Jiang Xuanjin nearly spat out blood upon hearing her words!
What happened last night? How did it become a matter of “momentary impulse,” and why did it now require an “explanation”? If he remembered correctly, at most he might have accidentally touched her calf—nothing more. How did it turn into something so irreparable according to her?
Beside him, his elder brother Jiang Chong gave him a complicated look, opening and closing his mouth, wanting to say something but hesitating.
Jiang Xuanjin could tell what he was thinking and shook his head, his face darkening. “I didn’t. I didn’t do anything…”
Li Huaiyu dabbed at imaginary tears with a handkerchief, nodding. “You didn’t, it’s all me… It’s me being foolishly infatuated, feeling regret for my misplaced affection. It’s me who painted a sincere heart with unreciprocated love. It’s my fault, all my fault!”
The last words were almost shouted, laden with sorrow, resentment, and regret. She looked at Jiang Xuanjin, her almond-shaped eyes filled with a mix of anger and seven parts overwhelming affection—struggling, hesitant, and helpless. She reached out as if to touch the hem of his robe again, but then drew back abruptly, as if wary of something, turning her head away with a choked sob.
Unable to love or hate, she was willing to bear all the infamy, just so he… could be happy…
Such an exquisite performance stunned everyone in the front hall.
What a deeply affectionate and ill-fated girl! For a moment, even the old patriarch of the Jiang family felt a twinge of pity. He slammed his dragon-headed cane on the ground, glaring at Jiang Xuanjin, and declared, “The Jiang family does not raise ungrateful wretches!”
Wait, how did he become the ungrateful one? Jiang Xuanjin looked at his father, who was brimming with righteous indignation, utterly bewildered.
If he remembered correctly, he had come here today intending to embrace a “come what may” attitude. Since the truth would come out sooner or later, he might as well take the initiative. Marrying this Fourth Miss Bai would not only shut up those incessantly trying to introduce him to potential brides but also… as she said, he had already held her and kissed her; he ought to take some responsibility.
If someone had to be placed in the back courtyard eventually, Jiang Xuanjin figured it didn’t matter who it was.
But how did this plan to take responsibility end up with him being called ungrateful?
After his initial confusion, Jiang Xuanjin glanced at the person beside him. He thought this Fourth Miss Bai might very well be a cunning fox spirit in disguise.
What a master at manipulating hearts!
“Patriarch, please don’t blame Lord Jun,” Li Huaiyu sighed, still looking pitiful. “It’s my fault for not being good enough to match him.”
The patriarch frowned, gripping his dragon-headed cane as he pondered for a long time before speaking. “Fourth Miss, don’t belittle yourself. The Jiang and Bai families have been close for generations. A daughter of the Bai family is certainly worthy of Xuanjin. Besides, Xuanjin has never been interested in women. Over the years, you’re the only one who has been close to him. Since he has spoken up, it must mean you possess qualities that others lack.”
With Jiang Yan having run away from home, the marriage arrangement between the Jiang and Bai families was left hanging. Now, with Jiang Xuanjin stepping in to fill the gap and expressing a desire to marry a Bai family daughter, how could the family refuse?
Jiang Chong hesitated for a moment before agreeing, “Father is right.”
Li Huaiyu paused, surprised at the old man’s reasonableness. She had been prepared to cry a bit more.
Jiang Xuanjin, though seething with anger, felt relieved that his goal had been achieved.
“Since both my father and brother agree, I’ll take Fourth Miss Bai back for now,” he said. “As for the betrothal arrangements, we can discuss them in detail when I return tomorrow.”
“Good,” the old patriarch nodded. “Prepare the carriage. The sooner you leave, the sooner you’ll be back.”
“Yes, sir.”
Huaiyu was delighted, following Jiang Xuanjin out with a barely contained smile.
“You want to marry me.” She limped after him on tiptoe, her grin nearly reaching her ears. “To earn the unwavering love of Lord Ziyang, truly, this is a blessing I must have cultivated over several lifetimes!”
Jiang Xuanjin halted, turned back, and looked down at her with cold eyes. “Foolish infatuation and regret?”
Her smile froze. Huaiyu took a weak step back, blinking. “I was joking.”
“A sincere heart unreciprocated?” He stepped forward, narrowing his eyes.
She retreated another step. “Also a joke.”
“Misplaced affection regretted for life?”
“… Hehehe!” As he drew closer, Huaiyu felt breathless. She reached out, pressing a hand against his chest, and whispered, “All for the sake of rhyming!”
With a swift motion, Jiang Xuanjin clenched his fist and struck the vermilion pillar behind her. Trapping her between his arms, he pinned her against the stone column.
“Good,” the old patriarch nodded. “Prepare the carriage. The sooner you leave, the sooner you’ll be back.”
“Yes, sir.”
Huaiyu was delighted, following Jiang Xuanjin out with a barely contained smile.
“You want to marry me.” She limped after him on tiptoe, her grin nearly reaching her ears. “To earn the unwavering love of Lord Ziyang, truly, this is a blessing I must have cultivated over several lifetimes!”
Jiang Xuanjin halted, turned back, and looked down at her with cold eyes. “Foolish infatuation and regret?”
Her smile froze. Huaiyu took a weak step back, blinking. “I was joking.”
“A sincere heart unreciprocated?” He stepped forward, narrowing his eyes.
She retreated another step. “Also a joke.”
“Misplaced affection regretted for life?”
“… Hehehe!” As he drew closer, Huaiyu felt breathless. She reached out, pressing a hand against his chest, and whispered, “All for the sake of rhyming!”
With a swift motion, Jiang Xuanjin clenched his fist and struck the vermilion pillar behind her. Trapping her between his arms, he pinned her against the stone column.
“Still care about rhyming, do you?” His ink-black eyes glinted with a hint of cold mockery. “Should I set up a stall for you to tell stories?”
Huaiyu shrank her neck and pouted. “You can’t be so petty. You were the one who slandered me first, so I just slandered you back a little. Otherwise, how can I get by in this household?”
After speaking, she cheekily reached out and looped her arms around his neck. “You’re so close, are you trying to kiss me?”
He scoffed, straightened up, and shook off her hands. “I have something to say first.”
“What is it?”
“Marrying you is a matter of appropriate timing,” he said. “It’s not out of affection.”
He was being tactful. To be blunt, he meant: I’m marrying you because I have no choice. If you hadn’t shamelessly barged into my courtyard and put everyone in an awkward position, I wouldn’t be marrying you. I don’t like you.
Huaiyu clutched her heart dramatically, her eyes welling with tears. “You’re so cold, so heartless, so stone-hearted!”
Jiang Xuanjin frowned. “If you can’t accept this, there is still room for change.”
“No need to change. Let’s keep it as it is.” Her expression instantly returned to normal. “Having one more wife doesn’t bother you, and having one more husband doesn’t bother me. Since we get along well enough, and I’ll have enough to eat and wear by marrying you, why not?”
She seemed quite pragmatic. If food and clothing were all it took, she could marry many people!
Jiang Xuanjin, seeing her indifferent expression, felt an overwhelming urge to pick her up and throw her out the window.
Sensing the unfriendly gaze directed at her, Li Huaiyu paused, then continued with a cheeky smile, “Besides, you don’t have feelings for me now, but who can say for sure about the future? There are so many girls in the capital who want to be with you, but they don’t even have the qualifications to spend their lives with you. At least I’ve made a start!”
Proud of herself, she placed her hands on her hips and puffed out her chest.
Jiang Xuanjin rolled his eyes.
“Miss,” Lingxiu, who had been waiting in the distance, finally brought over the crutch.
Seeing it, Jiang Xuanjin immediately realized what had been bothering him earlier. He glanced at her right foot, which was half suspended, and his face darkened. “Do you want to become a cripple?”
“Of course not,” Huaiyu replied. “But it’s my first time meeting your father. I couldn’t possibly show up with a crutch, could I? That would look terrible and make a bad impression. You should thank me for not using it; otherwise, he wouldn’t have agreed so easily.”
“Doesn’t it hurt?”
“A bit,” she quickly answered, but then felt she had undersold it. Rolling her eyes, she immediately scrunched up her face, “Of course it hurts! It hurts like hell! Help me!”
She reached out to grab his shoulder.
Jiang Xuanjin snorted at her exaggerated acting, shoved the crutch under her arm, and turned to leave.
Embarrassed, Huaiyu rubbed her nose and asked Chengxu beside her, “Was my act that obvious?”
Trying to hold back his laughter, Chengxu nodded, “Pretty obvious.”
Patting her head, Huaiyu exclaimed, “Oh no!” and quickly supported herself with the crutch to chase after the person ahead.
Jiang Xuanjin had intended to escort her to the Bai residence and also discuss the early announcement of their engagement with Ba Dezhong ng. However, as the carriage had just reached halfway, urgent palace attendants intercepted them with great anxiety.
“Your Highness!” panted the eunuch as he stood before the carriage, “His Highness urgently summons you to the palace!”
Li Huaiyu, who had been cheerfully telling jokes to Jiang Xuanjin, froze in place.
Furrowing his brow, Jiang Xuanjin parted the carriage curtain. “What’s going on?”
“Ministers Han Xiao and Yun Lanqing entered the palace half an hour ago, threatening to accuse Chief Minister’s Secretary Li of perjury. They’ve clashed in the imperial study, and His Highness couldn’t intervene, so he sent this servant to fetch Your Highness.”
Glancing at the sky, the eunuch grew more anxious. “I’ve been to the Jiang residence and hurried all the way here; we can’t afford any more delays!”
After hearing this, Jiang Xuanjin almost nodded immediately but hesitated slightly as he glanced at the person inside the carriage. If he didn’t escort her back, would it be difficult for her to explain?
“State affairs are urgent!” Yet unexpectedly, the person in the carriage was even more urgent than him. Dragging her right foot, she jumped off the carriage and gestured urgently towards him several times. “Hurry and go to the palace!”
Jiang Xuanjin, who was usually nonchalant, found this sudden seriousness quite unusual. However, he admired her behavior, even finding it commendable.
In the present day, how many women would prioritize national affairs and place them above personal considerations? She didn’t even consider whether she would be punished for returning without him.
“Do you need me to go?” he asked again.
Li Huaiyu glared. “They’re already fighting in front of His Highness, and you’re still talking nonsense? How can you be the Lord Ziyang like this?”
With determination, she lifted her crutch and prodded it against the carriage wheel. “Go on, go on!”
Her demeanor was like that of a strict mother urging her son to make achievements and establish a career.
Amused, Jiang Xuanjin finally lowered the carriage curtain and directed the coachman to change course towards the palace.
Meanwhile, Li Huaiyu stood in place, watching the carriage head towards the palace gates, her worries unabated.
Han Xiao and Yun Lanqing were not impulsive individuals; if they were accusing Li Fengxing, they must have had evidence. If she had been present before, there would have been no issue, but now… Without Princess Danyang’s autocratic actions, even if they were in the right, they might not necessarily have achieved the right results.
After a moment’s thought, Huaiyu took out a token of admiration from Lu Jingxing and handed it to Lingxiu.
“Go to the Lu residence again,” she instructed, “and pass on a message for me.”
Listening closely to her murmurs, Lingxiu nodded repeatedly. They walked together to Chang’an Avenue; Huaiyu returned to the Bai residence, while Lingxiu headed towards the Lu residence.
At the Bai residence’s rear courtyard:
The Fourth Miss had not returned to the Bai residence all night. In the past, Lingxiu might not have reported this, but now things are different. Bai Xuanji had just received approval from Old Master Jiang to become Jiang Yan’s official wife! Such joyful news naturally required Bai Zhuji, the once “future Mrs.,” to be brought out and celebrated.
As a result, the household soon discovered that the Fourth Miss was not at home, and Lingxiu was also missing.
“Could it be that she felt embarrassed and couldn’t stay at home anymore, so she left on her own?” the old nannies squatted in the backyard, cracking melon seeds, enthusiastically discussing.
“Such a pity! If I were the Fourth Miss, I would leave too! Everywhere you look, the Second Miss is superior, even stealing the marriage from the Fourth Miss!”
“How can you call it stealing? Second Miss earned it with her abilities. It’s just that Fourth Miss has no backbone, don’t you think?”
“Yes,” someone behind them echoed.
The three nannies paused, recognizing the familiar voice, and turned around together to look behind them.
A graceful lady in silk and satin stood not far behind them, picking up her crutch from the ground, and smoothing her hair with a smile. “I also think the Fourth Miss lacks backbone.”
After saying this, she leaned on her crutch and walked towards the west courtyard.
The nannies were stunned for a moment. One asked, “Who is that?” Another remarked, “Wasn’t there nobody in that corner when we first came?”
The last nanny’s face turned unpleasant, dropping a few melon seeds she had been holding. “That’s the Fourth Miss,” she said shakily.
Accustomed to seeing the disheveled Fourth Miss, the nannies initially didn’t recognize the dazzling Fourth Miss. It was normal for them to be momentarily confused. However, once they did recognize her, the nannies became unsettled. They hastily gathered up their melon seeds and rushed off to find someone to report to.
Meanwhile, Li Huaiyu had just returned to her compartment, took a sip of water, and was about to rest her feet when five or six servants hurried towards her.
“Fourth Miss, Madam requests your presence!”
Huaiyu sighed. “My foot is injured, and I can’t walk.”
The servants were taken aback. The leader frowned and said, “Does the Fourth Miss dare to disobey Madam’s orders?”
“I am willing to comply. It’s just that you didn’t listen carefully,” Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, lounging in her chair with one leg crossed over the other. “Did Madam ask me to ‘come’ over?”
“Yes.”
“Then this ‘come’ means you should ‘invite’ me. It’s your responsibility to carry me over there,” she said incredulously, “Don’t you understand this basic rule? Since my foot is injured, you should carry me along with the chair!”
The servants exchanged looks.
“Don’t just stand there. Come and carry me. Otherwise, what are all of you here for?” Huaiyu leaned comfortably against the back of her chair and patted the armrest, signaling them to proceed.
After pondering her words for a moment, which surprisingly made sense, the servants devised a plan. One person lifted each leg of the chair, another stood behind for support, and they smoothly carried Li Huaiyu out.
In the East Courtyard:
Madam Bai Mengshi had sent several strong servants to ensure Huaiyu didn’t resist as she had before, intending to forcibly escort her. Yet, moments later, these servants respectfully carried her inside.
“What is the meaning of this!” Madam Bai Mengshi frowned, slamming her hand on the table. “What kind of behavior is this!”
The servants jumped in surprise, quickly setting down the chair and retreating to the side, unsure of what to do.
Huaiyu grinned as she stood up, casually giving a slight bow. “Where did you go?” Madam Bai Mengshi demanded sternly. “Disappearing all night—is this how young ladies behave? Kneel!”
Huaiyu didn’t want to kneel, but under her mother’s roof, she had no choice but to comply. After hesitating for a moment, she reluctantly knelt.
Seeing her obedient, Madam Bai Mengshi began to interrogate her. “The Bai family has always upheld proper conduct. How did such unruly behavior come from you? Your second sister is about to marry into the Jiang family. At such a critical moment, you tarnish the Bai family’s reputation. What were you thinking?”
Bai Xuanji sat nearby, composed and smiling. Hearing this, she spoke softly, “Mother, there’s no need to blame Fourth Sister like this. Perhaps she isn’t aware of the recent changes in the marriage arrangement.”
Glancing at her, Huaiyu replied, “I know.”
“Oh?” Bai Xuanji paused, then smiled even more gently. “It’s good that Fourth Sister knows. I was just unsure how to bring it up… I apologize to Fourth Sister for this matter.”
She said this, but there was no hint of guilt on her face—rather, there was even a hint of satisfaction.
Young girls naturally feel proud after snatching someone else’s marriage arrangement to flaunt others. Seeing Bai Xuanji’s expression and thinking of the runaway Young Master Jiang, Huaiyu couldn’t help but find it amusing. “It’s alright, I don’t blame you,” she said.
“Who knows who will end up blaming whom tomorrow!” Seeing Huaiyu’s lack of anger and even a hint of happiness, Bai Xuanji frowned. “If you’re unhappy about something, you could have talked directly with Second Sister. She would have made it up to you.”
“No need, really,” Huaiyu waved her hand generously. “I don’t need any compensation.”
“If you’re so indifferent, then why make things difficult for your second sister?” Madam Bai Mengshi frowned. “We’re all family. If you can’t help your second sister, that’s fine, but why resort to underhanded tactics to hinder her?”
Huaiyu couldn’t help but laugh and cry at this. “How did I hinder her?”
“You disappeared all night, tarnishing the reputation of the Bai residence. Isn’t that hindering?” Madam Bai Mengshi raised her eyebrows. “Do you know if this news spreads, it will also lower your second sister’s standing?”
Huaiyu truly didn’t know this and fell silent.
The more Madam Bai Mengshi spoke, the angrier she became. “Where did you spend the night yesterday?”
On that issue… Huaiyu hesitated for a moment before saying, “I was at the Jiang residence.”
“The Jiang residence? That’s absurd!” Madam Bai Mengshi almost immediately scoffed. “Are you daydreaming? Why not say you were at the palace?”
The maids and servants standing around couldn’t help but chuckle and cast disdainful, teasing glances at her.
Bai Xuanji didn’t smile. She carefully examined Huaiyu’s attire and frowned. “So you stole this outfit just to go to the Jiang residence?”
Only then did Madam Bai Mengshi notice the clothes on her. She stood up, walked over to Huaiyu, and plucked out a hairpin from her hair.
“It’s really… Are you trying to infuriate your father to death?” Madam Bai Mengshi examined the hairpin’s material and craftsmanship angrily. “Is our household so lacking that we need a noble young lady like you to steal things?”
Huaiyu frowned and glanced at Bai Xuanji. “This hairpin was a gift from a friend. The second Sister did not know of it. Why are you so adamant that I stole it?”
Bai Xuanji shook her head with a furrowed brow. “A gift from a friend? Don’t you think that excuse is too absurd? You’ve been in the Bai residence for so many years, and besides Lingxiu, there’s no one else around you. When did you meet such a generous friend?”
“Let’s not even talk about this hairpin. The clothes on your body, the jewelry on your head—put together, they’re worth at least half a year’s salary of our father’s. Which friend would be so generous?”
Everyone felt the logic behind her words. Madam Bai Mengshi couldn’t contain her anger and slapped Huaiyu across the face without hesitation. “You shameless thing!”
The slap was powerful, and the wind whistled as it came down with full force, enough to swell her face. Huaiyu looked at it, and her body reacted faster than her mind. She tilted her head back and narrowly avoided the slap.
“Phew—” Her hand swept through the air, the force unchecked, nearly wrenching her arm.
Madam Bai Mengshi’s face turned alternating shades of purple and blue. “You dare to dodge?!”
“I need to make it clear before I get hit,” Huaiyu kneeled on her left foot, looking up at her. “I didn’t steal these things. Second Sister has no proof, it’s purely slanderous. You resorting to violence without distinguishing right from wrong is unjust.”
She turned to Bai Xuanji. “Second Sister thinks I couldn’t possibly have such a generous friend. Then I ask you, with my… um, rather delicate physique, where would I steal so many things from?”
Bai Xuanji held her handkerchief delicately. “I am certain you stole them, so naturally I know where you stole them from—these items are all on my dowry list. Last night when I returned home, I accompanied Mother to check the dowry and found many items missing. I initially thought it was some careless servant, but it turns out it was you.”
The maids and servants standing nearby were shocked. Stealing from her own sister’s dowry items for personal use was truly shameless!
Huaiyu was equally shocked. While she readily admitted to her lack of shame, she hadn’t expected Bai Xuanji to surpass her in shamelessness.
“Your dowry?” She laughed in disbelief, reaching out to pluck a golden jade peony and pinching it in her hand. “Then let me ask you, Second Sister, where did you procure your dowry? Are there any markings on these jewels?”
Bai Xuanji hesitated slightly.
Madam Bai Mengshi frowned. “You stole these things, yet you dare to turn around and interrogate your sister! Someone, strip her of these clothes!”
“Yes!” Several maids nearby responded, moving forward to act.
Huaiyu sneered coldly, propping herself up with one hand and kicking out with a foot, sending the maid who was closest flying backward.
“Ah—!” The maid screamed, crashing into a chair behind her and falling heavily to the ground.
The others were shocked, freezing in their tracks.
Huaiyu turned her head, looking directly at the person sitting upright above, and pointed an accusing finger. “Bai Xuanji, you better provide evidence today that proves I stole your dowry. Otherwise, I guarantee that after I’m done stealing your dowry, not even half a thread will be left!”
Bai Xuanji was startled, her face paling. She frowned and said, “Are you threatening me?”
“This is outrageous!” Madam Bai Mengshi slammed the table in anger. “Someone, tie her up for me!”
“Yes!” A group of servants rushed in from outside, filling the hall. The timid maids retreated to the back, while the stronger servants rolled up their sleeves and charged towards Huaiyu.
To be frank, facing so many opponents, Li Huaiyu knew he was trapped with no way out. Yet, the descendants of the Li family carried the pride of royalty in their hearts. Knowing his inevitable fate, he was determined to take down a few of them with him, even if it meant fighting to the death!
Thus, the eastern courtyard erupted into chaos—shrieks, the clatter of plates and cups hitting the ground, and the sound of fists meeting flesh echoed through the air.
Initially composed, Bai Xuanji stood by and watched. But when she saw Li Huaiyu viciously slam a servant against the wall, leaving him bloodied, she couldn’t help but cry out in shock.
“You’ve gone mad!”
His injured right foot slowed him down, exposing vulnerabilities that his opponents ruthlessly exploited. Li Huaiyu smirked defiantly, focusing his strength on his left foot. He wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth and turned to face another servant.
Nearly everything breakable in the room was shattered. Bai Mengshi’s face turned pale with worry. Initially thinking to intervene, she soon became furious and shouted at the top of her lungs, “Beat her to death!”
The servants, who had hesitated initially, unleashed their full force upon hearing her command.
Half an hour later, Li Huaiyu had a gash on his forehead, and blood streaming down his face. The last servant pinned him down, forcing him to kneel before Bai Mengshi.
The room was filled with people sprawled on the ground, incapacitated. Amidst the wreckage, the eyes of the person kneeling on the floor still shone brightly like stars.
Bai Mengshi was both shocked and fearful, glaring at him. She nervously stripped off the jewelry from her own body with trembling hands.
“Do you… do you realize how many rules you’ve broken?” she stammered.
Li Huaiyu smirked, looking at her with a smile in his eyes.
Seeing her unaffected demeanor, Bai Mengshi’s anger flared even more. “Absence from residence at night, theft of household treasures, insubordination, fighting, and causing mayhem throughout my entire house! These offenses combined warrant at least twenty lashes!” she exclaimed.
“I advise you against it,” Huaiyu chuckled. “Otherwise, my father might just reprimand you tomorrow.”
Hearing this, Bai Mengshi laughed scornfully. “Do you think my father cares about you? He has Xuanji as his daughter, that’s enough for him. He won’t spare a thought for your life or death. Even if I were to kill you, it would take him years to learn of your demise.”
Impressive! If his hands weren’t restrained, Huaiyu would have wanted to applaud her.
“I’ve already given you fair warning. Whatever consequences follow are on you,” she said coldly. “Don’t accuse me of malice later.”
Bai Mengshi didn’t quite grasp her meaning but dismissed it as empty threats, waving her sleeve dismissively. “As the mistress of the Bai family, I have the authority to enforce our rules. Even if my husband questions it, I am justified! Take her away, and let our family’s discipline be carried out in the courtyard!”
“Yes!”
Meanwhile, under the noonday sun, Jiang Xuanjin was in his study, listening to Han Xiao and Yun Lanqing converse. Suddenly, he felt a pang of unease.
Furrowing his brow, he placed his hand over his heart, puzzled by the sensation.
“Do you find it absurd, Your Highness?” Han Xiao spoke solemnly. “The Chief Historian of the Prime Minister’s Office, narrow-minded to the point that he held a grudge against Eldest Princess, merely because she once remarked that he lacked the talent to assist the state. For years, he has troubled her, and now in the case of Prime Minister Sima, he even perjured himself out of personal vendetta!”
Jiang Xuanjin snapped back to attention, taking the documents handed to him by the Emperor and examining them closely.
These were testimonies from several servants of the Li household, stating clearly that on the night of February 20th, around the hour of the Dog (9-11 pm), Li Fengxing returned home drunk and was not present at the time of Sima Xu’s death.
During the investigation into Sima Xu’s case, Li Fengxing had testified in court, claiming he was with Sima Xu on their way out of the palace when they coincidentally encountered Eldest Princess of Danyang. The princess then invited Sima Xu to stay nearby at Fukang Palace. This testimony had been crucial, shifting suspicion directly onto Eldest Princess.
And now, these testimonies were revealed to be false?
Jiang Xuanjin was stunned, suddenly recalling Qing Si’s words from yesterday— “Are you merely allowing yourself to be used as a pawn by villains, believing your actions to be just?”
Feeling a weight settle in his chest, he put down the documents and looked towards Li Fengxing, who knelt before him.
“Chief Historian Li, do you have anything to say in your defense?”
Li Fengxing snorted lightly, bowing respectfully. “Your Highness, this case has been concluded. I fail to understand why both Your Highness and His Highness persist in pursuing this matter. Are you prepared to condemn me based solely on the casual remarks of servants?
“Casual remarks?” Yun Lanqing’s eyebrows furrowed deeply as she glared at him fiercely. “The two servants mentioned in the testimonies—one who served in your household for seven years, and another who nursed you. They now risk their lives daily, hunted down, to come forward and testify. And you dismiss it as ‘casual remarks’?”
She shot him a pointed look, and Li Fengxing straightened his back. “And what if they are? I do not know why they are being pursued. But these testimonies are indeed fabricated. If Your Highness and His Highness choose to believe even this, then upon my return, I can present dozens more testimonies from other servants proving that I did not return home around the hour of the Dog.”
“You…”
Li Huailin sat on the dragon throne, watching the three senior officials argue heatedly, their faces flushed. Unsure of what to do, he turned to the side. “What does Your Highness think?”
Jiang Xuanjin replied calmly, “Once a case is concluded, there is no need for further debate.”
Han Xiao was furious, nearly bursting out in anger, but Yun Lanqing quickly grabbed his sleeve and shook her head.
Li Fengxing smiled and bowed respectfully to him. “Your Highness is wise.”
“No need for anything else, Chief Historian. You may go attend to your duties. The new Prime Minister has not yet taken office, so you may find it challenging.”
“I take my leave.” Li Fengxing glanced disdainfully at the two beside him, stood up, and turned to leave.
Han Xiao had a quick temper, but in front of the Emperor, he couldn’t afford to be too rude. He gritted his teeth, his face flushed red but managed to hold back his words.
The doors to the grand hall were closed, and Jiang Xuanjin turned to Han Xiao. “Sir, I have a question I wish to ask.”
“Han is inadequate in knowledge and cannot answer Your Highness’s doubts,” Han Xiao replied coldly, bowing. “I take my leave!”
With that, he lifted his steps to depart.
Li Huailin watched from above and shook his head. Han was indeed the most difficult among the officials, daring even to affront the dignity of the Lord Ziyang.
However, Jiang Xuanjin remained unperturbed. Seeing Han about to leave, he stood up and swiftly intercepted him.
“Sir, please stay,” Jiang Xuanjin looked up at him. “This question can only be answered by you.”
Already displeased with Jiang Xuanjin, and exacerbated by his earlier partiality towards Li Fengxing, Han Xiao was furious. Being stopped now, he couldn’t hold back any longer and threw a punch towards Jiang Xuanjin!
“Han, sir!” Li Huailin stood up from the dragon throne, frowning deeply.
Yun Lanqing was equally shocked. She first bowed to the Emperor, then hurriedly moved forward to intervene.
However, before the fierce punch could land on Jiang Xuanjin, Yun Lanqing widened her eyes as she saw the Lord Ziyang reach out and catch Han Xiao’s fist. With a gentle yet firm grip, he guided the force of the punch in a graceful arc through the air, effortlessly redirecting it back exactly as it came.
With a thud, Han Xiao took a step back, digging his heels into the ground to steady himself. He glanced back at Jiang Xuanjin, his temper now somewhat subdued, and turned back to kneel before the Emperor.
“What is your question?” he asked curtly.
As they walked a few steps away, Jiang Xuanjin whispered, “Sir Han, you are renowned for your wisdom. Why are you willing to sacrifice your reputation to defend Eldest Princess of Danyang?”
“I also want to know the answer to that,” the Emperor interjected from his seat. “Although Eldest Princess is not inherently evil, her actions have not been commendable. Why do you both defend her so fiercely, even after the case has been closed?”
When these words came from Jiang Xuanjin, Han Xiao and Yun Lanqing felt a complex mix of emotions. But coming from the Emperor… Han Xiao bitterly smiled, feeling a sense of desolation creeping from the depths of his heart to his spine.
He remembered the days when Eldest Princess of Danyang, clad in fiery robes reminiscent of the peonies of Yaochi, sat high on the stage, looking down at him.
“Han Xiao,” she said, “have you considered this? If you stand with me, you will no longer receive admiration and respect. Your hard-earned reputation of twenty years will all be lost.”
At that time, Han Xiao responded splendidly, “Even a mere woman like yourself does not intimidate me. Why should I fear?”
Eldest Princess heard this and clapped, laughing before adding in a mocking tone, “I am not just any ordinary woman! I have an extraordinary imperial brother!”
Han Xiao did not think much of her words. Li Huailin had been in power for five years without achieving anything remarkable. What made him “extraordinary”?
Seeing his expression, Eldest Princess guessed his thoughts immediately, standing with her hands on her hips and glaring, “Do not underestimate me! In a few years, Huailin will be praised by all the people! He will be a great emperor!”
As she turned to look at the distant imperial flag fluttering in the wind, her eyes were filled with certainty. “Absolutely!”
Looking into her eyes, Han Xiao understood. What gave Eldest Princess the courage to involve herself in countless conflicts was not her status but Li Huailin. All these years, everything she had done was to ensure her imperial brother’s peaceful reign.
And now, Li Huailin asked them the same question: Why?
Han Xiao’s eyes reddened, his mouth opening as if he wanted to pound the imperial desk and tell him everything! Regardless of the consequences, he couldn’t let Eldest Princess carry so many accusations even after her death!
However, he glanced at the testimony carelessly thrown on the table and closed his mouth.
No one would believe it. Even if he sought justice for Danyang, writing a hundred and eighty testimonies would still end up like these two pieces of paper—dismissed as unconvincing nonsense.
He lowered his head wearily and forced a bitter smile. “I believe the princess is a good person.”
Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brow, and Li Huailin wasn’t satisfied with that answer. “There are no outsiders here, why won’t you speak frankly, Sir Han?”
Han Xiao remained silent, but Yun Lanqing stepped forward and addressed Jiang Xuanjin. “Your Highness personally framed the princess, penned the charges with your hand, and delivered the poisoned wine. Now you ask us this question? Doesn’t it seem absurd?”
He was the one who intended her death. He had already decided that Eldest Princess of Danyang was an utterly wicked person deserving of death. No matter how many good words they spoke, it would be futile. So why bother asking?
Jiang Xuanjin bowed his head in silence for a moment before saying, “I merely did what I had to do; it wasn’t personal against her.”
For anyone else, if the evidence was irrefutable and they had committed unforgivable crimes, he would have done the same—written the charges himself and delivered the poisoned wine.
Yun Lanqing and Han Xiaoxian didn’t believe him. Yun Lanqing gestured respectfully, “Your Highness if you truly have doubts, why not thoroughly investigate Prime Minister Sima’s case again? The Prime Minister was not killed by Eldest Princess. You may consider this as one of the reasons why we initially supported Eldest Princess.”
With that said, he turned to Li Huailin and bowed, “Lord Han’s actions today were rash. I am willing to take him down to accept punishment.”
Li Huailin frowned at the two for a while, then nodded.
Yun Lanqing led Han Xiaoxian away, leaving only the two of them in the study.
“Your Highness,” Li Huailin asked, “do you suspect that Princess Huangjie was wronged?”
Jiang Xuanjin shook his head in silence.
It had been a clear case of murder, but because of those two letters on the table, it seemed to be clouded again.
He had just said that closing the case without further investigation was a pretense, merely to appease Li Fengxing. Danyang had been his student and adversary for many years. If there were doubts about her death, he would investigate.
However, people like Han Xiaoxian and Yun Lanqing might not tell him the truth for now.
Gathering his thoughts, he turned to Li Huailin and said, “I am about to marry. Around the 21st of next month, I hope Your Highness can arrange for me to take leave in advance.”
Li Huailin had been pondering Princess Huangjie’s case when he heard this, and he stood up in astonishment, “Your Highness is getting married?!”
“Yes.”
“Who is this girl who has impressed Your Highness so much that you are considering marriage?” Li Huailin was both delighted and curious.
In his mind appeared that perpetually mischievous face and Jiang Xuanjin shook his head instinctively, “She’s not impressive, at most she’s quick-witted with words.”
After a moment’s thought, he added, “And she’s remarkably bold.”
Li Huailin stared at him, dumbfounded by his expression, feeling as if red rain were about to fall from the sky. What was with this glint in his eyes when he mentioned her? Wasn’t the Lord Ziyang, whom he had known for nearly eight years, always indifferent to women?
“Since Your Highness has mentioned it, I will certainly come to see the wedding,” Li Huailin smiled, “Congratulations in advance, Your Highness.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Jiang Xuanjin bowed slightly, and glanced at the hourglass with a slightly solemn expression, “If there are no other matters, I will take my leave now. There are still unfinished tasks.”
“Very well,” Li Huailin nodded.
Carefully folding the testimonies on the table and tucking them into his robes, Jiang Xuanjin briskly left the palace and headed straight for the Bai residence.
Ba Dezhong ng had been busy with affairs all day and had not returned home. When Jiang Xuanjin arrived, he was still greeted by Lady Bai Meng as usual.
“Your Highness graces us with your presence; I apologize for not welcoming you sooner,” Lady Bai Meng beamed with joy upon seeing him. “Why have you come at this hour? Is there something concerning Xuanji?”
Glancing around, Jiang Xuanjin noticed only Miss Bai Er elegantly greeting him. He frowned slightly, “Where is Miss Bai Si?”
Lady Bai Meng paused, her expression turning somewhat peculiar. “What does Your Highness need her for?”
Such a question surprised him. “Didn’t she say anything when she returned? With her carefree nature, wouldn’t she have announced to everyone that she’s marrying me?” Jiang Xuanjin wondered aloud, puzzled by Lady Bai’s reaction.
“Your Highness!” Without waiting for Lady Bai to respond, Lingxiu burst past the household servants at the door, kneeling before him. “Your Highness, please save my mistress!”
Her voice was desperate, nearly breaking, and her eyes were red and swollen.
Jiang Xuanjin felt a sudden tightness in his chest.
“Outrageous!” Lady Bai Meng hurriedly ordered the servants to drag Lingxiu away. “You have no right to speak in front of His Highness! Take her away and give her a good punishment!”
The servants moved swiftly to apprehend Lingxiu, but Jiang Xuanjin intervened sharply, “Stop!”
Lady Bai Meng was taken aback. “Your Highness?”
Approaching Lingxiu, Jiang Xuanjin asked calmly, “What happened?”
Between sobs, Lingxiu pointed at Lady Bai Meng and her daughter, “I was ordered to deliver something elsewhere. When I returned, I found my mistress half-dead, locked in the woodshed, covered in blood! When I tried to enter, they locked the door on me!”
Jiang Xuanjin’s pupils contracted as he glanced sideways at the two beside him.
Lady Bai Meng was slow to react. She knew that Lord Ziyang and Bai Zhuji were acquainted, having returned together previously. However, she couldn’t imagine any deeper connection between them, given his status. Yet, why was he looking at them with such cold, piercing eyes now?
Lady Bai Meng felt bewildered, her legs inexplicably weak.
Waving his hand to have Lingxiu taken away, Jiang Xuanjin said no more, turning to stride into the residence.
“Mother, what should we do?” Bai Zhuji panicked. “His Highness is Jiang Yan’s younger uncle. If he sees us treating Zhuji like this, will he go back and tell Jiang Yan? He’ll think I’m heartless!”
“Don’t worry,” Lady Bai said, regaining her composure and steadying her daughter’s hand. “Bai Zhuji deserves this punishment. It doesn’t matter who comes; this is a family matter for us Bai family. Let’s go. Let’s see what’s happening!”
Bai Zhuji nodded, biting her lip, and followed Lady Bai, holding up her skirt.
Lingxiu ran fast, almost rolling and crawling as she led the way. From afar, she pointed her hand and said, “It’s that one in front!”
Jiang Xuanjin hurried over and looked at the locked door, shouting, “Cheng Xu!”
Cheng Xu beside him understood, drew his sword, and cut the lock chain into two pieces.
“Bang!” The door was pushed open, raising a cloud of dust, and revealing a person leaning against the wall, head-to-toe covered in dust.
“Cough, cough…” Li Huaiyu coughed, half-raising his eyelids to look at the newcomers. It took him a long time to recognize who it was, and he grinned. “Why did you come?”
Jiang Xuanjin looked at the situation in the woodshed in shock, stepped forward, and reached out to touch her forehead. But halfway through, he was scared by the blood on her head
“How come that expression?” Huaiyu attempted to shift her body but froze in place. She took a breath and said, “Lord Ziyang suits the immovable thunderous face, that way he looks profound and unpredictable. Your current frowning look is a bit intimidating.”
She pouted, “But I’m stuck to the wall right now. I need you to hug me to get up.”
Jiang Xuanjin opened his mouth to say something, but the smell of blood rushing from her body overwhelmed his throat. He fell silent, fingers tightening until his knuckles turned white. His chest felt constricted, making it hard to breathe.
Perhaps the air in the firewood room was too foul, he thought. He slowly lowered himself and lifted her.
“You’re going to hug me?” Huaiyu grinned mischievously at his clothes. “You’re so clean. I’ve dirtied you with all this blood, you won’t want this robe anymore.”
It was just a robe. If he didn’t want it, he didn’t. He turned around with her in his arms, looking at the people outside the door.
Bai Mengshi and Bai Xuanji stood there, utterly dumbfounded.
“Your Highness, this…” Bai Mengshi pointed at the person in his arms, “She has violated many family rules and ended up like this after fighting with a servant. This is a matter for the Bai Family.”
After a pause, feeling not quite forceful enough, she continued, “In the backyard of the Bai Family, everything is decided by the mistress!”
The implication was clear: Are you overstepping your authority?
Jiang Xuanjin took a step towards her.
Bai Mengshi hesitated, instinctively grasping Bai Xuanji’s hand beside her. Lord Ziyang’s imposing presence was intimidating—even on her territory, no one dared to meet his gaze head-on. Although she knew he wouldn’t resort to violence, his steady approach was still deeply unsettling.
“This is all…” She wanted to say it was the household rules, not her fault.
However, just as she began to speak, Jiang Xuanjin calmly passed by with Bai Zhuji in his arms, as if he hadn’t even noticed her, and continued forward.
“Lingxiu,” his voice came from behind, “where does your young mistress reside?”
Lingxiu, still dumbfounded from behind, snapped back to reality and hurried to catch up. As she passed by the two of them, she frowned briefly at Bai Mengshi before hurrying away faster.
Bai Mengshi’s face instantly turned very unpleasant.
There were many servants and attendants around who had witnessed everything that had just transpired. She, who held considerable authority in the household, couldn’t even utter a word in front of Lord Ziyang.
What did this signify?
In the western courtyard.
Jiang Xuanjin crossed the threshold of a small compartment with Li Huaiyu in his arms, sweeping his gaze around the room in silence for a long time.
Before, when she had claimed her life in the Bai Manor was not good, he hadn’t believed her. After all, she was Ba Dezhong ng’s daughter; how bad could it be?
However, now that he saw it with his own eyes, a strangely unsettling feeling arose in him. It was as if he had returned to that firewood room, surrounded by dusty air that choked his breath.
Walking to the bedside, Jiang Xuanjin gently laid down the semi-conscious figure from his arms, then proceeded to remove her soiled outer garment. Supporting her, he carefully arranged her on the bed.
As he adjusted her, the cuffs of his sleeves slightly opened, revealing bruises on her arms. Frowning slightly, he pondered for a moment, then reached out to gradually roll up her sleeves.
There were patches of green, purple, and black bruises extending from her wrist up her arm. The more he rolled up the sleeves, the more bruises became visible.
Jiang Xuanjin’s expression turned grim as he observed. After a moment’s thought, he instructed Chengxu, “Inform the household.”
“Inform them about what?” Chengxu inquired with a bow.
After casting a profound glance around the room, Jiang Xuanjin replied, “Tell them I won’t be returning to the manor tonight.”
Chengxu was taken aback, “Master?”
Even if Miss Bai Four was seriously injured, he couldn’t just return to the manor! If the old master asked for the reason, how should he report it?
“If anyone from the family asks, tell them the truth,” Jiang Xuanjin said calmly. “Early tomorrow morning, have my father and elder brothers bring the betrothal gifts.”
Pausing briefly, he added, “Make sure all of them come, not a single person missing.”