The tense atmosphere in the room dissipated instantly.
Jiang Xuanjin stared at Miss Bai Si, who grinned foolishly, his expression unreadable. The others fell silent, anticipating his anger. However, their master simply extended his hand slowly, rubbing his brow bone.
“What were you doing?” he asked.
Swallowing nervously, Huaiyu looked innocently at him. “I wanted to see the embroidery on top, but I didn’t steady it properly… Can you all pretend you didn’t see me?”
“Do you think that’s possible?”
Glancing at the ten stunned individuals below, Huaiyu chuckled awkwardly. “Looks like it’s not very likely, huh?”
Jiang Xuanjin was furious. He had been waiting to hear what Jiu Wu had to say next, but this interruption had thrown everything off. He looked at her as if he had seen a ghost, his gaze flickering between her and Jiu Wu, suspicion clouding his face like he had caught them in some kind of mischief.
The situation was awkward.
The girl in the chair shifted uncomfortably as if she wanted to run away after causing trouble. However, her injuries hadn’t fully healed yet, and she had relied on him when she entered, so she couldn’t escape. She looked at him pitifully when her wound hurt, not knowing what to do.
What could he do?
What else could he do? Jiang Xuanjin glared at her angrily, then turned around and pretended nothing had happened. He said casually, “Don’t mind her. Please continue.”
“Don’t mind her?” Jiu Wu was surprised. She couldn’t help but look at the screen again.
The girl was pretty, though her face was sickly. Her eyes were bright and compelling. When she saw him, her eyes twinkled, and then she lowered her eyes and played with her fingers.
Jiu Wu looked at her fingers.
Her delicate fingers were white. Her index finger and middle finger twisted together and quickly came loose.
A casual movement that didn’t look strange in anyone else’s eyes made Jiu Wu tremble in the heart of the heart. He almost looked away immediately and didn’t dare to look at her again.
This gesture…
Seeing that he didn’t speak, Jiang Xuanjin thought that Jiu Wu was considering the white beads next to him. He frowned and said, “As long as you tell the truth, what are you afraid of other people?”
Back to his senses, Jiu Wu shook his head: “Not afraid of others hearing, just feel that His Highness may not believe it when he says it.”
“Speak,” Jiang Xuanjin ordered.
Glancing once more at the pearwood screen that had now been set upright, Jiu Wu lowered his gaze and changed his tone, “On the night of February 20, during the palace banquet, the Eldest Princess became intoxicated and left halfway through. She wasn’t at the banquet or the Fuluo Palace but met with me outside the Yongshou Palace. We strolled back to the Feiyun Palace via the west palace path. We were delayed for a while on the way and returned to the Feiyun Palace around the hour of Hai.”
Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brow, “With you?”
“Yes,” Jiu Wu nodded, “When Her Highness was accused, I also testified and presented my statement to the Ministry of Justice. However, I was not summoned by the ministry afterward.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuanjin looked puzzled. He had reviewed the case files of Sima Xu submitted to the Ministry of Justice and knew there were scant testimonies and statements before the incident, making Li Huaiyu’s testimony crucial in convicting Li Huaiyu.
However, now Jiu Wu claimed to have also presented a testimony.
Jiang Xuanjin had a good memory, and he was certain he hadn’t seen any testimony that favored the Eldest Princess. From the time of the incident to the Eldest Princess’s death, apart from Han Xiao’s group shouting grievances during the morning court, there were no other voices. He had thought this reflected the popular sentiment that Danyang deserved to die, but now it seemed there might be something fishy.
“I’ve said everything I needed to,” Jiu Wu said, “Your Highness should also fulfill your promise.”
“Good.” Regaining his composure, Jiang Xuanjin nodded to Cheng Xu, “Escort them out of the mansion.”
Cheng Xu bowed respectfully and approached to unlock the chain behind Jiu Wu. He handed him the key, saying, “Considering His Highness’s overall plan, I will unlock one person first. Here is the key. After leaving Jiang Mansion, you can unlock the rest yourselves.”
With that, he placed the key to the chain into Jiu Wu’s hand.
Jiu Wu relaxed his limbs and looked at Cheng Xu, then back at Jiang Xuanjin, utterly bewildered. “Are you letting us go?”
He had thought Jiang Xuanjin was only joking. After all, they were the leaders of the Feiyun Palace, and there were warrants out for their arrest. Jiang Xuanjin had disliked them so much; how could he let slip such an opportunity to strike back?
Yet here he was, saying, “Stop dawdling. Go.”
At that moment, Jiu Wu suddenly felt that Lord Ziyang might not be as cold and heartless as rumored.
“Forgive my interference,” he said, “Since Your Highness is letting us go, why not release the young lady with the green hair as well?”
Glancing at him, Jiang Xuanjin replied, “She is not like you.”
“In what way?” Jiu Wu asked, puzzled. “We are followers of the Eldest Princess, and so is she.”
Turning towards the direction of the screen, Jiang Xuanjin’s voice was indifferent. “You merely sought to save someone, but she came before me with intent to kill. How can they be the same?”
With that, he swept his sleeves and disappeared behind the screen.
The faces of the ten people in the room instantly became complicated upon hearing these words, especially Qing Xian, who had recently mentioned attempting to assassinate Lord Ziyang.
Having asked what needed to be asked and received some interesting answers, Jiang Xuanjin lost interest in conversing with the group outside. He casually laid his hand on the armrest, gazing coldly down at the person in the chair.
“Your eyes are truly beautiful!” Facing him, Li Huaiyu showed no remorse for her actions, reaching out to touch the corner of his eye, admiring, “If you smiled, you could charm half the capital!”
Pushing away her hand, Jiang Xuanjin couldn’t muster a smile. “You’ve caused quite a mess.”
“Don’t blame me,” Huaiyu shook her head, pointing indignantly at the screen, “It pushed me first!”
Jiang Xuanjin: “…”
Did that screen hit her on the head? How did she start babbling nonsense?
Annoyed, he pulled her up. “Next time, I won’t take you. Just stay obediently at Bai Mansion.”
“Don’t, I find it so amusing!” Huaiyu clung to his neck, looking pitiful, “Don’t leave me alone at Bai Mansion. What if someone acts impulsively and tries to kill me again? My injuries aren’t healed yet…”
Aware of her injuries? Jiang Xuanjin carried her out expressionlessly. “If you get better, the entire building might collapse.”
Huaiyu pouted, glanced at him, and suddenly reached out to stroke his face.
Her warm palm covered his face gently, and softly, and Jiang Xuanjin paused, frowning slightly. “What are you doing now?”
With watery eyes, the person in his arms stared at him for a moment, then grinned. “You’re so handsome. I want to peel the sweetest oranges in the world for you to eat!”
Taken aback, he became embarrassed and angry. “What nonsense are you talking about!”
“It’s not nonsense, I’m serious,” she said earnestly. “Once I cross the threshold, I’ll take good care of you. I won’t let you feel cold or hungry. I’ll massage your shoulders when you’re tired, and when you’re sleepy—”
Pausing for a moment, her smile deepened. “When you’re sleepy, I’ll sleep with you!”
“…”
Standing stiffly while holding her, Jiang Xuanjin’s face turned first pale, then flushed with a hint of crimson spreading from his ears to his neck.
“You figure out how to get back to your mansion yourself!” He exclaimed in frustration, releasing her and walking away. He flicked his sleeve angrily, the jade-colored embroidered silver flowers nearly hitting her face.
“Hey hey!” Huaiyu called after his retreating figure, laughing. “I can’t walk properly, I have a wound on my leg!”
“Who cares!”
Jiang Xuanjin walked off without looking back, his robe and ink-black hair fluttering in the wind, completely losing his usual composure. When he reached the courtyard gate and encountered Cheng Xu returning from seeing off the others, he gritted his teeth. “I’m going to the palace.”
Cheng Xu stared in surprise at his lord’s flushed face, momentarily dumbfounded before responding, “Yes.”
Huaiyu squatted in the room, holding her stomach from laughter. To think that the Lord Ziyang, who had once engaged in fierce debates with her in the court, would have such thin skin! If she had known earlier, she would have teased him more, making sure he wouldn’t want to stay in the court at all!
“Miss Si,” Cheng Xu entered and, seeing her state, seemed to understand what had transpired. He said with a mix of amusement and awkwardness, “A sedan chair is prepared outside. Shall we depart?”
Wiping away tears of laughter, Huaiyu asked him, “Is your lord accompanying me back?”
“Well, um…” Cheng Xu rubbed his nose, glanced at the door, and whispered, “Our lord is quite easily embarrassed.”
Having embarrassed everyone and even angered him, who would want to accompany her back?
Huaiyu couldn’t help herself and laughed for a while until her laughter made her wound ache. She then dragged herself outside and sat in the sedan chair.
Jiang Xuanjin didn’t travel with her, and naturally, Cheng Xu didn’t either. They took the carriage back, and she said, “I want to go take a look at some jewelry.”
“Alright, but you shouldn’t stay too long. You need to rest,” Lingxiu gently reminded her.
Huaiyu nodded and instructed the coachman to go to Fuan Street. Upon arriving at the doorstep of the Canghai Yizhu Pavilion, she left Lingxiu and the coachman outside.
Today, the Yizhu Pavilion was quieter than usual, with the main door half-open and no one in front. Huaiyu pushed the door open and glanced inside, asking the attendant lazily leaning on the counter, “Is your shop going out of business?”
Without opening the door to welcome customers, they seemed to be yawning and slacking off. The attendant frowned upon hearing her words. “What are you saying? Whose shop is going out of business?”
Pouting, Huaiyu gestured around the empty surroundings and said, “If you’re not going out of business, why is there no one here? Where’s your boss?”
“The boss has something to attend to. Today, the Yizhu Pavilion is not receiving customers,” the attendant grumbled. “Miss, please leave.”
If Lu Jingxing had something to attend to, the Yizhu Pavilion could still receive customers unless he was in the backyard and didn’t want to be disturbed.
Huaiyu smiled and took out Lu Jingxing’s token, handing it over. “I need to see him. Can you inform him?”
The attendant wanted to retort that people were always coming with things for the boss, but seeing the jade token in the girl’s hand, he straightened up in fear.
“Miss Bai?” The attendant didn’t recognize her but knew it was her holding the jade token. Li Huaiyu smiled and nodded, “I’ll wait here, you go ahead.”
Glancing at her still-pale complexion, Zhao Cai didn’t dare delay. He said directly, “No need to inform, please come in.”
He was clear about his boss’s attitude towards Miss Bai. At the moment, he wasn’t worried about anything else except Miss Bai’s injury not fully healing and causing trouble here, which would surely land him doing hard labor in the estate’s fields.
With these thoughts in mind, he quickly led her to the backyard.
Lu Jingxing was listening to Jiugu and the others talk about Jiang Xuanjin when he unexpectedly saw Li Huaiyu standing outside. His eyelid twitched, and he immediately stood up to greet her.
“Miss, what brings you here at this time?” He glanced nervously at the people inside the room and lowered his voice, “Jiugu and the others are all here.”
“I know.” Li Huaiyu put her hands on her hips. “It’s good that everyone’s here. Let’s discuss everything together.”
Lu Jingxing frowned. “But how can we do that? Besides me, who else here would believe you’re from Danyang?”
Confidently smiling, Li Huaiyu looked past him towards the person sitting inside the room. “Never mind that. Jiugu believes.”
Lu Jingxing paused, following her gaze. He was about to argue that it wasn’t necessarily true when Jiugu stood up and walked towards the door.
Looking at her with a complicated expression, Jiugu bowed deeply. “May I ask… does the young lady know the poet Li?”
This question puzzled Lu Jingxing, but Li Huaiyu chuckled, hands on her hips. “How could I not know? Li the Poet is incredibly talented. He once subdued notorious bandits with just one poem, gaining quite the reputation!”
Jiugu’s body trembled slightly, and a strange light gleamed in her eyes as she looked intently at Li Huaiyu, her voice suddenly hoarse, “How does that poem go?”
Grinning widely, Li Huaiyu clapped her hands. “Wandering alone for three thousand miles, adrift without a place to settle. With one morning, all past dust settles, the phoenix arrives and finds its perch.”
“The phoenix arrives and finds its perch.”
This was the poem recited by the Eldest Princess of Danyang when she saved him and gave him his name. Jiuwu, curious, asked, “Who wrote this?”
Danyang replied earnestly, “This is a masterpiece by the poet Li.”
For a long time, Jiuwu believed there was indeed a poet named “Li” in the world, even admiring him somewhat. It wasn’t until later that he discovered—
His Highness’ surname was Li, his name was Sui, his style name was Huaiyu, and he self-proclaimed himself as “the Poet.”
Facing this “Poet Li,” Jiuwu couldn’t help but laugh and cry. As he stayed in the Feiyun Palace, he gradually found this prince quite amusing. Not only did he love to pretend to be a poet, but he also loved to dodge etiquette lessons from Prince Ziyang. Whenever Prince Ziyang caught up with him, she would signal him discreetly—
Crossing her index and middle fingers together, meaning “Quick, cover for me!”
Today, in the Jiang Mansion, seeing this gesture, Jiuwu’s suspicions began to arise. Hearing her recite this poem again, he almost confirmed—
Excitedly looking at her, Jiuwu’s throat moved slightly. He shook his body and bowed to her again, “I respectfully welcome Your Highness!”
As these four words were uttered, the other nine people in the room all stood up.
“Truly, you are the smartest person in my Feiyun Palace.” Smiling at him, Huaiyu dragged his body into the room, found a chair to sit down and catch his breath, then looked at the dumbfounded group in front of him, saying, “I don’t have much time, so listen carefully to what I have to say now.”
Except for Jiuwu and Lujingxing, the rest of the people hadn’t reacted yet, staring stupidly at this pale-faced girl as she chattered on:
“Jiang Xuanjin seems to have taken the wrong medicine and now wants to re-investigate the Sima Xu case. Everyone knows there’s a lot of intrigue behind that case, right? What you need to do now is provide as much help as possible so Jiang Xuanjin can uncover the truth smoothly.”
“As for Qingsi, we’ve tried twice to rescue her without success. There’s no need for you to take risks. Leave it to me to figure out a solution.”
“Also, in the future, no matter where you see me, please pretend not to know me and refrain from speaking to me. Jiang Xuanjin is very suspicious; it takes a lot of effort to deceive him. You mustn’t cause any trouble.”
Taking a sip of tea from the nearby table, Huaiyu caught her breath. “In any case, since you dared to defy my orders and return to the capital, be prepared to wade into troubled waters again!”
Upon hearing this familiar tone, everyone felt bewildered. They stared at the unfamiliar face before them, unsure of what to say.
Jiuwu, however, burst out laughing. “Understood.”
“You understood my orders?” Remembering the incident at the Jiang Mansion, Huaiyu stomped her foot in frustration. “If you truly understood, how dare you mention that matter?”
If she hadn’t knocked over the screen, she might have inadvertently revealed her whereabouts to Jiang Xuanjin. Joking aside, disclosing that location wouldn’t clear her of suspicion; it would only pique Jiang Xuanjin’s curiosity and prompt further investigation.
Fuming, Huaiyu gritted her teeth and gave Jiuwu a stern glare. She then stood up and turned to Lujingxing. “I’m leaving the rest to you.”
“Lujingxing grumbled, ‘Am I always the one to clean up the mess?’
“‘Brother, we face difficulties together.’ Huaiyu patted his shoulder and walked away.
She pushed herself despite the pain from several unhealed wounds still smarting on her body. She needed to return and recuperate quickly, lest Jiang Xuanjin become suspicious.
However, she couldn’t decide whether to be angry or moved. Before the incident, these people had left the capital with Qingsi thanks to her. Yet here they were, rushing back one by one to face danger. What were they hoping to achieve? Even if she were truly dead, their lives sacrificed for vengeance wouldn’t bring her back. Was it worth it?
Shaking her head, Huaiyu climbed into the carriage and fell silent for a moment, then couldn’t help but smile.
Even if the whole world celebrated her death, there would always be a few who cherished her. Lujingxing would burn plenty of paper money for her, and Han Xiao’s group would cry out for justice. As for Jiuwu and Qingsi, they would risk everything for her revenge.
What did it matter if she faced condemnation from all? She was content!
Meanwhile, Jiang Xuanjin entered the palace. He went to the imperial library and reviewed the case files of Sima Xu once again.
Previously biased, believing Sima Xu had been killed by Li Huaiyu, he frowned slightly upon reevaluation.
Prime Minister Sima left Yongshou Palace at dusk on the twentieth of February and was found dead at the Fu Lu Palace around midnight, his throat cut by a sharp weapon, signs of struggle evident around him. The coroner determined it a homicide. There were no eyewitnesses, with the only testimony from Executioner Li stating that Sima Xu had been invited by the Eldest Princess.
Subsequent testimonies from palace attendants claimed to have seen the Eldest Princess near the Fu Lu Palace and noted her early departure from the evening banquet at dusk, returning to the Feiyun Palace around midnight.
All evidence pointed unfavorably toward the Eldest Princess. Coupled with her prior questionable history, public opinion unanimously accused her of the crime. Prime Minister Sima, esteemed and soon to retire, met his end at the hands of Danyang’s Princess. Who wouldn’t be outraged?
The court was in an uproar, and countless petitions piled up on the emperor’s desk, demanding the execution of the Eldest Princess.
“What was he thinking at that moment? — The new emperor’s reign. Lacking prestige, if he could remove Danyang, he would regain control of the imperial authority she held. Moreover, it would swiftly establish the new emperor’s authority, a double victory. Besides, Danyang deserved her fate.
So, after perusing the ‘convincing evidence’ in the case files, he stirred the pot and persuaded the new emperor to decree poison for Danyang.
Now, reflecting on it, if the implicated person had been someone ordinary and not Danyang, would he have been so certain she was the culprit?
The answer was no.
Taking a deep breath, Jiang Xuanjin felt a tightness in his chest.
“Your Highness?” Someone entered the imperial library and upon seeing him, hastily bowed.
Jiang Xuanjin paused, casually returned the case files to their shelf, nodded in acknowledgment, and then departed.
The person respectfully watched him leave, curious. With a glance around, they went to where he had been standing moments ago.
“This…”
Finding the mishandled case files, the person froze, eyes flashing as they murmured, “He was looking at this?”
Unaware of the activity behind him, Jiang Xuanjin was preoccupied. His expression remained grim as he walked back to the southern courtyard of the Bai Mansion, his furrowed brow unfaltering.
As dusk settled and darkness enveloped the surroundings, he crossed past the tightly shut main gate of the mansion, intending to head straight back to his quarters. Yet, just as he passed the entrance, the door unexpectedly swung open with a soft “swish.”
The warm glow from yellow lampshades instantly bathed him in light, dispelling the darkness before him and replacing it with warmth and brightness. Jiang Xuanjin paused in surprise, looking up to see someone in nightclothes draped with a cloak, holding a steaming bowl of soup, smiling broadly at him.
“You’re back!”
The steam from the bowl was intense, and Huaiyu held it with one hand while nervously adjusting her earring with the other. “Quick, take this! I can’t hold it much longer!”
Jiang Xuanjin was taken aback. With one hand, he took the bowl of soup, while the other was pulled by her into the room.
“Miss…” Lingxiu stood nearby, hesitantly calling out.
Huaiyu immediately covered her ear. “Don’t lecture me about rules or propriety! I won’t listen! After simmering this soup for so long, he has to take a sip before I can rest!”
With that, she rolled onto the bed and eagerly patted the edge.
Following her lead, Jiang Xuanjin sat down beside the bed and glanced into the bowl. “What is this?”
“It’s a tonic soup,” Li Huaiyu said with a mischievous smile. “You’ve been coughing a lot recently, haven’t you? I suspect it’s from the poisoning earlier, so I used medicinal herbs from the court physician and added black-bone chicken to make this soup for you.”
With a pitiful gesture, she pointed to her leg. “I’ve reopened my wounds for this bowl. You must drink it!”
Hearing this, Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brow. “You know you haven’t fully recovered. Why are you being reckless?”
“It’s nothing.” Remembering his preferences, Huaiyu scooped a spoonful for herself first, then eagerly watched him. “It tastes really good!”
Jiang Xuanjin remained silent, staring into the soup for a moment before finally taking a sip.
The medicinal aroma blended with the rich chicken broth was surprisingly pleasant. Setting down the spoon, he slowly drank the entire bowl.
As he swallowed the last drop, Jiang Xuanjin felt a sense of relief, his mood unexpectedly lightening.
“Delicious, right?” Huaiyu beamed, seeking praise.
Setting aside the bowl, he replied calmly, “If your wound worsens tomorrow, don’t expect to leave bed for five days.”
Huaiyu’s expression fell. “Fine, if you won’t praise me, at least don’t scold me!”
Jiang Xuanjin mimicked her bossy tone, his eyes narrowing mischievously. “If scolding offends you, what will you do about it?”
As he spoke, he leaned casually against the foot of the bed, his deep amber robe slightly loose. His black hair fell over his forehead, his lips still moist and shiny from the soup, and a hint of an irrepressible smile flashed in his remarkably attractive ink-black eyes.
Huaiyu stared blankly, her ears suddenly reddening.
“My lord,” a voice called from outside, “it’s getting late.”
Jiang Xuanjin stood up, composed himself, and returned to his usual calm demeanor. He nodded at her. “Rest early.”
Without looking back, he left the room.
Huaiyu watched his departing figure in a daze, then slapped her forehead.
“How could I be swayed by the enemy? No matter how good-looking he is, he’s still the enemy! It’s one thing to praise him outwardly, but inwardly, I mustn’t praise him. It’s a matter of principle!”
Shaking her head, she regained her senses, glanced at the empty bowl, and nervously whispered to Lingxiu beside her, “Give some silver to the kitchen maid, and make sure she doesn’t slip up.”
Her injury would surely worsen tomorrow. Lying about making the chicken soup herself was just a precaution to preempt any suspicion from him. If she had made it, who knew what dangerous concoction she might have brewed instead of “a little blood.”
Meanwhile, Bai Mengshi endured the hardships of prison, her daily pleas for Ba Dezhong ng to rescue her going unanswered. The case dragged on without resolution, leaving her neither free nor deceased.
“That Li person is cunning,” Lujingxing remarked to Huaiyu during his visit to the Bai Mansion, fanning himself as he discussed the events outside.
“Jiang Xuanjin is determined to deal with Meng Hengyuan, but Li Fengxing persists in finding various excuses to obstruct him. He even dragged Ba Dezhong ng into it, trying to shift the credit onto the Meng family. He earnestly defends Meng Hengyuan.”
Huaiyu raised an eyebrow. “What did the Emperor say?”
“What else could he say? After all these years of your protection, he acknowledges your intentions for governing, but you lack the iron-fisted resolve,” Lujingxing shook his head, lowering his voice. “Han Xiao, Xu Xian, and Yun Lanqing all spoke in favor of Jiang Xuanjin in court today, which startled everyone present.”
“Han Xiao, Xu Xian, and Yun Lanqing, the notorious trio under Dan Yang’s command. Their support for Jiang Xuanjin must have caused quite a stir,” Huaiyu chuckled. “How did Jiang Xuanjin react?”
“What reaction could he have? He always maintains that coffin face of his in court.”
Thinking of how she once teased that coffin face until it turned embarrassed and slightly red, Huaiyu couldn’t help but smirk.
“What are you laughing at?” Lujingxing glanced at her skeptically.
“Nothing.” Regaining her composure, Huaiyu became serious again. “Regarding Jiu Wu and the others, did you manage to explain things clearly?”
Casually fanning himself with the jade-bone fan, Lujingxing pursed his lips at the fan. “Praise me.”
Reading the inscription on the fan, Huaiyu wrinkled her nose in distaste but reluctantly praised him nonetheless. “In awe of the esteemed Lujingxing, your noble character, broad-mindedness, and altruism… So, did you explain?”
Nodding in satisfaction, Lujingxing replied, “How could I not? After you left, they badgered me for four hours, insisting I explain every detail thoroughly before letting me go.”
Resurrecting the dead wasn’t easily accepted. Qingxian even felt like he was possessed. If it weren’t for Ji Wu’s intervention, they might have resorted to scattering incense ash to drive away evil spirits.
“Trouble for you,” Huaiyu sighed. “I didn’t expect them to come back.”
Glancing at her, Lujingxing said, “You always underestimate others’ feelings.”
Those who claimed to be subordinates had fought alongside her for several years, showing deep loyalty, trust, and reliance on her. They returned to the capital without regard for their lives upon hearing of her death, and now, knowing she was alive, they would continue to follow her with the same unwavering devotion. Their affection for her ran much deeper than that of ordinary subordinates to their master.
As for him, he was never afraid of the trouble she brought.
Smirking, Huaiyu felt touched but unsure how to respond. Her eyes flickered as she suddenly thought of something, turning her head to call outside the door, “Lingxiu!”
Lingxiu answered promptly, “Miss, what are your orders?”
“Bring the stack of papers written by His Majesty from the study!” Huaiyu commanded.
Papers written by Jiang Xuanjin? Lujingxing listened in confusion. Watching Lingxiu leave and return shortly with a stack of bright red items, he couldn’t help but wonder.
“Here, you’re just in time. Take these with you!” Huaiyu pulled out a wedding invitation with his name on it and thrust it into his arms. “I had him especially write ‘the whole family’ on it. You can bring Jiu Wu and the others along.”
Lujingxing blinked, staring at the glaring red wedding invitation, then asked irritably, “Next month?”
“Yeah.” Waving Lingxiu away, Huaiyu whispered, “When we go to Jiang Mansion, I’ll find a way to persuade Jiang Xuanjin to release Qing Si.”
“Persuade?” Lujingxing shook his head. “We couldn’t even save her by force, and you think of persuading Jiang Xuanjin?”
“If the hard way won’t work, we’ll try the soft way,” Huaiyu blinked, touching her delicate fingers to her cheek, giving a charming smile. “There’s a stratagem called ‘Beauty Trap’ among the 36 Stratagems. Ever heard of it?”
Opening his fan to shield his eyes, Lujingxing shook his head. “I’ve heard of the Beauty Trap, but I haven’t seen the beauty.”
“……?”
Seeing her sudden sharp gaze, Lu Jingxing quickly closed his fan in a gesture of respect, his expression serious as he changed his words, “I wish His Highness great success.”
After speaking, his softened gaze sighed as he looked at her, saying, “If you encounter any trouble, remember to come find me.”
Li Huaiyu nodded without hesitation.
Li Fengxing had argued with Jiang Xuanjin over the ‘one drop of blood’ case several times, but towards the end, his arguments became untenable. Eventually, in the study, he spoke without restraint, “Is His Highness so persistent in this matter due to some personal grudge?”
“My lord, please refrain from speaking nonsense,” Emperor Li Huaiyu frowned on the dragon throne. “How could His Highness have any grudge against the Meng family?”
“Your Highness, you are unaware,” Li Fengxing said, “the lady whom His Highness intends to marry, Fourth Miss Bai, has a feud with Lady Meng, the wife of the official Bai. The ‘one drop of blood’ case need not have disturbed His Highness. His Highness’s insistence on convicting the Meng family now is probably…”
Previously, Jiang Xuanjin had never targeted Li Fengxing, always sticking to the matter at hand. He hadn’t seen any wrongdoing from Li Fengxing, so his impression of him was still favorable.
However, today, infuriated, he uttered such words.
Jiang Xuanjin’s face darkened.
Li Fengxing had no other choice. To protect Meng Hengyuan, he had to involve Fourth Miss Bai, the best way to keep Lord Ziyang out of the case. But things didn’t unfold as he had hoped.
“Your Highness,” Jiang Xuanjin spoke up, “as Lord Li has mentioned, this case now involves Official Bai, Lady Bai, Fourth Miss Bai, and even implicates this humble minister. I’m afraid it’s no longer a simple case of illicit drug trafficking.”
Emperor Li Huailin furrowed his brow, “How did it involve so many people? This is… What does His Highness think is the best course of action?”
Jiang Xuanjin nodded thoughtfully, his voice clear and resonant, “Since it involves many individuals and even touches upon the families of court-appointed officials, Your Highness might consider holding a court session to personally hear this case and set things straight.”
Li Fengxing was taken aback, turning to look at him. His face suddenly went pale.
…
The weather was pleasant today. Huaiyu hummed a tune while lying in bed, enjoying some pastries. Just as she was happily eating, Cheng Xu suddenly arrived.
“Miss Fourth,” he asked, “can your leg manage to walk now?”
Moving her leg, Huaiyu nodded, “It’s alright. What’s the matter?”
“It’s nothing major,” Cheng Xu paused, then said, “It’s just that the Master has instructed me to escort you to the palace.”
Oh, to the palace. Huaiyu nodded and continued eating her pastries.
Wait, to the palace? Suddenly realizing this, she choked on a piece of pastry, coughing violently.
“Cough, cough, cough…”
Seeing her choking, Lingxiuo hurried over to pat her back, teasing, “Even if you’ve never been to the palace before, Miss, there’s no need to get so excited.”
Never been to the palace? Li Huaiyu shuddered and wiped her mouth, looking at the innocent maid beside her. She wanted to tell her that she not only had been to the palace but had grown up there.
“Why would he suddenly want me to go to the palace?”
Cheng Xu replied, “I’m not sure of the specifics, but His Highness is currently arguing over the Meng family’s case with someone. He’s summoning you to the palace, probably to have Your Highness personally adjudicate this case.”
Huaiyu was astonished, “Seriously? It’s become such a big deal?”
This was just an ordinary case of poisoning and smuggling. Even if it involved Lady Bai Meng, it should still be just an ordinary official case of poisoning and smuggling. What merits and capabilities allowed the Emperor to personally preside over it?
Cheng Xu asked hesitantly, “Will you go?”
“I will.” Collecting herself, Huaiyu said, “It’s not often I get a chance to enter the palace. Why wouldn’t I go?”
The case personally presided over by Huailin and one that happened to involve her—could this be considered fate between siblings? She had thought that with their disparate statuses, it would be difficult to see him again, but now, such a good opportunity had presented itself.
Huaiyu smiled at the thought of seeing if Huailin had grown up at all.
After the morning court session, the palace usually closed its doors, but with the Emperor suddenly deciding to preside over a case, the place was open again and filled with many people.
The Three Dukes were on the side, and the Nine Ministers were all present. Li Huailin sat on the dragon throne, looking proper as he asked, “Who is the plaintiff? What is the accusation?”
Jiang Xuanjin bowed respectfully, “I am Jiang Jie, serving as the Lord Ziyang. I am here to accuse the capital’s drug merchant, Meng Hengyuan, of disregarding the law, illegally storing and trafficking a large quantity of banned drugs, indirectly causing loss of life.”
Meng Hengyuan was brought forward and, his legs giving way, he knelt, “This… This subject pays respects to Your Highness!”
Observing these two individuals, Li Huailin said, “Let the plaintiff present the evidence first.”
Originally handled by Xu Yan, the case was now personally opened by the Emperor, so he naturally brought the dossier and evidence, presenting them on behalf of Lord Ziyang.
Li Huailin examined them closely, furrowing his brow as he read aloud, “Three warehouses have been sealed, containing three thousand catties of banned drugs… Three thousand catties?!”
His eyes widened in shock at the figure, and he thundered, “Such audacity! According to the Northern Wei law, trafficking less than ten catties of banned drugs results in six months to one year of imprisonment; above ten catties, the penalty is discretionary. You hoarded three thousand catties—what punishment is appropriate for this?”
Beside him, Xu Yan respectfully replied, “Sufficient for a death penalty.”
“The commoner has something to say! The commoner has something to say!” Upon hearing the death penalty, Meng Hengyuan repeatedly knocked on his head, “Those things aren’t mine! I’ve been wronged!”
“How dare you!” Xu Yan scolded, “In front of His Majesty, you dare to lie?”
“I haven’t lied!” Meng Hengyuan prostrated himself on the ground, his eyes darting around as he looked towards Jiang Xuanjin.
“I know that the esteemed Lord Ziyang holds great power and authority. Anyone he dislikes naturally becomes a target for removal. But I’ve truly been wronged. The three warehouses sealed by the yamen were originally empty, intended to store goods during the summer. How could three thousand catties of banned drugs suddenly appear? This is a frame-up and slander!”
“Outrageous!” Li Huailin’s voice carried a hint of anger, “Openly defaming the Lord Ziyang—where do you get the audacity?”
Meng Hengyuan trembled in fear, instinctively glancing towards Li Fengxing standing not far away. He swallowed and continued, “Everything I say is true. Who in the capital doesn’t know that Lord Ziyang intends to marry Miss Bai from the Bai family? This Miss Bai has had a feud with my daughter and falsely accused her of poisoning. His Majesty, to please his beloved, intends to dispose of me unjustly! I am truly innocent!”
As soon as these words fell, there was a collective uproar among the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers, with many hissing at Meng Hengyuan.
“What nonsense! Who would believe that someone would do anything to please his beloved, especially Lord Ziyang?”
“Could he have sold so many banned drugs that he’s become delusional!”
Sensing the situation turning against them, Li Fengxing stepped forward, “There’s something, Your Highness, that I must inform you of.”
“Speak.”
“Lord Ziyang has been residing in the Bai residence for half a month now, specifically in Miss Bai’s courtyard.”
“What? This news is more shocking than three thousand catties of banned drugs!” Li Huailin was stunned, and so were the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers. The murmurs abruptly ceased as all eyes turned to Jiang Xuanjin.
The typically reserved Lord Ziyang stayed in a maiden’s courtyard. Is this a joke?
“Lord Li speaks the truth,” Jiang Xuanjin calmly spoke under the intense gaze of everyone present, “but there are reasons for it.”
The truth… the truth… So, he did stay in the maiden’s courtyard? The Emperor on the dragon throne widened his eyes, and those beside him were also dumbfounded as if they were witnessing a mountain collapse right before their eyes. It was unimaginable!
After a moment of silence, Li Huailin finally managed to ask in a trembling voice, “What are the reasons for this?”
Jiang Xuanjin replied, “Miss Bai from the Bai family was wrongly accused and severely beaten, almost to the point of death. Since I intend to marry her, how could I ignore it? Originally, I only planned to have a female physician come to attend to her, but unexpectedly, something more serious occurred in the Bai residence, forcing me to stay and ensure Miss Bai’s safety.”
“Oh?” Li Huailin sat upright, “But wasn’t there a recent rumor about Lady Bai poisoning Miss Bai?”
“That’s correct,” Jiang Xuanjin raised his head, “Your Highness, if the life of Consort Ning were in imminent danger, and there were hidden threats, how would Your Highness respond?”
Consort Ning was the consort whom Li Huailin favored the most. Upon hearing this, Li Huailin immediately declared, “I would certainly protect her, apprehend the evildoer, and punish them severely!”
Jiang Xuanjin nodded, “As would I.”
“Well said!” Li Fengxing sneered, “So Your Highness admits to treating Miss Bai as favorably and warmly as Consort Ning?”
Glancing at him, Jiang Xuanjin asked calmly, “And if so?”
“Very well!” Li Fengxing nodded, “Then Meng Hengyuan did not lie. Your Highness indeed favors Miss Bai and sought to frame him to protect her honor.”
Li Huailin finally sensed that Li Fengxing was not quite right, furrowing his brow he asked, “Does Lord Li also intend to accuse Lord Ziyang?”
Li Fengxing was taken aback, “I only…”
“You’ve already gone this far in supporting Meng Hengyuan,” Jiang Xuanjin chuckled lightly, “There’s no need to hide it. Your favor towards Meng Hengyuan is clear to everyone present.”
A prime ministerial historian siding with a mere commoner against Lord Ziyang? The Three Dukes and Nine Ministers looked at each other, whispering and discussing amongst themselves.
Riding a tiger is difficult. Li Fengxing gritted his teeth and decided to kneel as well. “I only feel it’s unjust. The words of a mere commoner are not trusted by Your Highness and all esteemed lords, preferring Lord Ziyang’s words. Isn’t this biased? To seek fairness, I’m willing to speak on behalf of this commoner.”
His words were eloquent, prompting Li Huailin to nod in agreement. “Minister Li speaks reasonably,” he acknowledged.
Jiang Xuanjin asked, “Is there anything else you wish to say, Lord Li?”
Li Fengxing replied, “Since Your Highness acknowledges it, I have nothing more to add.”
Jiang Xuanjin chuckled lightly. “So, acknowledging favoritism toward your future wife implies implicating Meng Hengyuan? Minister Li’s skill in diverting attention is commendable, yet fabrications cannot be condoned.”
Turning to the Emperor above, Jiang Xuanjin bowed. “Miss Bai Sishi has arrived at the hall’s entrance. Your Highness, please summon her.”
The legendary Miss Bai Sishi has arrived! Li Huailin’s eyes brightened. “Quickly, bring her in!”
Upon command, the eunuch attendant hurried away. Shortly after, a figure in delicate attire, supported by others, entered the hall.
Stepping once more into this familiar place, Li Huaiyu couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. Facing the court officials and the seated emperor, she momentarily felt like the proud and dignified Eldest Princess of Danyang, dressed in courtly attire.
However, as she approached the throne, she snapped back to reality. Taking a deep breath, she slowly knelt.
“Jewel of the Bai family, I pay respects to Your Highness,” her voice echoed across the hall.
A voice from the dragon throne responded, now notably composed. “Miss Bai, please rise. Considering your innocence and ongoing recovery, I permit you to sit and speak.”
“Thank you for your benevolence, Your Highness,” she replied with a smile, bowing once more.
A chair was brought over, and with the help of the eunuch attendant, Li Huaiyu sat down. Her body was tense, yet her face remained serene.
Jiang Xuanjin glanced sideways at her, somewhat surprised. He had expected her to be somewhat disrespectful on her first visit to the palace. However, this woman who had been so unruly in the past was unexpectedly obedient and well-behaved in the presence of the emperor.
“Miss Bai, do you have a complaint to lodge?” Li Huailin inquired.
Li Huaiyu nodded. “Your Highness, I wish to accuse the matriarch of the Bai family of attempting murder using forbidden drugs.”
“Do you have evidence?” Li Huailin pressed.
Xu Yan interjected respectfully, “Your Highness, all physical evidence in this case is verified. However, due to its complexity, a verdict has been delayed.”
Li Huailin frowned upon hearing this. “If all evidence is verified, why has there been no verdict? The first law of Northern Wei clearly states that murder warrants the death penalty, does it not?”
Xu Yan nodded, but Liu Tingwei suddenly spoke up, “The victim poisoned by Lady Bai Meng has not died, and considering Lord Bai’s longstanding service… imposing the death penalty seems excessive.”
“If not death, then what else?” Li Huailin’s brows furrowed slightly as he pondered. He turned to his advisors below and said, “In past precedents, for attempted murder, the sentence was twenty years of imprisonment. Given Lord Bai’s contributions and to honor his family, reduce it by two years. Lady Bai Meng shall be imprisoned for eighteen years, after which she will be released.”
“Do my esteemed ministers find this acceptable?”
Directly delivering a verdict! Li Fengxing frowned repeatedly and sighed. There was little he could do about it now; Lady Bai Meng’s failure to handle the situation properly had made it difficult to intercede on her behalf in court.
Listening intently, Li Huaiyu’s lips curved slightly, her eyes gleaming with approval. Decisive and impartial, Huailin’s handling of the case far surpassed those officials who hesitated and wavered! Who would say he lacked a firm hand? This was a promising start!
“Once this case is closed, Meng Hengyuan’s guilt will be established,” Jiang Xuanjin remarked. “The forbidden drug used by Lady Bai Meng, known as ‘A Trace of Blood,’ was found in Meng’s warehouse. With this case concluded, there is ample evidence of Meng Hengyuan’s illicit trafficking of forbidden drugs.”
Upon hearing this, Meng Hengyuan looked anxiously at Li Fengxing.
Li Fengxing chuckled skeptically. “Your Highness, do you have direct evidence proving that Lady Bai Meng’s use of the forbidden drug was supplied by Meng Hengyuan?”
Jiang Xuanjin hesitated briefly.
Li Fengxing continued, “Merely linking Lady Bai Meng’s poison to baselessly accusing Meng Hengyuan of trafficking forbidden drugs—don’t you think this could be a case of misplaced anger?”
Glancing at Bai Zhuji sitting calmly, he remarked with a smile, “Truly, ‘anger of a man is for the sake of his beloved.'”
Before Jiang Xuanjin could respond, Bai Zhuji sitting in the chair suddenly slapped the armrest and stood up. “Lady Bai Meng confessed at the capital yamen that the drug was given to her by her father. Isn’t that direct evidence? What else would count? Before speaking, did the esteemed Lord thoroughly examine the case files?”
Li Fengxing was momentarily stunned.
Li Huaiyu narrowed her eyes at him, adopting his earlier assertive demeanor. “Who, based solely on a bit of poison, accuses Meng Hengyuan of trafficking forbidden drugs? Does the esteemed Lord not know that three thousand catties of forbidden drugs were found in Meng Ji’s warehouse? They claimed ignorance of such a massive quantity in their warehouse—does anyone find that believable?”
“This case is backed by solid evidence. What benefits have influenced the esteemed Lord to disregard facts and vigorously defend unlawful merchants?”
The once seemingly fragile girl now spoke incessantly, her words forceful and relentless, leaving Li Fengxing visibly shaken and pale.
“You…” He couldn’t believe it. “How dare you, a mere court lady, publicly accuse an official?”
“Wasn’t it the esteemed Lord who said?” Li Huaiyu retorted with a sardonic smile, echoing his earlier words, “‘Anger of a man is for the sake of his beloved.”