Li Shan.”

Liu Yunlie remained silent.

He had thought the Princess would never bring up these old matters again. After all, she wasn’t someone who liked to clear her name. When the Lord of Pingling died, she held power alone, already having the world in her hands, yet she preferred to focus her energy on Lu Jingxing and never cried out for her injustice.

It was said that in the Princess’s eyes, reputation was the least valuable thing.

So what had happened now to make her change her mind?

“How’s my business doing?” Huaiyu gleefully waved the construction map of the Qu Lin River tributary in front of Lu Jingxing. “A letter for a map, is it a good deal?”

Lu Jingxing gave her a deep look: “You’ve made a fortune.”

She had stayed in Yixian City without going out, and no one gossiped in her ear, so Huaiyu still didn’t know that the outside world had changed dramatically.

It was more than just earning a map…

Lu Jingxing glanced out the window, where Jiang Xuanjin stood in the courtyard, his fox-fur cloak fluttering slightly in the wind, a jade crown neatly binding his black hair, looking like a young master enjoying the world’s beauty.

“Was it his idea for you to write the letter of accusation?” Lu Jingxing asked in a low voice.

Huaiyu raised an eyebrow: “How did you know it was his idea? But my handwriting is ugly, so he had Jiang Shen write it instead. Second Young Master Jiang may not be good at other things, but he’s excellent with pen and ink, turning old matters into a case worthy of the history books.”

With a slight movement in his eyes, Lu Jingxing held the cold fan bone for a while before saying, “He has a mind for it.”

“He doesn’t lose out either,” Huaiyu said, holding her belly. “The Lord of Pingling’s thank-you gift arrived today, filling my courtyard with large boxes. He’s generous. I suppose there will be more exchanges between Pingling and Ziyang in the future.”

Lu Jingxing raised an eyebrow: “I remember in the third year of Daxing, you refuted someone’s memorial, saying that too much interaction between fiefdoms was not beneficial to the country.”

“Yes, but Li Shan didn’t listen, and Huailin didn’t support it either,” Huaiyu shrugged. “Because Li Shan was a fief lord, he knew that interaction between fiefdoms helped consolidate the power of fief lords. If they could unite against a common enemy, they could stand against the court.”

Huailin thought Li Shan was wholeheartedly for his good. Now he should understand that Li Shan was also selfish back then, leaving a way out for himself while supporting him.

It’s fate’s trick that now she’s stepping on the path Li Shan left, having to contend with Huailin.

Taking a deep breath, Huaiyu felt a bit stifled and said to Lu Jingxing, “I want to go out for a walk.”

Lu Jingxing firmly shook his head.

“Oh, I’ve been cooped up in the house all day. It’s stifling! The doctor said I need to walk more to have the strength to give birth!” Huaiyu pouted, looking outside. “Today is the Winter Flower Festival of Northern Wei. In previous years, we always went out to drink during the Winter Flower Festival, didn’t we?”

Lu Jingxing counted on his fingers: “The day before yesterday, you went out, lost Qingsi after seven turns, and she searched for you for a long time, staying at your door for three days without daring to move. The day before that, you went out, with a big belly, to help someone snatch a purse, scaring Juwu half to death, and alarming the entire yamen. The thief thought he had stolen a stack of silver notes, but when the purse was recovered, there were only three copper coins inside. Yesterday… you finally didn’t go out, and Chijin personally cooked a hot pot to celebrate.”

The first few sentences made her blush, but at the end, Li Huaiyu was furious: “They had hot pot without me?!”

Lu Jingxing spread his hands: “Spare them. If they invited you, Chijin wouldn’t dare cook casually. He’d have to prepare three days in advance.”

Huaiyu was a bit amused: “I know my own body, don’t I? It’s sturdy. It was fine being locked up for so long, fine with all the bumps along the way. How could going out to eat cause any trouble?”

Taking a few steps forward to open the door, Lu Jingxing turned back and said, “If you want fresh air, just stand here for a while.”

Reluctantly, she stood there, took a breath of the cold wind outside, and pouted: “It’s not as fresh as the street air.”

Lu Jingxing’s temple twitched, and he forced a smile: “Make do with it.”

Her eyes rolled, and Huaiyu suddenly said: “How about this, let’s compete in pitch-pot. If I win, you let me go out, okay? Pitch-pot is your specialty, and I’ve never won!”

Lu Jingxing squinted: “If I win, you’ll stay in the mansion?”

“Yes!” Huaiyu nodded.

Jiang Xuanjin stood not far away with his back to them, but he could hear the two of them joking and laughing.

She said: “You’ve beaten me for five years. What’s wrong with me standing three steps closer?”

He said: “Are you walking with your legs spread? Standing by the pot isn’t pitching; it’s playing!”

She was unhappy: “Then… two steps?”

He sneered: “You’d better stay in the mansion.”

Jiang Xuanjin didn’t turn around, his dark eyes silently watching the distant clouds.

Chengxu frowned slightly and whispered: “Master, shall we go back? Ziyang sent many documents, and you haven’t read them yet.”

There was no response. The person in front of him sat silently, his thin lips pressed white.

The game was already set up.

Li Huaiyu held three arrows, looking desperate as she stood behind the line with Lu Jingxing. The line was eight feet from the pot. She aimed for a long time, considering the wind direction and her luck, but in the end, two arrows missed, and only one arrow stood lonely in the pot’s mouth.

Her head drooped, and she wrapped her tiger-skin cloak tighter, pouting at Lu Jingxing: “Can’t you throw less accurately?”

Lu Jingxing twirled the long arrow between his fingers, chuckling: “I can hit with my eyes closed. It’s too hard not to be accurate.”

“Then close your eyes.” Huaiyu seized the opportunity, “Qingsi, bring a white silk to cover Manager Lu’s eyes!”

Lu Jingxing: “…”

Qingsi did as told, and he helplessly took the white silk to cover his eyes: “Your Highness is persistent.”

It wasn’t that he was overconfident. Pitch-pot, a game for young masters, was something he had known since childhood. No matter who he competed with, he always won because he never missed an arrow.

With the white silk covering his eyes, he could vaguely see some light and shadow. Lu Jingxing stood straight, holding the arrow, and threw it.

Huaiyu was startled, seeing the accuracy, it was going to hit. If it hit, she wouldn’t be able to go out!

Feeling a bit desperate, she began considering whether to force her way out of the mansion.

However, just as the arrow was about to fall into the pot, a pebble flew in from the side, with a sharp momentum, precisely hitting the arrowhead.

The direction veered, and the arrow fell to the ground with a “snap.”

Not hearing the expected pot sound, Lu Jingxing was surprised, lifted the white silk to look, and frowned: “Did you cheat?”

Huaiyu stood beside him, innocently shaking her head: “No.”

As she spoke, she glanced at the person standing at the other end of the courtyard.

Jiang Xuanjin didn’t look at her, seriously staring at the already withered flower branches in the flowerbed, his long hand slowly retracting into his fox-fur cloak.

Retracting her gaze, Huaiyu smiled and tugged at the white silk over Lu Jingxing’s eyes: “You still have two chances.”

Lu Jingxing was puzzled, looked at the position of the copper pot again, memorized it, and covered his eyes to throw it again.

With two “pops,” two arrows with excellent accuracy fell on the ground not far from the copper pot.

Removing the white silk, Lu Jingxing was dumbfounded, while Li Huaiyu was so happy she almost jumped up, clapping her hands: “To the street!”

“This is impossible.” He couldn’t understand, “Why didn’t they go in?”

“Your hand is rusty!” Pretending to know nothing, Huaiyu comforted him, “Practice more in the future.”

With that, she cheered and walked out.

Lu Jingxing frowned at the copper pot for a long time, finally helpless, took his cloak, and followed the person ahead.

In Northern Wei, people loved camellias, so they established the Winter Flower Festival, set on the day when camellias bloomed the most, for people to enjoy flowers and play. Yixian City, a barren place, hadn’t celebrated the Winter Flower Festival for years. But this year was different, with many new Lu’s taverns and bookstores opening in the city, and even song and music halls opening their doors to celebrate the festival.

The people had food, the river was about to flow again, and all these happy events made the streets bustling.

Huaiyu’s eyes shone as she looked at the people around, sighing: “When we first came, the streets here were just yellow earth.”

“Yes.” Lu Jingxing walked beside her, shielding her from the crowd, “Thanks to Your Highness, Yixian City is alive.”

Unable to stop smiling, Huaiyu rubbed her mouth, wanting to be reserved, but she was really happy: “The Princess of Danyang did a good deed.”

She was finally not the scourge of the country in the people’s mouths. If she were to die again, even if someone still pointed at her coffin and cursed, there should be someone to speak a good word for her.

Danyang was a good person.

Thinking of the mourning lanterns with Danyang’s name that floated on Chang’an Street long ago, she subconsciously waved her hand again.

This time, you won’t be wronged!

Lu Jingxing glanced at her, supporting her as they walked to the nearby Lu’s tavern: “Too many people, go upstairs and listen to the storytelling.”

“Okay!” Huaiyu lifted her skirt and walked, holding her round belly, her steps surprisingly light.

The tavern was doing good business today, with few empty seats on the second floor. Fortunately, Lu Jingxing had reserved a spot, seating her at the table closest to the storyteller.

With a slap of the gavel, the noisy upstairs quieted down. The elderly storyteller cleared his throat and began, and Huaiyu listened with relish, holding a small snack. Lu Jingxing casually glanced to the side and saw more guests coming upstairs.

Jiang Xuanjin, with a cold face, found an empty seat and sat down. Chengxu and Yufeng stood behind him, the three of them conspicuous, drawing whispers as soon as they sat.

Raising an eyebrow, Lu Jingxing looked at the person beside him. She was engrossed in the story, seemingly unaware.

Resting his hand on his chin, Lu Jingxing suddenly reached out, offering tea to Huaiyu’s lips.

Li Huaiyu, with her hands full of snacks, didn’t bother to take it, simply drinking from his hand, swallowing the snack, and saying: “Why are you so nice today?”

Lu Jingxing smiled: “When am I not nice to you?”

“Many times, yesterday you argued with me about not going to Danyang’s main city. The day before, I wore a new dress, and you said it was ugly.” Li Huaiyu squinted, “Do you think I have a bad memory?”

Slightly choked. Lu Jingxing turned his head: “I was speaking the truth. Whoever wants to go to Danyang’s main city can go. Why did you choose a cyan color for the new dress? It’s ugly.”

“Chuniang chose it, what’s it got to do with me?” Huaiyu snorted.

Lu Jingxing wanted to say, “You wore it because she chose it?” But catching a glimpse of someone watching from the side, he paused, leaned forward, and whispered in Huaiyu’s ear: “It’s my fault. After these two cups of tea, shall we visit the fabric shop? I’ll have two new outfits made for you.”

“No need.” Huaiyu mumbled through her food, “If you get me another serving of these jade green bean buns, I’ll forgive you.”

With a doting smile, Lu Jingxing called a waiter and whispered instructions.

Jiang Xuanjin didn’t know why he followed. He disliked crowds and disliked seeing Lu Jingxing and Li Huaiyu close. Yet he sat there, watching them for a long time.

She had said that someone like him, who spoke one way and thought another, wasn’t very likable. Lu Jingxing was good with words, speaking softly and gently, making her laugh, and taking good care of her.

When he wasn’t by her side, her smile seemed more genuine.

“Master,” Chengxu, feeling sorry, said, “Shall we go back?”

“Yes, it’s noisy here,” Yufeng agreed, “Why not go back and look at the Buddhist scriptures Second Young Master found for you?”

“Mm.” Jiang Xuanjin lowered his eyes, responding softly, but when that table of people got up to leave, his feet followed them as if they had a mind of their own.

In the past, if someone told him that a young master was deceived and betrayed but couldn’t let go, stubbornly seeking a way out, he would have said that person was a fool, not knowing what their heart was made of, not feeling pain.

But now, walking on the sandy streets of Yixian City, he knew how foolish he was and how much it hurt, yet he still walked forward.

Why? He couldn’t understand himself. Could a fox, tamed by half a year of warmth, really stay in a cage for life?

One more street, Jiang Xuanjin thought, one more street, and he’d leave.

By the time they came out, it was near dusk, and soon it was dark. Lanterns lit up everywhere on the street, yet there were still many people. Huaiyu walked enthusiastically, reaching the street corner, and inadvertently looked up, seeing the lantern hanging from the eaves on the second floor.

The lantern was round and bright, emitting a pure light, much like the moon in the sky.

…

“Even when angry, you look so beautiful. I want to pluck the moon for you!”

“Then go pluck it. If you can’t, don’t let me see you again!”

“The moon I plucked for you.”

“……”

“You said if I couldn’t pluck it, you wouldn’t see me again. I said we’d meet every year, didn’t you remember?”

…

It seemed like it happened just yesterday, yet it was so far away now, unreachable. Huaiyu stood still for a moment, her vision blurring.

Perhaps no one would ever make her want to climb a building to pluck the moon again. The paper lanterns she used to keep in the main building of Moju were probably broken into pieces by now, thrown away somewhere.

Let it go. Fake is fake, and besides her, no one would be foolish enough to take a lantern for the moon.

“Here’s the candied hawthorn you wanted.” Lu Jingxing caught up from behind, handing her a large, red treat.

Shaking her head to clear her eyes, Huaiyu smiled: “See how obedient I am? I didn’t run off. I waited here for you.”

Lu Jingxing raised an eyebrow, looking closely at her face, sensing something was off: “What’s wrong? Weren’t you fine just now?”

Pausing slightly, Huaiyu quickly yawned, tears in her eyes: “I’m tired, and want to go back to sleep.”

“Alright.” Lu Jingxing sighed in relief, “It’s rare for you to feel tired.”

Smiling wryly, Huaiyu lowered her eyes, following him back.

Jiang Xuanjin had told her to be ready, his tone… even his grudges were elegant, unlike her, who seemed petty and malicious.

What was he planning to do to her? So many days had passed, yet there seemed to be no movement.

Speaking of which, this person had stayed in Yixian City for a long time, not returning to Ziyang. Why? Judging by the speed at which documents were sent from Ziyang, it didn’t seem like he was idle, yet he wasn’t in a hurry, showing no intention of returning after all this time.

Could it be that he didn’t want Yixian City to merge with Danyang, so he came here early to wait, ready to stop her if she made a move?

Thinking about it, this reason seemed most convincing. Huaiyu steadied herself, planning to test him once to see what his next move would be.

The courtyard was pitch black, only her room was lit. Li Huaiyu pushed the door open, intending to ask who was so considerate to leave a light, but when she looked up, there was no one in the room.

A round lantern sat by the window, emitting a pure light, reflecting the night outside, making her pause.

Qingsi looked puzzled, asking the servant guarding the door: “Did anyone come by?”

The servant was confused: “I’ve been here the whole time, didn’t see anyone!”

The Lord of Pingling never had much affection for Li Shan, and now, feigning illness to avoid going to the capital was a reasonable move. Jiang Xuanjin listened to the report without much comment and handed a letter to Yufeng, instructing him to sneak back to the capital to find Bai Dezhong.

Thus, on the anniversary of Li Shan’s death, Li Fangwu was absent, and Bai Dezhong submitted a memorial to the emperor, accusing him of being unfilial and requesting imperial punishment. Li Fangwu not only failed to report to the capital but also missed Li Shan’s death anniversary. Even if he claimed to be ill, how long had he been sick? Wasn’t he well enough to attend the Changlin birthday banquet not long ago?

Li Huailin pondered for a long time before sending a handwritten edict to Pingling. The edict was gentle in tone but made Li Fangwu shiver. The emperor’s message was clear: Are you coming to the capital or not? If you arrive within three days and offer incense to Li Shan, there is still room for reconciliation. If not, I will heed the censor’s advice and charge you with unfilial conduct.

The words were gentle, but the attitude was one of offering peace before force. Previously, Li Fangwu would have gone to the capital without hesitation, but now he hesitated and went to see Jiang Yan, who was still in Pingling.

Jiang Yan said, “What the Ziyang Lord said was true. The emperor intends to use Pingling as a scapegoat. If you dare to go to the capital, the emperor will surely charge you with deceiving the sovereign. At that time, without the protection of Pingling, and the support of the court officials, you will be at their mercy.”

Li Fangwu broke out in a cold sweat, “Can the Ziyang Lord save me?”

Jiang Yan replied with difficulty, “When I left, he only said that as long as you stay in your fief and protect yourself, there would be no major issues. However, he did not specify what to do.”

Leaving Pingling was impossible. Knowing that going to the capital would be a death sentence, he wasn’t foolish! Terrified, Li Fangwu summoned his advisors to discuss how to rid himself of the charge of unfilial conduct.

Three days later, Li Huaiyu also received the news.

“This is truly strange.” She clicked her tongue as she read the letter in her hand. “Has the Lord of Pingling gone mad? Why would he go against his father?”

Why were rumors of Li Shan’s disloyalty, unfilial conduct, and lack of benevolence and righteousness spreading?

The study was quiet, and for some reason, Qingsi, who had been standing nearby, was silent. Instead, a slender hand reached over, offering her a cup of tea.

Huaiyu took it, glancing up, nearly dropping the cup in surprise.

“You… why is Your Majesty here?”

Jiang Xuanjin stood before her, exuding an icy aura, his expression indifferent. “Passing by.”

He had been staying at the Princess’s residence for several days but had hardly appeared before her. Just as Huaiyu had let her guard down, seeing him again startled her greatly. “Passing… by?”

How could he pass by and cross into her well-guarded study?

Hurriedly trying to hide the confidential letter in her hand, Huaiyu forced herself to remain calm. “Next time Your Majesty passes by, remember to knock.”

Seeing her actions, Jiang Xuanjin scoffed lightly, turning his head aside, and asked coldly, “Do you want the Qu Lin River?”

The Qu Lin River was a major river running through Pingling, with tributaries not far from the border of Danyang. Danyang had previously diverted the river to benefit the three counties of Dongping. Now, to redirect the river back, the greatest resistance came from these three countries. If the Qu Lin River could be channeled to support them, it would be much easier to get the three counties to relent.

Li Huaiyu thought for a moment and asked, “What does Your Majesty want in exchange?”

“Simple,” Jiang Xuanjin said, “Help the Lord of Pingling with a favor.”

The Lord of Pingling was currently anxious about the charges hanging over his head and had begun to consider using Li Shan’s past deeds to his advantage. Otherwise, he couldn’t bear the charge of unfilial conduct. But as Li Shan’s son, he couldn’t openly declare his father’s misdeeds, as that would not win people’s hearts.

At this time, the Princess of Danyang was the perfect helper.

Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, instantly understanding Jiang Xuanjin’s intentions.

She would help the Lord of Pingling, and in return, he would give her a canal. As for Jiang Xuanjin? He didn’t have to do anything; he just needed to connect the two sides and gain favor from both. The Lord of Pingling, already tricked onto his ship, would likely see him as a savior after this.

Clapping her hands lightly, Huaiyu smiled, “Your Majesty is impressive.”

Jiang Xuanjin asked, “Is Your Highness willing?”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be?” Huaiyu stood up, holding her belly, “If Your Majesty is in a hurry, I can set off now.”

His gaze fell on her belly, which looked as if it might fall at any moment. Jiang Xuanjin’s face turned a bit pale, and he shook his head, “You only need to write a letter of accusation.”

“Hmm?” Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, “Wouldn’t it be more convincing if I went to Pingling and caused a scene?”

Given Li Shan’s actions, it would be enough for her to pretend to wage war against Pingling. When the troops were at the city gates, listing Li Shan’s crimes would be even more persuasive!

“A letter of accusation,” Jiang Xuanjin lowered his eyes, “If you don’t know how to write it, let Jiang Shen draft it for you.”

Seeing his attitude, Li Huaiyu was silent for a moment, then walked up to him, swaying her belly from side to side.

Sure enough, his face turned even paler, and the fingers resting on his knee slowly curled up.

Huaiyu laughed, “Are you afraid of it?”

“No,” Jiang Xuanjin stood up coldly, “I’ve said all I need to say, farewell.”

“Hey!” Feeling playful, Li Huaiyu reached out and grabbed him, smiling mischievously, “Has Your Majesty ever seen someone pregnant? Want to feel it?”

His back stiffened, and Jiang Xuanjin didn’t turn around, “I’ve seen it.”

The Jiang family’s eldest daughter-in-law, Jiang Qi, Jiang Yan’s biological mother, had once walked around the mansion with such a large belly, smiling at him, saying, “Third Young Master is going to be an uncle!”

Later, he did become an uncle, but Jiang Qi died in childbirth, and his elder brother aged overnight, never remarrying in the past ten years.

More than the anger of knowing she was carrying Lu Jingxing’s child, seeing her belly filled him with dread.

When the Jiang patriarch urged them to have children early, he never took it seriously. He used it as an excuse, just wanting to be close to her, never imagining that one day she would stand before him with such a large belly.

“How much do you like Lu Jingxing?”

Like him so much that you completely disregard me, like him so much that you’re willing to risk your life to bear his child?

Unintentionally, the thoughts in his mind slipped out.

The low, lingering voice echoed throughout the study.

Li Huaiyu paused, circling to stand in front of him, her gaze sweeping over his pale face, and instead of answering, she asked, “Are you sad?”

The suppressed emotions almost broke free, Jiang Xuanjin’s jaw tightened as he looked down at her, “What do you think?”

“I think if you’re sad, I’ll be very happy.” Huaiyu curled her lips, her almond eyes devoid of laughter, “Because when I was in the death row interrogation room, I was so sad I almost died.”

He said she was promiscuous, leaving her heart everywhere.

He said she was unworthy of the word love.

She didn’t mind being wronged by anyone else, no matter how big the accusation was, she would accept it with a smile, as if it was no big deal.

But not him, anyone could say that about her, but not him.

“You liar,” Jiang Xuanjin said hoarsely, “You clearly said before that everything was even, and you didn’t hate me.”

“You believed me?” Huaiyu curled her lips, “You must remember, women are unreasonable. The calmer they say it’s okay, the angrier they are. If you don’t notice their anger, they will eventually take revenge on you.”

“Can I be angry and take revenge too?” He tightened his sleeves.

Huaiyu generously said, “Your Majesty can come at me with whatever you have, I’ll take it all. But let’s not involve others in our matters, shall we?”

“Is Your Highness willing to bear it all alone?”

“Yes,” she answered loudly.

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Xuanjin nodded, “Then please prepare yourself, Your Highness.”

With that, he waved his sleeve and left without looking back.

Huaiyu watched his retreating figure. Once it completely disappeared from the doorway, she sat back in her chair, resting her chin in thought.

Is there something wrong with Jiang Xuanjin? Why is he so insistent on staying in Yixian City? Could he be preparing some deadly move against her?

Jiang Shen was walking in the courtyard when he saw Xu Chunian.

The weather was cold lately, and she was bundled up like a furball, squatting by the flowerbed, digging in the soil. Her back looked just like a rabbit.

Moved by a thought, he approached to see that she wasn’t tending to flowers but digging up a half-yellow, half-green weed.

“What are you doing with that?” he asked, puzzled.

The squatting rabbit was startled, and upon seeing him, her brows furrowed, and she lowered her head without a word.

Jiang Shen pursed his lips, “How long are you going to stay angry?”

“Angry?” Xu Chunian fiddled with the weed and asked him, “If I’m not angry, can we go back to how we were?”

“Of course,” Jiang Shen looked down at her head, “The divorce was just a moment of impulse. If you nod, we can still be husband and wife.”

“And then?” Xu Chunian said softly, “I go back to you, watch you love others, and cook meals you barely taste. Second Young Master, do you know what you want? Do you know what I want?”

Slightly stunned, Jiang Shen furrowed his brows, “What do you want?”

Xu Chunian stood up, gently dusting off her hands, and looked at him, “I want a husband who is wholeheartedly good to me, who won’t abandon or hurt me, who understands and cherishes me. Can the Second Young Master do that?”

It was clear from the first word that he couldn’t.

People come in many types. Some are naturally devoted, loving one person unwaveringly; others, no matter what can’t settle down, meeting people they like but never having just one person they love, drifting through life, playing with others and themselves.

Jiang Shen belonged to the latter. When he was good to someone, he was genuinely good, and everyone thought he was sincere. He was indeed very invested, but this investment never lasted more than a year. Soon, he would grow tired, inexplicably cold, and the person he had elevated would be dropped back to the ground.

He clearly remembered every time he was moved, the bittersweetness of love, but to remember it forever was a bit too much.

“I once thought that when the Second Young Master was tired, he would want to settle down, and I would accompany you then. In the long years ahead, we would eventually end up together,” Xu Chunian laughed softly, “But I didn’t expect that I would be the one to tire first.”

When a young girl first falls in love, her passion seems endless, feeling like she can love someone for a lifetime, no matter what happens, as long as she’s with him.

But time always proves what youthful folly is.

She knew clearly that she still hadn’t forgotten him, seeing him made her heart race, made her nervous, made her remember many things.

However, she had fallen into this pit twice and hurt herself twice, and while it looked okay from a distance, she was afraid to jump in again.

“Miss Xu,” Chijin returned, and upon seeing Jiang Shen, said nothing, walking to her side and handing her the flowerpot she wanted, “Here.”

Xu Chunian turned, taking it with both hands and curtsied, “Thank you, sir.”

Jiang Shen’s face darkened. Why was this man always around her like a ghost? He saw him every day, and Xu Chunian didn’t notice his ulterior motives.

Feeling displeased, he stepped forward to speak, but Shuangtian quickly came up to pull him away, “Young Master, the Ziyang Lord requests your presence.”

As he spoke, he pulled him away from the flowerbed.

Chijin looked at him calmly, his clear eyes unperturbed. Jiang Shen, seeing this, became even more irritated, struggling for a while before turning out of the moon gate and shaking off Shuangtian, “What are you doing?”

Shuangtian wiped the sweat from his forehead and said softly, “I’ve inquired, both inside and outside the mansion, everyone respects that Lord Chijin. What good is it to confront him head-on?”

“Respect?” Jiang Shen sneered, “Just a mere male concubine.”

Shuangtian shook his head, “He now holds a military command position, no longer bearing the title of a male concubine. The Princess hasn’t restrained him, and seeing him with Miss Xu, she hasn’t stopped it.”

Jiang Shen’s face darkened, “That’s why I don’t understand what this Princess is thinking! These people are essentially her men, and she doesn’t care about them?”

Shuangtian thought for a moment and said, “Actually, since we’ve been at the Princess’s residence, I’ve never seen anyone stay in the Princess’s courtyard, except for the Ziyang Lord who forcibly moved in a few days ago. Even the great shopkeeper Lu doesn’t serve her daily. It’s somewhat different from the rumors.”

He hadn’t noticed until it was mentioned, but it was indeed so. Jiang Shen was stunned, “Is it because she’s pregnant and it’s inconvenient?”

“Who knows,” Shuangtian shook his head, “You should go see the Ziyang Lord first. I heard from Chengxu that His Majesty is in a bad mood.”

“When is he ever in a good mood?” Jiang Shen pouted, flicked his sleeve, and went to Jiang Xuanjin’s room.

This person had become increasingly silent, staring out the window in a daze when no one was around, not knowing what he was thinking. His body was visibly thinning, and the clear, jade-like face was always shrouded in a thick cloud.

“Write something for her,” Jiang Xuanjin said as soon as he entered, “Do it quickly, it’s urgent.”

Jiang Shen said irritably, “Do you think I’m a street-side scribe?”

Jiang Xuanjin pulled out paper and ink, placed them in front of him, and forced a pen into his hand.

Jiang Shen clicked his tongue but still held the pen properly, “Go ahead.”

After spending half a year together, Huaiyu had seen Jiang Xuanjin in various states: his eyes sparkling with joy, his body tense with anger, and his ears turning red with embarrassment. She thought she understood him thoroughly, but who would have thought…

Raising her eyes to look at the man standing before her, and then at the room with only the two of them, Huaiyu chuckled softly, “What guidance does Your Majesty have for me?”

In the past, she couldn’t hear his breathing, as he always maintained a good posture and steady inner strength. But now, even standing two steps away, she could hear his ragged breaths, like a fish out of water, struggling for air that wasn’t his, nearly lifeless.

Jiang Xuanjin looked up at her, his eyes devoid of light, as dark as the sea on a stormy night. He moved closer, his pale fingers seemingly wanting to touch her round belly, but ultimately stopping an inch away. He spoke slowly, his voice dry and hollow like a bucket falling into a dry well, “I’ve thought for a long time…”

“I’ve thought for a long time and still can’t understand, how is Lu Jingxing better than me?”

His tone carried grievance, trembling and choking with extreme anger. His Adam’s apple moved as if he had been drinking, up and down. His face, however, showed little expression, as if frozen by the cold wind outside.

If she couldn’t guess what was going on with him now, then she would have grown this head for nothing. How to put it… She had been worried he would come to fight for the child in her belly, but now she found it somewhat amusing. Huaiyu asked him, “Who told you the news?”

Jiang Xuanjin didn’t answer, instead asking her, “If no one had told me, were you planning to hide it from me for a lifetime?”

Huaiyu chuckled, “What good does it do you to know?”

His heart ached, and Jiang Xuanjin lowered his eyes, letting out a hoarse laugh, “Can you lie to me once more? Just say this child is mine, that when you were with me, you didn’t have anyone else in your heart.”

“Alright.” Huaiyu clapped her hands, laughing playfully, “This child is yours.”

He grasped her hand and pressed it against his chest, his lips pale, his long eyelashes trembling, clearly not taking her words seriously.

Huaiyu tilted her head, reaching out with her other hand to touch him. The mighty Ziyang Lord was trembling all over, his body cold, his clothes filled with chill.

Suddenly, she wanted to hug him, like long ago, intertwining their fingers. To give him all the warmth from her body, to make him feel warmer.

But… looking down at her belly, Huaiyu smiled self-deprecatingly. It was impossible. If she took another step closer, she would be shattered to pieces. It was better to retreat, far enough to at least protect the little one in her belly.

“Does the Princess still hate me?” The person in front of her spoke, his voice as light as willow fluff, “If you still hate me, how do you plan to take revenge? Can you tell me in advance so I can be prepared?”

Huaiyu wanted to continue speaking to him in a light-hearted, teasing tone, but inexplicably, her throat tightened.

“I don’t hate you anymore.” She pursed her lips, “Xu Xian and the others are fine, and so am I. You protected me out of the palace, left the capital, and returned to Danyang. You and I are already even.”

Even, were no longer related, so she avoided him, didn’t see him, and no longer wanted to be entangled with him. Missing someone was something that belonged to him alone.

Jiang Xuanjin’s grip on her hand tightened slowly, his voice deepening, “What if I don’t want to be even?”

“What if I still want to make things difficult for you?”

Huaiyu was stunned, her body tensing up, “What do you want?”

A mocking smile spread across his lips, Jiang Xuanjin said in a low voice, “Isn’t the Princess used to doing bad things? How come you can’t guess my thoughts now?”

Hearing this from his mouth, Li Huaiyu felt very uncomfortable. Was he going to deal with her? Because he thought the child in her belly wasn’t his, was he so angry that he wanted to destroy her?

A chill ran down her spine, and Huaiyu instinctively took half a step back. However, behind her was a soft couch, with a two-inch-high step in front of it. In her panic, she didn’t notice and stumbled, losing her balance and falling backward.

The Ziyang Lord, who had just been full of menace, turned pale instantly. He grabbed her hand and pulled hard, barely stopping her from falling. He turned his body, protecting her back before she hit the edge of the couch.

With a thud, the person behind her let out a muffled groan, supporting her waist and gently placing her in his arms.

Her pupils contracted, and Li Huaiyu stared blankly at the furnishings in the room for a while before turning her head to look behind her.

Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips, his eyes shrouded in a layer of mist, as if still in shock. He reached out across her front, holding her tightly. His chin rested on her shoulder, and he closed his eyes.

“You…” Huaiyu opened her mouth, wanting to ask if he was in pain, but felt it was inappropriate, so she stopped herself.

The room fell silent, the greenish-blue hem of his robe scattered on the step, mingling with the peony-patterned hem of her robe, picking up some dust.

Outside the room, people stood in silence. Qingxian and the others wanted to go in several times but were stopped by Juwu. Chengxu and Yufeng looked grim, and although Lu Jingxing still wore a smile, his eyes were not relaxed.

These two said they wanted to talk alone, but Huaiyu was pregnant. What if something happened during their talk?

Jiang Shen stood at a distance, pounding the red pillar beside him, “Why did he still come?”

Shuangtian said helplessly, “I already told His Majesty the truth, but he insisted on entering the city.”

“What is this foolish child thinking?” Jiang Shen shook his head, “Does he have to come and make himself unhappy?”

“I don’t know, but His Majesty is angry,” Shuangtian said worriedly, “I’m afraid he might do something rash… This is still Yixian City.”

“Put your mind at ease,” Jiang Shen said irritably, “I bet a hundred taels of silver that no matter how angry he is, he won’t do anything to Li Huaiyu.”

But this pain of the heart, he would have to endure it.

Feeling suffocated from being held so tightly, Huaiyu moved slightly, frowning, “I want to get up.”

The person behind her released her, propping himself up on the couch and helping her stand.

Huaiyu glanced at him, scratched her head, feeling a bit awkward, and lifted her skirt to leave.

“I will be staying for a while,” Jiang Xuanjin said calmly, “Please prepare a few guest rooms, Your Highness.”

She paused. Li Huaiyu frowned, “What if I don’t want to prepare them?”

Gathering his broken emotions, Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips, adjusting his sleeves, “The other day, a letter personally written by the Emperor arrived in my hands. It said that as long as Ziyang was willing to lend a passage, a decree would be issued, granting me three cities as fiefs.”

Ziyang was right behind Danyang, and the intention of wanting Ziyang to lend a passage was clear.

Huaiyu’s expression turned serious, “Is Your Majesty threatening me?”

Jiang Xuanjin nodded, “Yes.”

He had the leverage to threaten her, and it was heavy enough, so why not use it?

Li Huaiyu fell silent. Her eyes darted around as if trying to determine whether his words were true or false.

Jiang Xuanjin reached out, directly handing her a letter written by Li Huailin from his sleeve.

The familiar handwriting, and the words attacking Danyang, were far more severe than Jiang Xuanjin’s light remarks.

“Doesn’t Your Majesty want the three cities?” Huaiyu frowned, “What good does it do to stay in Yixian City?”

Lowering his eyes coldly, he said, “Do I need to explain my actions to the Princess?”

Well, indeed not, Huaiyu shrugged, “This deal doesn’t cost me anything, so there’s no reason not to agree. But Your Majesty, let me say this first, your days here might not be very comfortable, so don’t get angry and go back on your word.”

Taking a fox fur cloak from the side, Jiang Xuanjin didn’t look at her again, turning to open the door.

The wind blew in from outside, causing the soft fox fur to ripple. Jiang Xuanjin looked up, meeting Lu Jingxing standing outside.

After all these years, this man seemed unchanged, always with that carefree demeanor, standing without proper posture, with a hint of flirtatious indifference in his eyes and brows. He didn’t look like someone who would settle down.

Yet, this very person had been by her side for years, knowing more than he did, having more of her heart. She never lied to Lu Jingxing, treating him well for years, while to him, she was cruel as if they were mortal enemies.

“To be looked at by Your Majesty like this is an honor,” Lu Jingxing relaxed his brows, twirling his closed fan in his fingers, smiling broadly.

This jealousy and coldness in his eyes matched the emotions he had been suppressing, very well indeed.

The gloomy heart of the great shopkeeper Lu suddenly opened up, letting in brilliant sunshine.

Jiang Xuanjin said nothing, walking past him with Chengxu and Yufeng towards Jiang Shen.

“Weren’t you supposed to be traveling with friends?” Standing in front of him, Jiang Xuanjin said coldly, “Is there half a friend of yours in this mansion?”

Jiang Shen choked, stepping behind the red pillar, “I say… I know you’re in a bad mood, but I’m innocent, why involve me?”

If not him, then who? Jiang Xuanjin said, “You will set off tomorrow, and return to inform Lü Qing to temporarily manage the main city of Ziyang.”

Hugging the pillar, Jiang Shen shook his head firmly, “I won’t!”

“It’s not up to you.” Jiang Xuanjin said indifferently, walking past him.

Jiang Shen’s face darkened. He laughed in anger, “How is he becoming more unreasonable?”

Behind him, Shuangtian said softly, “It’s quite reasonable, you should indeed go back.”

“Hmm?”

“…I mean, His Majesty is indeed very unreasonable!”

With a cold snort, Jiang Shen flicked his sleeves and walked towards his room, muttering as he went, “I’m not leaving, Yixian City is great, dry weather and corpses everywhere, perfect for writing poetry and lyrics!”

Shuangtian remained silent, thinking that the two young masters of the Jiang family might both be a bit out of their minds lately.

Li Huaiyu nestled in her quilt with chicken soup, while Lu Jingxing leaned against the bedhead, playing with his fan, asking her, “What do you plan to do?”

Frowning in distress, Huaiyu said, “It’s not about what I want to do now, it’s about what he wants to do.”

“He already thinks this child is mine, what else can he do?” Lu Jingxing chuckled, “Either take revenge on you or me.”

If it weren’t for the little accident just now, Huaiyu would have agreed with this statement, but now, she shook her head, “I don’t think so.”

If he wanted revenge, he wouldn’t have caught her just now, letting her fall would have ensured the child couldn’t be saved, which in his view, would have been revenge on both her and Lu Jingxing, killing two birds with one stone.

But he didn’t do that.

“The most important thing now is the situation in the capital,” Huaiyu said, “I made my identity public to give Huailin an excuse to act against me, so I could catch him in the act and retaliate justifiably, but there has been no movement. I thought Huailin didn’t dare to act, but who would have thought he was always plotting? If Jiang Xuanjin hadn’t stopped him, we might have been caught off guard.”

Jiang Xuanjin’s intervention had both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage was that Danyang was safe, but the disadvantage was that no matter what, Huailin couldn’t openly attack Yixian City, only act in secret. Once she retaliated, it would give Huailin a reason to call for the feudal lords to come to the king’s aid. Even if she stood out and said she was wronged by the emperor, no one would believe her.

What should she do?

Rubbing her chin, she was pondering when Qingsi came in from outside, looking strange, “Master, the Ziyang Lord has indeed settled here. Chengxu and the others moved a lot of things into the guest room.”

Huaiyu pouted, “What’s the big deal? He said he would stay, so of course he will.”

“But…” Qingsi pursed her lips, “He’s staying in the guest room in your courtyard.”

Li Huaiyu: “…”

Turning to look at Lu Jingxing, she asked, “Does this person think life isn’t exciting enough, so he came to my place?”

Lu Jingxing nodded in agreement, “Why don’t we excite him a bit more?”

“Sure,” Huaiyu said, “You go tell him you’re pregnant too, that should be exciting enough.”

“…”

Lu Jingxing rolled his eyes, tapping the table with the fan bone, “Seriously, he already thinks this child is mine, when do you plan to marry me?”

Huaiyu laughed playfully, sipping her soup, “Why are you so eager to let me ruin you? With your looks and wealth, why not marry a proper girl instead of being a stepfather to my child? He thinks this child is yours, but I never said that.”

Lu Jingxing’s eyes darkened, “You’ve been ruining me for five or six years, and you have the nerve to say that?”

“Let’s be reasonable,” Huaiyu said, setting down the soup bowl, leaning on the small table on the couch, and looking at him seriously, “Five or six years of friendship, wouldn’t it be awkward to become a couple?”

“Do you feel awkward?”

“Of course!” Huaiyu pointed at Qingsi, “I’ve been friends with her for eight or nine years, so the feelings are even deeper, right? But if we became a couple, wouldn’t that be awkward?”

…It does seem awkward.

Lu Jingxing lowered his head, thinking seriously for a while, then felt something was off, “How am I the same as Qingsi?”

“Why not?” Huaiyu glared, “Aren’t you both the people closest to me?”

Lu Jingxing understood, this damned scoundrel didn’t see him as a man!

Rubbing his forehead in frustration, he muttered, “Nemesis.”

Huaiyu laughed heartlessly, and after a while, she said, “You’ve already arranged your shops in Yixian City, why not return to the main city of Danyang first? Xu Xian and the others are there, and you can support them.”

Lu Jingxing squinted, “Are you trying to send me away?”

“Look at how you say that, how could I send you away?” Huaiyu waved her hand, “It’s just that there’s nothing much left to do in Yixian City, and instead of wasting time with me here, you could be doing something else.”

Dozens of Lu’s shops are scattered throughout Yixian City, solving the problem of high prices in the city with affordable goods. Although it offended many merchants, it earned the unanimous support of the people. Nowadays, when people mention “Lu Jingxing,” few call him “Langcai,” most say he’s a very capable and conscientious businessman.

A few days ago, a matchmaker even came to propose marriage, saying some family’s daughter admired him, unable to eat or sleep, already at death’s door. Lu Jingxing went, and when he returned, he told her that women were indeed liars, with the girl’s enthusiasm for him being like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey.

Huaiyu thought that someone should be by Lu Jingxing’s side. Whether a hungry tiger or something else, she couldn’t let this “female leopard” keep delaying him. Marriage was impossible; she had to work hard to clear the name of Juwu and the others as her male concubines, and she couldn’t drag Lu Jingxing into the mud either.

Sensing her thoughts, Lu Jingxing lowered his eyes.

After a while, he spoke, “I was just joking with you, marriage is a serious matter, I didn’t plan to marry you. The shops in Yixian City have just started making a profit, I can’t leave yet.”

“Hmm?” Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, “They’ve been making silver for over a month, and you call that just starting to profit?”

“You’re not a businessman, what do you know?” He tapped her forehead with the fan, “I have my plans.”

This person seemed carefree, but he was thoughtful. Not wanting to delay him, the closer he got, the further she would retreat. She was right, five or six years of friendship, investing in this wasn’t worth it.

Since that was the case, he would take a step back.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Jingxing turned his head, “You’ve been so focused on Jiang Xuanjin, you’ve neglected the Lord of Changlin. Once I’ve settled him, you should talk to him.”

“Okay.” Huaiyu nodded, watching his back as he left, lost in thought.

Jiang Xuanjin went to the streets of Yixian City, a place he had heard about countless times in memorials, and had long wanted to see. His mind was in turmoil, unable to sit still in the house, so he decided to go out for a walk.

The main city’s streets were not crowded, but not desolate either. Many newly opened shops had raggedly dressed people standing inside, and although the passersby looked worried, they were not in despair.

Li Huaiyu had saved this place, bringing vitality to Yixian City in just two months.

Passing by a teahouse, he sat down to listen to people talk. Several tables changed around him, some praising Juwu, some praising Chijin, and even some praising Lu Jingxing and Xu Chunian, but in the end, he didn’t hear anyone praise the Princess of Danyang.

These people seemed unaware of who was truly saving this drought-stricken city.

“Young… Young Master?” A girl who had been hovering nearby finally gathered the courage to approach, blushing as she handed him a hand warmer, “Your face is all white from the cold, warm up.”

She ran away after giving it to him, hiding in an alley, peeking out to watch him.

Jiang Xuanjin frowned, placing the hand warmer back on the table, taking out a handkerchief to wipe his fingers one by one, showing no intention of accepting the gesture, and continued walking with Chengxu.

Chengxu sympathetically glanced at the girl. There were many brave souls in the world, but few knew that his master had a cleanliness obsession. Something handed over like that, the master naturally wouldn’t accept.

Moreover, his master’s face was not white from the cold.

Petitions from various feudal lords requesting tax reductions were sent to the capital, and Li Huailin’s face was grim. He didn’t mind others being subdued by the Ziyang Lord, but what was with the Lord of Pingling?

The current Lord of Pingling was Li Shan’s illegitimate son, Li Fangwu. Although he had never been favored by Li Shan, growing up timid and cowardly, he was still his brother. Not helping him was one thing, but siding with Jiang Xuanjin?

Li Huailin sneered, immediately issuing a decree summoning Li Fangwu to the capital for a report.

Reporting to the capital was an annual duty. It wasn’t a big deal, but Li Fangwu was scared. He had just submitted a memorial, and the emperor didn’t summon anyone else, why summon him first? Was it because he wanted to reduce too much, so the emperor planned to teach him a lesson and make an example of him?

Holding the imperial edict for two days, Li Fangwu feigned illness, hiding in the Lord of Pingling’s mansion, not daring to move.

In his panic, a young man with red lips and white teeth arrived at the door.

“I am Jiang Yan, greetings to the Lord of Pingling.”

Li Fangwu looked at him for a while, suddenly realizing, “The young master of the Jiang family, former Left Supervisor of the Court of Judicial Review, what guidance do you have?”

Jiang Yan cupped his hands, “The Ziyang Lord knew the Lord of Pingling would have difficulties, so he sent me to resolve them.”

Jiang Xuanjin knew long ago? Li Fangwu was stunned, and then asked, “What did the Lord say?”

“The Lord said that Pingling has unresolved old cases, which are a thorn in the emperor’s side. Coupled with the tax reduction issue, the emperor will surely use the Lord of Pingling as a scapegoat. Once you go to the capital, you may not be able to return.”

“…”

It was exactly what he feared, Li Fangwu sighed. His father had committed too many sins, and since taking over as the Lord of Pingling, he hadn’t slept well, fearing those wronged by his father would come to him in dreams for revenge.

They say the father’s debts are paid by the son, but when his father was alive, he didn’t treat him as a son. How innocent he was, yet he had to bear his father’s sins?

“But I’ve accepted the imperial edict, how can I not go to the capital?” Li Fangwu said in distress, “If the emperor accuses me of defying the edict, I can’t bear that charge.”

“If the Lord can’t bear it, isn’t the Ziyang Lord behind you?” Jiang Yan said, “You can be ill for a few more months, leave the rest to the Lord, and no charges will fall on you.”

Li Fangwu was puzzled, “Why is the Ziyang Lord helping me?”

“The principle of lips and teeth,” Jiang Yan smiled, “We are all neighboring fiefs, it’s only right for the Ziyang Lord to help you.”

Is that so? Li Fangwu was skeptical.

In the following days, he indeed continued to feign illness, anxiously waiting for the capital’s response. However, after five days, there was no document or memorial from the capital. His days of feigning illness were quite comfortable, and he gradually believed Jiang Yan’s words.

Someone reminded him, “My Lord, in three days it will be your father’s death anniversary. According to past customs, you should go to the capital to pay respects at the ancestral temple.”

“This year I won’t go,” Li Fangwu said, “Just say I’m gravely ill, on the brink of life and death, I’m sure the emperor won’t blame me.”