It was originally a sunny day, but somehow it had suddenly turned a bit gloomy. The wind blew past the storeroom of the Ministry of Justice, chilling the air.
Jiang Xuanjin coldly watched Yunlie as he organized over a hundred bailiffs, drafted orders, and strode out with great momentum. He and Yunlie had met during the War of Loyalty eight years ago, and they could be considered close friends who had faced life and death together. Yunlie was straightforward and easily manipulated by others—as evident now, a few words from Li Fengxing had ignited such a fiery response from him, even causing him to use Jiang Xuanjin’s courtesy name.
With others, Jiang Xuanjin could use his royal status to exert pressure. But such status meant nothing to Yunlie; even if the Emperor were here today, he would still go to the Jiang residence.
Qingsi was in the washbasin; if he truly caught her, a confrontation today would be unavoidable.
With too many thoughts weighing on his mind, Jiang Xuanjin remained silent throughout the journey. When they reached Moju, Yunlie and Li Fengxing were eager to rush inside, but after just a few steps, they suddenly turned back.
“Huh? Why are there so many people?” Someone blinked at them, stepping out with a puzzled expression. “Is something the matter?”
Jiang Xuanjin paused, raising his eyes to see Bai Zhuji, dressed in luxurious silk and satin, with delicate features and a smile on her lips, standing dignifiedly at the doorway.
Li Fengxing’s expression soured as soon as he saw her, but Yunlie courteously bowed to her. “Madam, greetings. We’ve come here on official business. Please pardon any inconvenience.”
Jiang Xuanjin’s eyes subtly lit up, and he glanced at Cheng Xu. The latter understood and silently withdrew.
This was a golden opportunity. As long as Bai Zhuji could delay these people for a while longer, they could discreetly send Qingsi away before she was caught. This way, Jiang Xuanjin could ChengXu many troubles and even turn the tables on Li Fengxing.
In a desperate situation, Jiang Xuanjin was deeply moved. He looked up at Bai Zhuji, hoping to encourage her with his eyes to keep the door closed.
However, Bai Zhuji, who had been keeping the door closed, immediately smiled and hurried over when her eyes met his!
“Your Highness!” She called out softly.
Jiang Xuanjin’s face froze as he watched her open the door, shaking his head repeatedly.
Don’t come over, just keep standing at the door!
Completely disregarding his gaze and gestures, she dashed over to him like a streak of lightning, asking with concern, “Your neck, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Do you want me to massage it for you?”
Jiang Xuanjin: “…”
As the bailiffs streamed in from the doorway with Yunlie, Li Fengxing glanced back at him, smiled, and bowed before following Yunlie inside.
Jiang Xuanjin felt a headache coming on. He rubbed his temples and looked at the person in front of him. “Why don’t you understand what I meant?”
“Hmm?” Huaiyu looked bewildered. “What do you mean?”
“I shook my head to signal you not to come over, to delay them. Why did you run faster than anyone else?” He was a little annoyed.
Huaiyu widened her eyes, “Every time I see you, all I want to do is run to your side. Who has time to think about what your head shaking means?”
She said it with such conviction that Jiang Xuanjin choked, torn between feeling irritated and amused as he looked at her.
“Do you want some sweet soup?” she asked. “The kitchen sent some over earlier, I saved some for you.”
Without waiting for his response, she grabbed his hand and started walking towards the main building.
The bailiffs had already begun searching every corner of Moju, leaving chaos in their wake. Jiang Xuanjin frowned at the sight, his expression sour. But the person in front of him acted as if she hadn’t noticed anything, pressing him to sit down in the room and offering him the sweet soup.
“Here, come on,” she said, holding the spoon to his lips.
Frowning, he glanced at her and muttered, “It’s too sweet, I don’t want it.”
Huaiyu looked at him in surprise. “You don’t like sweet things? Then why does your mouth taste so sweet?”
“… “
How could she say such shameless things so naturally? Jiang Xuanjin was infuriated, glaring at her. He forgot for a moment that there was a search going on outside; all he wanted to do was sew her mouth shut!
Huaiyu smiled playfully as she looked at him for a moment, then leaned in close to whisper in his ear, “Do you know your face is red?”
“Shut up.”
“It looks especially charming when it’s red, like the glow of sunset on a snowy peak.”
“I said shut up!”
The louder his voice, the more it betrayed his embarrassment.
Huaiyu chuckled mischievously, planted a kiss on his cheek, then returned to her seat, sipping her sweet soup while watching him, as if pondering which was sweeter, the soup or his lips.
Jiang Xuanjin muttered a curse under his breath, his hand pressing against his brow to shield his eyes, his face flushing hotly.
Before long, the commotion from the search outside gradually subsided. Yunlie entered the main hall, standing before him with a furrowed brow.
The inevitable confrontation was upon them. Jiang Xuanjin lifted his gaze, ready to explain the situation to Qingsi.
However, to his surprise, Yunlie remained silent for a while before speaking, “I have been impudent. Please forgive me, Your Highness!”
Huh? Jiang Xuanjin blinked, glancing behind him to see Li Fengxing with a grim expression, saying nothing. If they had caught Qingsi, he would have surely spoken up, but since he hadn’t, it meant…
With a gentle sweep of his sleeve, Jiang Xuanjin’s demeanor instantly turned serious, his voice chilly as he said, “Magistrate Liu has always been prudent in his actions. Where does this accusation of recklessness come from?”
His tone carried a mixture of sarcasm and mild annoyance, perfectly balanced in its emotional delivery. Li Huaiyu, sipping sweet soup nearby, cast an approving glance at him.
Feeling somewhat awkward, Liu Yunlie bowed even lower and forced out, “Your Highness, I acted upon hearsay without verification before hastily coming to your residence to apprehend someone. It was truly improper.”
If he had captured someone, there would be room for discussion. But without having done so, it was a transgression. Just moments ago, when Li Fengxing spoke so convincingly and Lord Ziyang remained silent, Liu Yunlie had thought it was a sure thing, never imagining it would turn out to be a wild goose chase.
Thinking of this, Liu Yunlie shot a frustrated glance at Li Fengxing. Li Fengxing looked quite aggrieved and bowed, saying, “Indeed, the Qingsi was indeed in Your Highness’s possession, but I do not know where Your Highness has hidden it.”
“Do you have any evidence?” Liu Yunlie frowned.
“Well… I have never lied,” Li Fengxing replied hesitantly.
But what good was an empty claim? The Judicial Office had always relied on evidence! Liu Yunlie withdrew his gaze, feeling increasingly dissatisfied with Li Fengxing, but for now, he had to apologize to Lord Ziyang first.
“This matter is Yunlie’s fault,” he sighed, “I hope Your Highness can be magnanimous.”
Jiang Xuanjin snorted coldly, looking like someone not easily placated. No matter how much Liu Yunlie apologized and tried to make amends, he remained unmoved.
In the end, Liu Yunlie could only say, “I will have all the rare Buddhist scriptures from the mansion sent over as an apology.”
“Very well,” Jiang Xuanjin responded promptly this time.
Feeling helpless, Liu Yunlie seized the opportunity to say, “Then I shall take my leave.”
“Farewell, Your Excellency,” Jiang Xuanjin nodded, escorting them to the door.
Watching the swiftly retreating figures, Huaiyu couldn’t help but remark, “Thank goodness they left quickly, or else they would have to drink the sweet soup too.”
Jiang Xuanjin turned to her, giving her a scrutinizing look, and asked, “Where is she?”
“Who?” She pretended ignorance.
Turning to face her directly, Jiang Xuanjin squinted and said, “Apart from me, you’re the only one who could persuade them to release Qingsi.”
“You mean Qingsi,” Huaiyu realized suddenly, then turned to Lingxiu behind her, “Please bring her back.”
Bring her back? What kind of wording was that? Jiang Xuanjin was puzzled, about to ask further when he casually caught sight of a few green marks on her neck.
Momentarily taken aback, he reached out to pull apart the collar of her garment.
“What are you doing?” Huaiyu jumped in surprise, immediately covering herself. But Jiang Xuanjin’s movement was swift; he clasped both her hands in one of his and pulled her closer, while his other hand swiftly moved to her neck.
The greenish-purple fingerprints stretched across her neck, glaringly conspicuous.
“What’s going on?” he demanded, his expression darkening.
Huaiyu struggled for a moment, then pleaded pitifully, “Standing is so tiring, my feet hurt!”
Scooping her up into his arms, he frowned. “Speak!”
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Huaiyu grinned. “It’s nothing serious. I was trying to reason with Qingsi earlier and didn’t pay attention, overstepped, and she caught me.”
“Nonsense!” Jiang Xuanjin stepped towards the house. “Didn’t I tell you not to overstep?”
“But it worked out well!” She boasted, “I convinced her. Not only did she not kill me, she felt guilty towards me and didn’t even try to escape when the chains were loosened.”
How could that be possible? Jiang Xuanjin shook his head. Once Qingsi was released, she would flee. Only a fool would believe she’d stay out of guilt.
As he settled into a seat inside, he placed her on his lap and then examined her injuries carefully.
Snuggling in his embrace, Huaiyu asked gleefully, “I’ve helped you so much, what will you reward me with?”
“That doesn’t count as helping,” Jiang Xuanjin replied indifferently.
Huaiyu widened her eyes. “Then what does?”
Running his hand over the marks on her neck, he said coldly, “It counts as making amends.”
She dared to provoke Qingsi, almost risking her life. Considering the gravity of her actions, it was already generous of him to let her off so easily!
Huaiyu furrowed her brows, her small hand clutching at his garment, looking quite pitiful.
Ignoring her apparent distress, he took the ointment handed to him by Yufeng and applied it to her injuries with icy detachment. His long fingers moved gently over her neck, cool yet tender.
Huaiyu shivered involuntarily, and her throat went dry. Jiang Xuanjin, feeling the movement under his finger on her throat, abruptly paused in his ministrations.
“Miss, someone’s here!” Lingxiu, who had gone to fetch help, returned and called out.
Startled, Huaiyu attempted to rise, but before her feet could touch the ground, she was pulled back and firmly held in place.
“Don’t move,” he whispered hoarsely, his voice rough. Tightening his grip, he pulled her back into his embrace, restraining her.
Huaiyu couldn’t help but find the situation somewhat ridiculous. “Wasn’t it you who said we should maintain our composure? Holding me like this, you hardly look presentable.”
With a low grunt, he retorted, “I decide what’s appropriate.”
Where did he learn to be so domineering? Huaiyu wanted to tease him, but as she leaned back, she felt something behind her. She stiffened, words catching in her throat.
The room fell suddenly silent, and both of their faces reddened slightly.
Qingsi, following behind Lingxiu, stepped into the main room with her eyes lowered respectfully. She had intended to bow to her master, but upon seeing the scene before her, she froze.
On the soft couch sat two people in an embrace, one turning their head to the left and the other to the right, both wearing peculiar expressions, yet their bodies were pressed closely together.
What is this supposed to mean? Qingsi frowned, skipping the formal greeting and just standing there, staring at them.
Li Huaiyu cleared her throat and smiled at her. “I told His Highness you wouldn’t run away, but he seemed skeptical.”
Qingsi glanced at Lord Ziyang, her gaze still unfriendly, but she stood obediently without making any further moves.
Jiang Xuanjin turned his head back to look at her. “Have you changed your mind?”
Qingsi nodded coldly.
“Why?” Jiang Xuanjin was baffled. It was entirely unbelievable, given that she had previously been determined to take his life.
Qingsi gave him a sidelong glance before turning to look at Li Huaiyu, her gaze softening immediately.
Huaiyu smiled as she explained to him, “This girl has a kind nature. If you just talk to her properly, how could she not listen? Before, you locked her up without explaining that you wanted to overturn Danyang’s case or assure her that you wouldn’t kill her. Of course, she’d harbor hostility towards you. I explained everything to her and told her that you’re a good person. She believed me and naturally came around.”
Qingsi, who had been considered a killing tool, inherently kind? Jiang Xuanjin sneered.
Jiang Xuanjin, who had been accused of aiding the tyrant and blurring right and wrong, was a good person. Qingsi also sneered.
Caught between these two cold smiles, Huaiyu paused, dissatisfied, and asked, “Did I say something wrong?”
“No,” they both replied in unison.
“Then good.” Clapping her hands, Huaiyu looked at Jiang Xuanjin. “Since she’s not running away or trying to kill you, and is willing to tell you what you want to know, can you not lock her up? Let her take a bath, eat a meal, and get a good sleep.”
At these words, Chengxu was the first to be startled. “Madam, that is not advisable!”
“Why not?”
“Qingsi is highly skilled in martial arts. Allowing her to move freely in the Mo Residence without being detained is extremely dangerous!”
“Who said she needs to wander around?” Huaiyu replied, “Her body is weak; she naturally needs a side room to recover. If you’re worried, you can keep the handcuffs on for now.”
She paused and then winked at Jiang Xuanjin, who was holding her. “Is that okay?”
Her soft tone had a hint of coquettishness.
Jiang Xuanjin responded coldly, “Do you think talking like that will be effective?”
Chengxu nodded repeatedly. His cautious master would never be swayed by a woman’s charms to agree to something so dangerous. Even if Qingsi seemed obedient now, who knew if she was just waiting for everyone to lower their guard to find a chance to assassinate His Highness? With His Highness’s wisdom and prudence, he would definitely…
“Both the handcuffs and leg irons stay on. Chengxu, take her down to find a side room. Let her bathe, change clothes, and then feed her.”
“…?” Chengxu, stunned by his master’s words, couldn’t complete his thought and stood frozen.
“What?” Jiang Xuanjin turned his head, noticing the lack of response. “Didn’t you hear me?”
“Yes… I heard.”
“Then go and do it,” he ordered. “Once she’s settled, bring her in for questioning.”
“Understood.”
Watching Chengxu’s shocked expression, Huaiyu covered her mouth, secretly amused, her eyes forming crescent moons. What did she say? The beauty trap worked after all, despite Lu Jingxing’s disbelief!
Once everyone had left the room, Huaiyu turned and clung to Jiang Xuanjin, waggling her eyebrows. “Don’t you think our actions just now fit a certain description?”
“What description?”
“Disastrous beauty!” She slapped her thigh, laughing. “Lord Ziyang, for the smile of a beauty, disregards his safety to set free an assassin—if this gets out, wouldn’t I be labeled as a Daji or Bao Si?”
After studying her seriously for a moment, Jiang Xuanjin shook his head. “You’re overthinking it.”
“Hmm?”
“Generations of enchanting concubines had beauty capable of bringing down nations, truly earning the title of disastrous beauties. But you,” he paused, “can only be called a disaster.”
Huaiyu was taken aback, and when she realized he was mocking her for not being “beautiful enough,” she gritted her teeth and grabbed his chin fiercely. “Well, fine then! You’re the beauty, and I’m the disaster. Together, we’re still a disastrous beauty!”
With that, she hugged him tightly, forcefully pressing herself against him. Jiang Xuanjin, almost unable to breathe, gently patted her back. “Let go, I don’t want an early death.”
“No!” Huaiyu defiantly refused to let go.
A smile tugged at the corner of Jiang Xuanjin’s lips, a smile he didn’t notice. He allowed her to cling to him, and after a bit of playful struggle, he stood up, carrying her over to the desk.
Huaiyu clung to him, looking back curiously. “What are you doing?”
“What else?” Jiang Xuanjin pulled out a stack of documents. “Repaying a favor.”
“A favor? For whom?” Li Huaiyu asked, her curiosity piqued.
His body tensed, and Jiang Xuanjin supported her waist with one hand. Looking into her eyes, he asked, “Can’t you remember anything?”
Had she already forgotten what she had mentioned?
Huaiyu looked utterly confused.
Frustrated, Jiang Xuanjin no longer felt like holding her. He placed her on a nearby chair and turned away to start writing his report.
Jiang Xuanjin’s calligraphy was exquisite. As he wrote, one hand elegantly rolled up his sleeve while the other held the brush, exuding a refined and scholarly aura. Huaiyu watched him with admiring eyes for a while, then eagerly jumped up to grind ink for him, sneaking a peek at what he was writing.
Jiang Xuanjin didn’t ChengXu her gaze and let her read freely.
“This…” Upon understanding the contents of the memorial, Huaiyu was astonished. “I told you this earlier, but didn’t you say you didn’t believe me?”
Jiang Xuanjin gave her a sidelong glance. “If I didn’t believe you, would I have gone to investigate?”
“But you investigated so quickly. This matter should be quite complicated!”
“The witness is on the death row. What’s so complicated about that?” He dipped the brush into the ink, his gaze deep.
Huaiyu hesitated. “But everyone knows you don’t get along with him. If you submit this memorial now, won’t people think you’re using your position for personal vendettas?”
His hand holding the brush paused, and Jiang Xuanjin turned his head, asking her with an odd expression, “Aren’t I using my position for a personal vendetta?”
Li Huaiyu was speechless.
She thought the upright and honorable Lord Ziyang might be starting to be corrupted by her influence.
The news of Xu Xian’s imprisonment caused a great uproar in the court. During the morning assembly, Li Huailin was furious. Li Fengxing seized the opportunity to denounce him, condemning the country’s pillars turning into the nation’s parasites. He also brought up the drought in Jiangxi, citing starving corpses along the roads to highlight the crimes of corrupt officials, his words resonating powerfully.
Li Huailin nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, then turned his head to the lower right and asked, “What does His Highness think?”
Jiang Xuanjin calmly stepped forward and presented a memorial to the Emperor.
“General Xu’s corruption case is fraught with suspicion, lacking witnesses, it can be postponed for further review. However, the case I bring forth can be decided immediately,” he stated.
As soon as Li Huailin heard this, he quickly ordered someone to present the memorial. After examining it closely, he furrowed his brow.
“Minister Li,” he inquired, “according to your opinion, if Xu Xian’s guilt is confirmed, what punishment should be imposed?”
Li Fengxing, curious about what Lord Ziyang had handed over, was startled when he heard the Emperor’s question. He quickly regained his composure and respectfully replied, “Treating the people as insignificant, exploiting them for personal gain. Regardless of past merits, such a courtier should be exiled and never allowed to return to the capital.”
“Oh?” Li Huailin nodded. “That is indeed fair. Let it be done then. Guards—”
“Here!” The imperial guards beside him stepped forward.
“Remove the black gauze from the Prime Minister’s Chief Secretary Li Fengxing!” he commanded sharply.
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Li Fengxing was taken aback, his hands held behind his back, feeling a chill down his spine. He hastily exclaimed, “Your Majesty! What crime have I committed? What crime have I committed?!”
Jiang Xuanjin turned his head, his gaze calm as he looked at him. “Meng Hengyuan, a medicine merchant in prison, exposed that you took a hundred thousand silver taels from him. You abused your power for personal gain, twisted the truth to protect him, and deceived His Majesty. This is a crime indeed.”
“In the sixth year of Daxing, there was also a drought in Jiangxi. The court allocated five hundred thousand taels of relief silver, but you instigated the provincial governor at the time to embezzle two hundred thousand taels, resulting in thousands starving and the people barely surviving. This is your second offense.”
“Many merchants and traders in the capital were coerced by you for money. Those who did not comply were harassed in matters of tribute. As a court official, you treated the people as insignificant, exploiting them for personal gain. This is your third offense.”
“These three offenses are listed in the memorial, and the evidence has been submitted to the Ministry of Justice. If Lord Li feels wronged, he can find a way to prove his innocence.”
As Jiang Xuanjin finished speaking, Li Fengxing stared at him wide-eyed, dumbfounded. He thought the case of Meng Hengyuan had passed, yet here he was, caught again. If it were just that one case, Li Fengxing could have accepted his fate, as Meng Hengyuan was not a reliable conspirator. But how could Jiang Xuanjin know about the events of the sixth year of Daxing and the dealings with merchants in the capital? How could he possibly know?
Standing before him, Jiang Xuanjin seemed to have guessed what was going through his mind. He rolled up his sleeves and said, “As Judge Liu once said: There are no walls that do not let in the wind. Whatever happens, someone will know.”
Liu Yunlie, who was facing him, glanced deeply at Li Fengxing. The imperial guards were already dragging him away. Li Fengxing’s face turned pale, and he shouted hoarsely, “Your Majesty, I am innocent! Please do not believe Lord Ziyang’s words! I am innocent!”
His desperate cries echoed from the hall to the palace gates.
Li Huailin ignored him and solemnly instructed, “The subsequent case files will be handed over to Minister Liu for cataloging.”
Liu Yunlie bowed in acknowledgment.
As they left the court, discussions about the matter erupted among the attendees. Liu Yunlie caught up with Jiang Xuanjin, somewhat puzzled, and asked, “Why did you not let me finish the investigation and instead report directly to His Majesty?”
Considering his past behavior, in pursuit of fairness, he would usually wait for the results from the Ministry of Justice before reporting, as his position in the Emperor’s heart meant his word was law. To prevent undue influence, Jiang Xuanjin rarely directly accused anyone.
Today, the sun rose from the west.
Glancing ahead, Jiang Xuanjin walked and remarked, “People like Li Fengxing are skilled with their tongues, always ready to deceive. Instead of giving him a chance to cover up his crimes, it’s better to convict him first, seal his mansion, and then proceed slowly. It’s more efficient this way.”
This style of action… Liu Yunlie frowned, casting a deep glance at him. “You’ve changed a lot recently.”
“Hmm?” Jiang Xuanjin was puzzled. “What makes you say that?”
“You’ve become too domineering and overbearing.” It reminded Liu Yunlie of the former Eldest Princess of Danyang.
He didn’t dare to finish the second half of the sentence, but his growing suspicion weighed heavily on his mind.
Shaking his head, Jiang Xuanjin brushed off the topic, saying, “I remember there’s something I need to attend to at my residence.”
With the grace of a noble, he turned and headed towards the palace gates.
Liu Yunlie stood there, watching with a complex expression. After a moment’s thought, he decided to go to the Ministry of Justice to verify the evidence in Li Fengxing’s case.
The sudden imprisonment of the Prime Minister’s Chief Secretary and the immediate sealing of the Li mansion undoubtedly sent shivers down the spines of many officials. They feared not only the severity of the corruption charges but also the weight of Lord Ziyang’s words.
Previously, Li Fengxing dared to repeatedly challenge Jiang Xuanjin because he believed that with Jiang’s sense of justice and integrity, even if he offended him, Jiang would not seek personal revenge but would only engage in a fair debate—a quality expected of a gentleman, and a loophole that the unscrupulous could exploit.
Gentlemen abide by etiquette, understand the law, and act with integrity, but scoundrels have no such constraints. As long as they achieve their goals, they will resort to any means necessary. In the conflict between gentlemen and scoundrels, the latter often prevails. Despite scholars often writing about “the gentleman’s openness and integrity, and the scoundrel’s long-faced worry,” it doesn’t change the fact that scoundrels often have the upper hand in the world.
Yet he hadn’t expected Jiang Xuanjin to forsake such grace. Instead of engaging with him directly, Jiang silently gathered evidence of his corruption. With one report to the Emperor, he sent Li Fengxing plummeting from his high position. It was utterly unexpected and seemed impossible to reverse!
Standing in his prison cell, Li Fengxing’s face was filled with despair. What he couldn’t understand was how Jiang Xuanjin had learned about his past crimes. How did Jiang Xuanjin know?
Qing Si stood quietly in the main hall of the Ink Residence, her hands and feet still shackled, but she now wore a servant girl’s dress, her disheveled hair neatly arranged into a bun.
“What else do you know?” Jiang Xuanjin asked, his gaze penetrating.
Initially, he had suspected her of manipulating Bai Zhuji’s sympathy for her malicious intentions. Yet, she voluntarily provided evidence against Li Fengxing. Today’s events proved that the information she provided was indeed useful, given Li Fengxing’s panic. But how had Jiang Xuanjin been unaware of these matters before?
“Is there anything else His Highness wishes to know?” Qing Si asked indifferently.
Regaining his composure, Jiang Xuanjin said, “There are many things I wish to know. Perhaps you could start by telling me how you came to know Li Fengxing so well.”
Qing Si paused, stealing a glance at the person lying on the nearby couch.
Li Huaiyu held a cup of melon seeds, cracking them open like a squirrel, his expression relaxed and content. It seemed he hadn’t paid any attention to their conversation.
Qing Si continued, “Your Highness should know that the Eldest Princess enjoys traveling outside the palace.”
At the mention of this, Jiang Xuanjin sneered, “That’s called carousing.”
Ignoring his comment, Qing Si went on, “In the sixth year of Daxing, she encountered many refugees on the streets of the capital. Upon inquiry, she learned that they were fleeing the drought in Jiangxi. Although relief funds had been allocated for Jiangxi, the sight of refugees everywhere naturally prompted Her Highness to inquire further. Someone then reported the actions of the provincial governor and Li Fengxing.”
The refugees’ testimonies, lacking direct evidence, left the Eldest Princess powerless against Li Fengxing’s deceitful ways. However, afterward, she began to target Li Fengxing, frequently causing trouble for him elsewhere, which resulted in him being unable to increase his salary no matter how many accomplishments he had. This is why Li Fengxing grew to resent the Eldest Princess.
Jiang Xuanjin listened, feeling a bit stunned. “What about the merchants in the capital?”
“Master Lu is a close friend of the Eldest Princess. As a merchant in the capital, he has witnessed much of what goes on in the official circles. He has also missed several opportunities for imperial tribute because he refused to bribe officials,” Qing Si explained. “He knows more about Li Fengxing’s actions than anyone else. However… he cannot speak out.”
As a businessman, even if you are wealthy, you cannot compete with the threat of losing your life. To accuse Li Fengxing, Lu Jingxing would have to wager his entire fortune and possibly his life. It’s a losing proposition that Lu Jingxing wouldn’t entertain. He won’t accuse, and naturally, the Eldest Princess won’t drag him into it either. They can only find other ways to deal with the situation.
Jiang Xuanjin fell into silence, his brows furrowing gradually.
Did the Eldest Princess truly care about the people’s suffering? Did she distinguish between good and evil? She had targeted Li Fengxing all along not out of caprice but because Li Fengxing was truly a bad person. This differed from what he knew.
The person he had always considered good had turned out to be bad, so what about the person he had always deemed bad? Could they be good?
He felt like he was on the brink of understanding the answer, but he couldn’t be certain, and his agitation became palpable.
Li Huaiyu, who had been cracking melon seeds, suddenly stopped. He glanced at Jiang Xuanjin and then hopped off the couch, bouncing over to him and extending his fist straight ahead.
“What’s this?” Jiang Xuanjin frowned, tilting his head.
Grinning, Huaiyu turned his fist over, revealing a handful of shelled melon seeds in his palm.
Jiang Xuanjin was taken aback.
Picking one up, he offered it to him. Huaiyu smiled and said, “Want to try? They’re good.”
Jiang Xuanjin chewed on it, savoring the refreshing taste of cool tea. His expression softened, but he couldn’t help but give her a reproachful look. “After all that cracking, they’re all for me?”
“Yeah!” Nodding vigorously, Huaiyu proceeded to stuff more melon seeds into his mouth, then asked, “Do you know why?”
What else could it be? He expected her to say something like “Because I like you” or “I want to share the tasty seeds with you.” Jiang Xuanjin glanced at her disdainfully.
However, she leaned in close to his ear and said with a smile, “You look so serious, it’s adorable! I want to kiss you, but it’s embarrassing to do so in front of others, so I kiss the seeds, and then the seeds kiss you!”
His chewing halted abruptly, and Jiang Xuanjin paused. Unable to spit out or swallow the seeds, he could only stare at her with wide eyes, a faint blush creeping up his neck.
“Hahaha!” Seeing his reaction, Huaiyu burst into laughter, clutching the desk for support as he laughed heartily.
Qing Si looked up in astonishment, seeing her lord laughing so freely here, while Lord Ziyang wore a slightly red face on the other end. The atmosphere in the room was harmonious yet ambiguous, and anyone else present seemed superfluous.
Weren’t these two incompatible before?
Ever since Lord Ziyang entered the court, he had never been fond of the Eldest Princess. Initially, the princess enjoyed conversing with him, but upon realizing his unfriendly demeanor, they became adversaries, exchanging either cold sarcasm or open hostility whenever they met. The princess even blamed her death on Lord Ziyang.
What’s going on here? It’s one thing for the princess to come back to life, but why does Lord Ziyang seem like a different person altogether? Blushing and getting angry?
Blinking rapidly, Qing Si shook her head in bewilderment.
“You should go out first,” Huaiyu said, turning to her with a smile. “I’ll have Lingxi brew some medicine for you. Drink it and get some rest.”
“Yes.” Lowering her head and concealing her expression, Qing Si mechanically retreated from the room.
Jiang Xuanjin watched Qing Si leave, feeling slightly puzzled. “How did you manage to persuade her?”
Huaiyu paused, sensing his suspicion, then quickly turned back with an innocent blink of her eyes. “I just persuaded her, that’s all. There were witnesses present at the time. You can ask around. I don’t know why she listened to me; perhaps she felt guilty for almost killing me. After all, I have such a charming appearance, like a celestial being…”
“That’s enough.” Jiang Xuanjin cut her off, rubbing his temples with irritation.
Huaiyu grinned and grabbed his hand. “Are you free now? Accompany me to see the flowers?”
“No.” He shook his head. “We have guests coming later.”
Guests? Huaiyu didn’t understand, but she wisely didn’t press further. With a casual “I’ll go see them myself,” she dashed out and perched herself in a corner outside.
Half an hour later, a figure cloaked in dark black entered the main hall of the Ink Residence, their hat covering their entire head. They skulked around for an hour before leaving with a package in hand.
Huaiyu frowned, curiosity gnawing at her like a cat.
Later that evening, the two retired to bed, still cuddled up shamelessly. However, the person beside her seemed preoccupied and hardly paid her any attention.
Huaiyu pouted unhappily. “We’ve only been married for a few days, and already I’m being neglected?”
Jiang Xuanjin snapped out of his daze, looking bewildered. “Neglected? What do you mean?”
“You’re not paying attention to me at all!” Propping herself up on his chest, Huaiyu looked at him with puppy dog eyes. “Tomorrow, I’m going back to the Bai family. Aren’t you going to ask me about Bai family customs?”
At this, Jiang Xuanjin glanced at her. “You know about Bai family customs?”
“Uh…” Realizing she wasn’t quite sure about them either, Huaiyu climbed back to her pillow with a huff. “Forget I said anything.”
Reaching out to pull her back into his arms, Jiang Xuanjin closed his eyes. “Tomorrow, just follow my lead.”
Well, she had to follow him, didn’t she? It’s good to have someone to rely on! Thinking about the troublesome aunts of the Bai family, Huaiyu couldn’t help but grimace. She still remembered the accounts from their wedding day. This time back, she’d like to see how they would explain things away.
Returning to the Bai family was an important matter, and the Jiang family didn’t dare to neglect it. Early in the morning, they prepared carriages and gifts for them. Jiang Shen, with tears welling in his eyes, held onto Jiang Xuanjin. “This journey will be fraught with danger and difficulties. Little brother, you must take care!”
He sounded like he was about to embark on a life-threatening mission.
Jiang Xuanjin looked at him expressionlessly. “With the selection of officials approaching, you too, take care, Second Brother.”
Jiang Shen: “…”
After amusingly watching the banter between the Jiang brothers, Huaiyu reached out and pulled Jiang Xuanjin onto the carriage, setting off on the road back to her family.
Having not rested well the night before, Jiang Xuanjin felt a bit sleepy. He leaned against the carriage, trying to rest, but the swaying nearly caused him to bump into the carriage wall beside him.
Huaiyu chuckled and reached out to pull his neck, making him rest his head on her lap.
“Feels familiar, doesn’t it?” he murmured.
Huaiyu grinned and patted his body. “It does feel familiar, doesn’t it? When we first met, you were lying like this on my lap, too.”
With a twitch at the corner of his mouth, Jiang Xuanjin opened his dark eyes and looked at her silently.
“Alright,” Huaiyu corrected herself, reverting to the truth. “I forcefully pressed you into my arms back then.”
With a light snort, Jiang Xuanjin said, “Misconduct.”
“How am I misconducting?” Huaiyu protested. “I was just worried about you at the time.”
“We had just met.”
“So what?” She retorted. “The moment I saw you, I felt like you resembled my future husband, so I started worrying in advance. Is that not allowed?”
Forcing an argument! Jiang Xuanjin shook his head, slowly closing his eyes. In truth, he was also puzzled.
Why did this person cling to him from the very beginning?
The carriage swayed leisurely for an hour before arriving at the Bai Mansion. Before getting off the carriage, Huaiyu had already prepared herself to face that group of people with cold faces.
However, after getting off the carriage, she saw a group of flowers – a group of people, all smiling like blossoms.
Led by Bai Liangshi, the Bai family greeted them with smiles and bows, completely wiping away the previous hostility. Seeing them smile and bow, Huaiyu couldn’t believe her eyes and had to glance at the plaque at the gate of the Bai Mansion twice.
“Is this the Bai Residence?”
“His Excellency Dezhong is already waiting in the main hall,” Lady Bailiang greeted them warmly. “Please, come in quickly!”
Glancing at her, Li Huaiyu grasped Jiang Xuanjin’s sleeve and followed him inside.
Red silk adorned every corner of the Bai Residence. Upon entering, they were served dust-washing tea, and as they walked, servants and maids greeted them with courteous “Greetings, Young Master,” creating a harmonious atmosphere.
Glancing around, Huaiyu whispered, “Seems like they’ve changed their attitude?”
Jiang Xuanjin remained silent, walking alongside her into the main hall, where they first paid respects to Dezhong.
Not seeing each other for two days, Dezhong seemed a bit more worn out, but his posture remained as stiff as a board, with flawless manners. After returning Jiang Xuanjin’s courtesy, he first inquired, “Have you been following the rules?”
Without hesitation, Li Huaiyu replied, “Absolutely! Upholding filial piety and proper manners, earning the unanimous praise of the Jiang family!”
Jiang Xuanjin glanced at her, clearly disdainful of such blatant lies.
Dezhong’s eyes were filled with concern as he turned to him and asked, “Has the young lady been acting prudently?”
Gathering himself, Jiang Xuanjin responded, “Prudently, with proper decorum, earning the respect of both the upper and lower levels of the residence.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, those nearby cast him a glance, their disdainful gazes even stronger than before.
Jiang Xuanjin clenched his teeth inwardly, thinking who would willingly utter such conscience-Chengxu pleasantries if not to spare the elders from worry?
Dezhong nodded slightly, visibly relieved, and after a few more questions, he waved for the servants to bring the meal. The members of the Bai family took their seats one by one, without any hiccups, and smoothly finished their midday meal.
After lunch, Jiang Xuanjin went to converse with his uncles and elders, while Li Huaiyu was ushered to the pavilion by Lady Bailiang and others.
“Look at her. A married girl is indeed different; her features have softened,” remarked Lady Bailiu with a teasing tone as she approached.
Li Huaiyu remained expressionless, staring at her.
As the laughter faded, Lady Bailiu cleared her throat lightly and glanced at Lady Bailiang beside her. Lady Bailiang pursed her lips, lowering her eyes, and said, “We are all family, any past misunderstandings have been resolved…”
“Who said they’ve been resolved?” Huaiyu raised an eyebrow. “Am I that magnanimous?”
Lady Bailiang faltered, awkwardly saying, “If you’re still upset, then we all apologize to you. We were impulsive on the day of the wedding, we were wrong, all of us elders were mistaken.”
“Yes,” Lady Bailiu whispered, “His Highness later didn’t let us sit at the bridal table either, did he?”
Jiang Xuanjin didn’t let them sit at the bridal table later? Huaiyu was taken aback, blinking. She didn’t know about this, no one had mentioned it to her. She had been so happy to see Xuanjin, that she didn’t know if the Bai family had come later, where they sat, she was clueless about it all.
However, Lady Bailiang didn’t pursue this topic further. Instead, she fidgeted with her handkerchief and muttered, “After all, we are elders. Can you argue with elders?”
“What is there to argue about? Zhuji wouldn’t be so unreasonable,” a maid beside her answered for her without leaving any room for reply.
Listening to their bickering, Li Huaiyu stifled a yawn.
“Do you have something you want to ask me?” she asked impatiently.
Several people exchanged glances, their expressions somewhat awkward. It was Lady Bailiu who spoke up first, saying, “You’ve married well, marrying Lord Ziyang. He holds the most weight in court discussions. I heard that just yesterday, with a single word, he sent the Prime Minister’s Chief Secretary to prison. The Emperor trusts him the most.”
“Yes, the others are useless, but his words are worth a fortune!”
After praising him for a while and beating around the bush, Lady Bailiang finally said, “Among our younger generation, both Fusheng and Qilin are of age to marry. But they have no official positions, and it doesn’t sound good when matchmakers try to arrange marriages! You’re the Lady Consort, so could you speak to Lord Ziyang on behalf of your two brothers, asking him to arrange official positions for them?”
Her tone was so casual as if official positions were being handed out like pastries from a bakery.
Li Huaiyu found it amusing. “Is it really that simple to get official positions? Can’t they just sign up for the imperial exams and earn them?”
Lady Bailiang frowned. “Your two brothers are not fit for the imperial exams. If they were, we wouldn’t need to ask you.”
“Even if you ask me, it’s useless,” Huaiyu shrugged. “Lord Ziyang is known for his integrity and adherence to propriety in the court. Do you expect him to engage in such abuses of power for personal gain?”
Slightly annoyed, Lady Bailiang retorted, “There’s always room for flexibility in everything. After all, he’s our Bai Mansion’s son-in-law. What’s wrong with helping our family members secure official positions? It’s just a matter of his word!”
“Just because he can get things done with a word, does that mean he has to do everything for you?” Huaiyu teased, scratching her ear. “Are you all overestimating yourselves? Have you ever helped him or saved his life? Just because of family connections, do you think you can shamelessly demand things from others?”
Her words were blunt, leaving several people feeling uncomfortable. Lady Bailiang slammed her hand on the table in anger. “Bai Zhuji, we’ve all humbled ourselves to ask you quietly, and you still dare to be rude?”
Touching her nose, then her face, Huaiyu leaned against the railing and chuckled. “YeAh what are you going to do to me?”
Her arrogant tone infuriated everyone in the pavilion. Lady Bailiu spoke up, “Don’t think that marrying Lord Ziyang means you’re free from worries. Do you even know what dirty deeds you’ve done? If we’re pushed too far, we won’t be good, and you won’t have it easy either!”
This statement seemed rather cryptic. Huaiyu lowered her head, pondering for a while. “What dirty deeds have I done?”
With a sneer, Lady Bailiang said, “How did you come up with the thirty-six loads of dowry on your wedding day? Do you think no one knows?”
The people who delivered the dowry were meticulous, specifically instructing Bai Mansion servants to carry it. But the Bai Mansion servants weren’t blind or mute; whatever they saw would certainly be spoken of.
Huaiyu paused for a moment, then looked deeply at the group before standing up and smoothing her skirt.
“Let’s go,” she said.
Confused, Lady Bailiu frowned. “Where are we going?”
“Where else? We’re going to find my father. Isn’t it about discussing my dowry?” Huaiyu raised an eyebrow. “What’s the point of talking about it here? We should discuss it in front of the head of the household.”
The once fierce individuals, upon hearing this, immediately wilted again, dragging their feet, not a single one willing to move.
And there were still twelve loads of dowry hidden in Lady Bailiang’s courtyard…
Watching them with disdain, Huaiyu shook her head inwardly, thinking that having such relatives was like being cursed for eight lifetimes.
She had said her piece and even tried to scare them. Did Huaiyu think this matter could just be brushed aside now?
However, reality proved her too naive.
In the afternoon, as they were about to leave for the Jiang Residence, Jiang Xuanjin and Huaiyu were bidding farewell to Dezhong by the carriage. Just as they were about to depart, Lady Bailiang suddenly stepped forward and addressed Jiang Xuanjin, “Your Highness, you must take a good look at Zhuji. Many people are vying for her! Mr. Lu, the richest merchant in the capital, even added thirty-six loads to her dowry, fearing that you might not treat her well!”
Her words reverberated casually in front of the Bai Mansion’s gate, instantly quieting the surroundings.
Mr. Lu Jingxing, the wealthiest merchant in the capital, adding thirty-six loads to the dowry of Miss Bai Zhuji, who was marrying into the neighboring family—what was going on here?
Dezhong immediately reprimanded Lady Bailiang to step back, and Huaiyu’s expression darkened, her gaze turning sharply towards her.
But Lady Bailiang seemed especially pleased, not even bothered by Dezhong’s public scolding. She simply clutched her handkerchief, tiptoed, and cast a smug look towards Jiang Xuanjin by the carriage, as if she were relishing a spectacle.
With such a loud voice, it was impossible for Jiang Xuanjin not to hear. As His Highness, how would he perceive a wife who received a dowry from another man?
Would he be annoyed? Or embarrassed? Everyone was somewhat curious.
Feeling the burning gaze behind him, Jiang Xuanjin slowly turned around, his ink-black eyes scanning Lady Bailiang with a glance before looking towards the slightly indignant figure beside her.
Li Huaiyu was also watching him, with no signs of panic in her eyes, only urgency, as if afraid he might misunderstand and rush to explain herself, her hands clenched as if ready to speak.
However, before she could utter a word, his hand pressed against her throat, silencing her.
His slender fingers pressed against her lips, lightly brushing them, and the person before her softened his gaze, looking at her eyes earnestly and sincerely, saying, “I will treat her well.”