When uttering these words, the consistently cool and incense-like voice unexpectedly carried a worldly affection. The six characters lingered between his lips, trailing off with a hint of laughter. In the blink of an eye, the pitch-black eyes suddenly lit up, one after another, gently enveloping her. His hand moved from her lips to her ear, his thumb lightly caressing her cheek.
“A precious person like you should be held in one’s heart, never forgotten.”
Each word was like a promise, filled with deep affection and solemnity.
Li Huaiyu was dumbfounded, feeling the warmth of his hand against her cheek, gazing into his tender eyes, and hearing this low murmur in her ears. Suddenly, she felt her heart explode with a loud “boom”, and the resulting blush spread from her neck to her forehead like she had applied three rouge boxes in one go.
This man… was something! She was about to complain! He didn’t listen to anything about Landlord Lu or the thirty-six chests of dowry. How come he only heard the last sentence?
Normally, no matter how she teased him, she couldn’t get him to smile. But now, with just a quirk of his lips, it seemed like a gust of wind had blown all the springtime of the capital into her heart, overflowing from the corners of his eyes.
It was heart-stopping!
She was dumbfounded, and the crowd in front of the Bai Mansion was even more dumbfounded. No one had ever seen Lord Ziyang like this before. Previously, he was as unattainable as a flower on a high peak, untouchable. But now, he seemed to have reached out his branch and blossomed the flower right in front of Miss Bai.
A flower without thorns, deChengxu of ice and snow, with captivating colors.
As the breeze passed by, there was a moment of silence in front of the Bai Mansion, only the sound of swallowing saliva could be heard. No one dared to say another word.
…
The carriage curtain was lowered, and the carriage heading back to the Jiang Residence swayed along the official road.
Li Huaiyu was thrilled, holding her face and immersing herself in the scene just now, her smile stretching from ear to ear as she blissfully chuckled for quite some time. However, when she came back to her senses and glanced to the side…
Jiang Xuanjin was staring at her expressionlessly, his eyes dark and emanating a chilling aura.
Her smile froze, Li Huaiyu blinked, feeling like she might have misread the situation. She quickly stood up and squatted by the side of the carriage shaft for a moment, then pulled back the curtain to take another look.
The interior of the carriage was shrouded in darkness. Jiang Xuanjin raised his eyes to meet hers, his gaze even colder than usual.
Shivering under his gaze, Li Huaiyu rubbed her arms and asked anxiously, “Who are you? Where is my tender and affectionate husband from just now?”
Jiang Xuanjin sneered unfriendlyly.
Sensing his anger, Li Huaiyu felt innocent. Everything was fine just now, why did his tenderness seem to vanish the moment the curtain fell?
“Come in,” he said coldly.
Li Huaiyu shook her head vigorously, clutching onto the carriage shaft. With him looking like that, anyone going in would be a fool. What if they froze to death?
But… glancing at his eyes that seemed like they could freeze her any moment, Li Huaiyu hesitated and eventually sat back down beside him.
“What’s wrong with you?” she asked cautiously, “Who has upset you again?”
Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze, remaining silent for a while before saying, “I saw Lu Jingxing in your courtyard earlier.”
Huh? Why bring that up suddenly?
Li Huaiyu thought for a moment, then nodded with a blink of her eyes. “YeAh I think so.”
“He seems quite close to you,” he stated.
“It’s not that close,” Li Huaiyu scratched her ear with her index finger, “He’s just someone who lacks restraint, behaves flirtatiously, and speaks without filters.”
So, she just lets him be like that? Jiang Xuanjin sneered, recalling some scenes he had witnessed. His eyes surged with dark emotions, and he turned his head away in displeasure.
At the sight of his demeanor, Li Huaiyu knew she was in trouble. Ancestors have come, time to appease them. “You were just saying you’d treat me well, and now you’re acting like you don’t even know me?” She reached out and hugged his arm, pressing close with a playful smile. “Lord Ziyang has always been true to his promises, how can you act like this?”
Jiang Xuanjin ignored her.
Undeterred, Li Huaiyu persisted, “From now on, I’ll only be close to you, only accompany you, peel melon seeds for you, peel oranges for you, pick stars and moons for you, okay?”
Still, Jiang Xuanjin remained silent.
Sighing lightly, Li Huaiyu continued, “You spoke so nicely in front of the Bai Mansion, I believed every word. Who would’ve thought it was all a lie? Are you concerned about the dowry? If it wasn’t for Lu Jingxing’s help, I would have embarrassed myself on our wedding day. I should thank him for that. I should thank him even if you’re angry, I owe him a favor.”
“Last time I told you, if you’re angry, you should talk to me, not keep it inside. I was so serious, why can’t you listen? Look, you’re sulking again, isn’t it uncomfortable?”
After speaking for a while with no response, Li Huaiyu felt a bit frustrated. “If you’re not uncomfortable, I am. It’s like holding onto an ice cube, no matter how you hold it, it won’t warm up. Instead, you just end up chilling yourself.”
“If it doesn’t warm up, then stop holding it.” Finally, the person beside her spoke, his tone icy. “Find something warmer to hold onto, anything will do.”
With that, he knocked on the carriage and called out in a deep voice, “Stop the carriage.”
Li Huaiyu was taken aback, then watched as the man beside her pulled his arm out of her embrace, his green amber sleeve flicking as he stepped down and closed the curtain.
“Take her back.”
“Yes.”
The carriage started moving again, leaving Li Huaiyu feeling bewildered. She reached out and pulled back the curtain to look back, but all she caught was a glimpse of the green amber robe disappearing into the crowd.
As for this? Li Huaiyu couldn’t help but feel both amused and exasperated. She tugged at the curtain and looked around for a while, realizing that Lord Ziyang’s temper this time was quite severe. She needed to find a way to coax him properly. However, Jiang Xuanjin didn’t even give her a chance to coax him.
As the rooster hour passed, the sky gradually darkened. Li Huaiyu peered out through the gates of the Ink Residence, but the road ahead was empty, deChengxu of any figures.
“Where has he gone? It’s late, and he’s still not back?” she grumbled.
The person beside her bowed slightly and said, “Madam, you should rest first. His Highness is often busy and returns late into the night.”
Coaxing someone requires the right attitude. How could she sleep when he hadn’t returned yet? Wouldn’t grievances accumulate? Li Huaiyu shook her head repeatedly, yawned, rubbed her eyes, and continued to wait with a determined gaze.
However, time passed, and Li Huaiyu waited from the courtyard gate to the entrance of the main house. Finally, she fell asleep leaning on the table inside the house.
In her dream, there were flashes of blades, shadows of swords, and the sounds of countless resentful voices lingering endlessly. She furrowed her brows and waved her hand, accidentally knocking over the lantern on the table, waking up suddenly.
Outside the window, the dawn was breaking, and the house was quiet, with only her inside. The round lantern rolled to the ground, its candle long burned out.
Stretching her stiff neck, Li Huaiyu called out hoarsely, “Lingxiu.”
The door opened, and Qingsi entered with a basin of water, still wearing shackles on her hands.
“Why is it you?” Li Huaiyu smiled when she saw her, then yawned and stretched lazily, reaching out to her like a spoiled child.
Qingsi placed the basin of water down, wanting to embrace her and help her change and freshen up as she did before. But as she reached out, the shackles on her wrists clinked, and she looked down with resignation.
Li Huaiyu withdrew her hand, blinking. “They still won’t let you go even though you’re being good?”
Handing her a cloth, Qingsi whispered, “His Highness’s thoughts are much deeper than what you see.”
Huh? Li Huaiyu blinked. “What do you mean?”
Glancing at the door, Qingsi shook her head and remained silent.
Curious, Li Huaiyu got up and tiptoed to the door, then suddenly peeked out.
Yufeng stood quietly outside, with a sword at his waist, as if he were on guard against something. He was slightly surprised when he saw her come out, then nodded respectfully. “Madam.”
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
Yufeng lowered his gaze. “His Highness ordered me to ensure the safety of the courtyard.”
Ensuring the safety of the courtyard? It was clear he was here to keep an eye on Qingsi. Li Huaiyu pursed her lips, understanding the meaning behind Qingsi’s words. Jiang Xuanjin had promised not to interfere with Qingsi, but he hadn’t truly let his guard down. Let her act recklessly? Yes. But he wouldn’t let go of her.
Her troublemaking tendencies indeed couldn’t harm him.
With a drooping head, Li Huaiyu pursed her lips, resignedly went back to change and freshen up, then had her breakfast.
“His Highness didn’t return all night,” ChengXu whispered beside her, “There might be urgent matters in the palace.”
Swallowing her food, Li Huaiyu pondered, “Is it really because of important matters, or is he sulking and doesn’t want to come home?”
ChengXu shook his head repeatedly. “His Highness is not so petty.”
That’s true, huh? Someone who cares so much about the country, how could he throw such a big tantrum over a trivial matter? Li Huaiyu nodded, finished her breakfast, and continued to squat at the door.
And so, this squatting lasted from dawn till deep into the night.
After two days passing without seeing Jiang Xuanjin, Li Huaiyu finally understood one thing: “This petty guy!”
What caring for the country? He threw her into the courtyard without a word, clearly holding a grudge against her! And he held onto that grudge so tightly, not even giving her a chance to explain. He had to leave her hanging until she behaved obediently.
She had shown this kind of dominance before. In the palace, if someone upset her, she wouldn’t talk to them and wouldn’t assign them any tasks, just to let them know where they went wrong and not make the same mistake again.
But now that she knew what she had done wrong—wasn’t it just because she couldn’t get too close to Lu Jingxing? And now, when there wasn’t even much opportunity to get close, he insisted on holding onto past grievances. What could she do?
The more she thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt. Li Huaiyu squatted at the door, watching the ants crawling back and forth on the ground, tears welling up in her eyes.
A gentle breeze brushed past, and suddenly, a pair of black-soled brocade boots stopped in front of her.
Li Huaiyu stared at the patterns on the boots through tear-blurred eyes, feeling dazed, then suddenly looked up.
The person she hadn’t seen for two days stood before her, frowning as he looked down at her. His face was illuminated by the morning sun, covered in a layer of light.
Li Huaiyu blinked and suddenly stood up, grabbing his sleeve. “You… ” She pouted, her nose tingling with acidity. “You finally decided to come back?”
Jiang Xuanjin paused, looking at her tear-streaked face with confusion.
“I’ve never met someone as petty as you!” she exclaimed, glaring at him, her frustration evident. “Every time you get mad, haven’t I always tried to soothe you? Haven’t I always endured your coldness and spoken kindly to you? I’m not asking you to like me, and I’m not asking for immediate forgiveness, but can’t you at least give me a chance?”
The more she spoke, the more aggrieved she felt. Tearfully, she bit her lip and continued, “I know you’ve been pampered all your life, everyone loves and spoils you, you’re always above everyone else, never knowing how to empathize with others. Have you ever thought about how much it hurts me when you ignore me like this?”
By the end of her speech, her voice had thickened, and she pouted, tears flowing again. Her eyebrows drooped, her nose reddened, displaying her deep sadness.
Just as Jiang Xuanjin returned to the residence, he was bombarded with this rapid-fire barrage of words. Before he could even react, he saw her burst into tears. He frowned and immediately reached out, pulling her closer, and sternly said, “Why are you crying?”
“Don’t you worry about why I’m crying!” she retorted fiercely, pushing him away with one hand, glaring at him. “You’re a lofty deity, what need do you have to understand mortal suffering? If you enjoy ignoring me, then continue to do so. I won’t be a fool to keep comforting you!”
With that, she pushed him hard and turned to leave.
His tall frame was pushed back half a step by her forceful shove, and Jiang Xuanjin frowned, watching her storm toward the main house before following after her.
“Open the door.”
“No!” Li Huaiyu slammed the bolt heavily on the door, her voice filled with resentment. “If a tiger doesn’t show its might, you truly take me for a sickly cat! Want to sleep in the room? Then climb in through the window yourself!”
As she turned around, she saw Jiang Xuanjin had already entered through the window and was now standing calmly in the middle of the room.
Li Huaiyu: “…”
Glaring at him with red eyes, she gritted her teeth. “How could you climb through the window!”
Wasn’t Lord Ziyang supposed to be a model figure in court? If this counted as being a model, then should all the officials climb through windows when they go to court?
The image of civil and military officials solemnly climbing through windows in their official robes flashed through her mind. Li Huaiyu was momentarily stunned, and then she burst into laughter, laughing until she sprayed a bubble of snot that popped on her face with a “pop.”
Jiang Xuanjin looked at her as if she were a fool, then walked over calmly, taking out a handkerchief and offering it to her. “Are you dirty?”
Using his handkerchief to wipe her face, Li Huaiyu glared at him. “You were ignoring me, weren’t you? Then why did you come back?”
“This is my room.”
“Fine!” Li Huaiyu huffed, hands on hips. “Then I shouldn’t be here. I’ll leave!”
With that, she turned to undo the bolt on the door.
Jiang Xuanjin shook his head, reaching out to pull her back, gripping her waist, and pulling her into his embrace.
“Why such a temper?” he sighed. “Can’t you be a bit quieter?”
A familiar and warm embrace. The moment she was enveloped, her throat tightened. The faint fragrance of sandalwood emanated from him again between breaths, and Li Huaiyu greedily breathed it in, reaching out to clutch his clothes tightly.
“Can’t you see it?” she muttered, head down, her voice muffled. “I missed you. No matter how much I missed you, you didn’t come back, so I got really angry.”
Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze, puzzled. “Shouldn’t you be angry at me?”
“I don’t care!” Li Huaiyu gritted her teeth and looked up. “I’m the angriest right now. I’m so furious I could die!”
With red eyes and nose, her gaze was fierce and menacing, truly as if she might explode with anger.
Jiang Xuanjin looked at her, seeming somewhat softened. He lowered his head to gently peck her lips in a comforting manner, but one peck didn’t seem enough. Instead, he reached out and grasped her chin, pulling her into a deep kiss.
Li Huaiyu was taken aback, struggling as she intermittently said, “Don’t think… I won’t be angry because of this!”
With his thumb caressing her upturned lips, Jiang Xuanjin leaned his forehead against hers, releasing her with a lack of patience. “Who are you fooling?”
Even with them both smiling like this, she was still angry.
“I… Do you think I want to laugh?” Li Huaiyu pouted, grumbling with frustration. “I also want to keep a straight face like you, so no matter how much you try to coax me, you’ll have to coax me a bit longer. But as soon as you kiss me, I can’t resist!”
With a look of deep annoyance, she pressed down on her stubborn lips.
Giving her a deep glance, Jiang Xuanjin asked, “Did you especially take lessons to learn how to speak sweet words?”
“No!” She tilted her head back, proudly declaring, “Just seeing you made me self-taught!”
The sparkling eyes seemed to hold all the affection in the world, all reserved for him.
With a softening heart, Jiang Xuanjin’s eyes dimmed slightly as he tightened his grip around her waist, pulling her closer and kissing her passionately, sealing her seductive lips shut.
As the tension dissolved, Li Huaiyu boldly responded, grabbing onto his garment as she kissed him and guided him forward. He found himself backing away repeatedly until he stumbled over the bed’s edge, and she pounced on him, sinking into the soft embrace of the mattress.
“Where have you been these past two days?” She lightly pecked at his Adam’s apple. “Did you sneak off to some brothel behind my back?”
Tickled by her actions, Jiang Xuanjin lay on the satin sheets, his voice husky. “No.”
“How come you didn’t come back for two whole days then?” She didn’t believe him, reaching out to tug at his clothes.
“Don’t move.”
“You’re the one who shouldn’t move! I want to see!” Acting like a rascal, she unfastened his outer robe and then his tightly fastened inner shirt, earnestly inspecting his collarbone before concluding, “So handsome!”
With his ink-black hair splayed across the sheets, cheeks flushed, and shirt undone to reveal a striking collarbone, his allure was irresistible.
Feeling a bit tempted, she leaned down to peck him.
“You…” Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brows, reaching out to grip her shoulder, stopping her.
Li Huaiyu chuckled mischievously, teasingly looking at him. “You act like this, and I’ll start feeling like I’m bullying a virtuous lady, you rogue.”
He glared at her fiercely. “Shut up!”
Nuzzling against his head playfully, Li Huaiyu whispered in his ear, “Just one taste, okay?”
It was a mix of pleading and tempting, almost as if begging for mercy yet demanding his surrender.
Jiang Xuanjin’s throat bobbed slightly, his gaze complex as he looked at her, feeling somewhat helpless.
But Li Huaiyu paid no heed, sensing his resistance weakening, she lowered her head, revealing her sharp teeth. She bit down on the enticing collarbone.
A tingling sensation spread from his shoulders to his entire body, stirring something deep within his chest, and he grew warm all over. Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brows, barely audibly breathing out, only to hear this fairy-like creature obediently say, “Just a little taste.”
Then she wanted to get off him.
Slightly annoyed, he gritted his teeth and with a swift motion, pulled her back, rolling over to pin her beneath him.
“Thinking of leaving?” His voice was filled with annoyance.
Li Huaiyu froze, shivering as she was startled by his gaze, and she looked at him with wide eyes. “T-then… then one more bite?”
There was no hint of desire in her clear apricot eyes, as clean as a rain-washed lake. Jiang Xuanjin felt a surge of heat in his chest, pressing her mouth shut before biting down.
How could there be someone like her?
“Your lips are so soft,” she giggled, “want to bite me but can’t bear to? That’s a kiss.”
Her unabashed mouth stirred emotions.
“Hey… stop, don’t.”
Yet it seemed like only he was stirred by emotions.
“Um… don’t worry, let me help you, okay?”
Sometimes gentle to the point of being unreasonable.
“You… Ah are you serious?”
Sometimes cruel like a villain.
Jiang Xuanjin shook his head, not knowing why he had attracted such a person, but whatever was in his chest, when it encountered her, it was like a disease, wildly jumping, completely disobedient.
“Why do you always like to call me by my full name?” Holding her, he asked in a low, hoarse voice.
A shiver ran through the exposed skin, Li Huaiyu gripped his arm, her hand trembling, her throat constantly swallowing saliva, looking very nervous.
However, upon hearing his question, she couldn’t help but tease, “Because they all dare not call you that. So, I do. This name belongs to me alone.”
Domineering yet adorable.
His eyes swirling with ink, he caressed her soft waist, murmuring, “Say it for me to hear.”
“Jiang… Jiang Jie.”
“Mm.” His hand, gripping her waist, tightened suddenly, his voice huskier. “Say it again.”
“Jiang Jie…”
The uncontrollable desire surged from his chest to his throat, he took a deep breath, his rationality completely collapsing in his eyes, finally unable to resist flipping over on top of her.
As the early morning approached, the sun rose slowly, doors of various rooms and courtyards opened one by one, servants serving their masters in dressing and washing, bustling about.
However, within the Ink Residence, a group of people carrying water basins and breakfast trays were all locked out.
Cheng Xu’s face was very red, and Yufeng’s face was also very red, both of them bowed their heads, not daring to make a sound. Meanwhile, Ling Xiu beside them, completely unaware, asked in confusion, “Why hasn’t the master come out yet?”
Yufeng reached out and covered her mouth, shaking his head repeatedly.
Ling Xiu frowned, breaking free from his grasp, and said, “Aren’t you worried? They were so angry just now, what if they start fighting later?”
“They won’t fight, you can rest assured.” Cheng Xu whispered very softly, then paused, grinning and changing his tone, “But it wouldn’t be bad if they did.”
Why would it be good? Ling Xiu stared, turning to look around at the odd expressions of the people nearby as if she were the only one in a hurry.
Why?
As the rain of passion subsided, the embroidered quilt, adorned with intertwined lotus flowers, was gently disturbed, as if someone wanted to stretch lazily.
However, before the stretch was complete, the person beside them pushed them back down and tucked the quilt around them.
Huaiyu opened her eyes, lazily humming, “Even rogues are bullied by virtuous ladies, why are you still unhappy?”
Jiang Xuanjin glanced at her, his jaw tightly clenched.
Huaiyu, feeling both amused and annoyed, reached out to pull him down and kissed his chin. “Ancestors, aren’t you over it already? Didn’t I beg you enough just now?”
While others on their honeymoon might be chanting “bowing their heads toward the dark wall, calling a thousand times with no response”, here with her, not even a hint of shyness was felt. She’d just open her eyes and start teasing him again.
Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips, staring at her for a moment, then said, “After lunch, I’ll take you somewhere.”
What? Huaiyu shook her head as soon as she heard it. “I… I don’t want to walk today.”
She had already said so, shouldn’t he at least express some concern for her instead of just saying, “Rest well”? But no, after listening to her, Jiang Xuanjin only uttered two indifferent words, “Take a carriage.”
His tone was indifferent, his gaze cold. If it weren’t for the marks on her body, Li Huaiyu would almost suspect that everything just now was just a dream.
She felt a little unhappy, even a little sad. She thought this man had suddenly developed feelings and wanted to consummate their marriage, but who knew it was just a momentary impulse, the kind that turns away after fulfillment. Even if this wasn’t her first time, she felt hurt, hurt by his indifferent attitude.
Outside, hot water was already prepared. Someone lightly knocked on the door three times, indicating for them to move for bathing and changing.
Huaiyu irritably pulled back the covers, intending to dress herself and go over.
However, the person beside her reached out, pulled her back, wrapped the quilt around her, and then stood up, lifting her and the quilt together.
“What are you doing?” she asked, glaring.
Jiang Xuanjin didn’t reply, carrying her to the next room, reaching to test the water temperature before gently placing her into the bath, then disappearing behind another screen.
There was a bathtub behind that screen too.
Hearing the sound of water, Li Huaiyu laughed in frustration, wiping her face with her hands and leaning on the edge of the tub, laughing for a while before shaking her head helplessly. What was wrong with Jiang Xuanjin? He had done everything he should have, so why did he ChengXu bathing with her?
Looking down at her own body, Huaiyu pursed her lips. Her body wasn’t exactly attractive, covered in scars and bruises, even scars where bruises had faded. It was normal for him not to like it.
But where were they going later?
After lunch, Jiang Xuanjin seemed somewhat tired, but he still carried her into the carriage outside.
Huaiyu initially didn’t want to talk to him. But seeing the dark circles under his eyes, she couldn’t help asking, “How long has it been since you slept?”
Glancing at her, Jiang Xuanjin replied, “Not long.”
“Don’t tell me you haven’t had a proper rest these past few days,” Huaiyu frowned. “What’s so urgent that you’re exhausting yourself like this?”
Without answering her, Jiang Xuanjin asked in return, “Why were you so concerned about Xu Xian’s imprisonment?”
At this, Li Huaiyu’s heart skipped a beat, feeling guilty as she glanced at him, “Didn’t we already discuss this? He’s Lu Jingxing’s sworn brother and has helped me before. He was wronged, so of course, I care.”
“He helped you sit at your maiden family’s table, all at Lu Jingxing’s request?”
“Of course, otherwise, how could I convince him?” she nodded, and Jiang Xuanjin fell silent.
Feeling panic rising in her chest, Huaiyu repeatedly examined herself for any flaws that might have given her away to him. But she couldn’t think of any. Xu Xian didn’t even know her true identity, so how could Jiang Xuanjin have found any leverage from him?
Then what did his words mean?
Anxious for half an hour, the carriage stopped at a certain place.
Huaiyu lifted the curtain and her eyes widened.
The Judicial Bureau!
This was bad. Was he onto her true identity and planning to throw her into the bureau to face judgment? The situation seemed to suggest it. So, was their intimacy earlier just a last indulgence before her imprisonment?
Her heart went cold, and Huaiyu turned back to look at him, her face pale and full of despair.
Meeting her gaze, Jiang Xuanjin was a bit puzzled. “What are you imagining now?”
As he spoke, he raised his hand and gestured outside, indicating for her to look.
Huaiyu was momentarily stunned. Following his gesture, she looked over and saw several people waiting on the other side, with one person at the forefront looking somewhat familiar.
“Lu Jingxing?” she exclaimed, surprised. “What are they doing here?”
As if in response to her question, the tightly closed doors of the Judicial Bureau slowly creaked open. Two bailiffs came out, bowing to the people inside.
Seeing the person stepping out behind them, Li Huaiyu was so shocked she nearly stood up and hit her head on the carriage roof.
“General Xu?!”
Xu Xian emerged from the gate in his prisoner’s garb, his face showing some signs of injury, but his bearing remained dignified. He was too far away to hear her shout, instead heading straight for Lu Jingxing and the others waiting outside.
“Big brother,” Lu Jingxing stepped forward to help him with his robe, bowing with a smile. “In celebration of your survival, I’ve prepared a feast. Please do us the honor.”
Xu Xian glanced at him and said, “Aren’t you afraid of people saying you’re bribing me?”
“If a few cups of light wine count as bribery, then half the court should be arrested,” Lu Jingxing chuckled, casually fanning himself. Then, his gaze swept over to the carriage parked in the distance.
His smile paused, and he composed himself.
Seeing his reaction, Xu Xian thought something was amiss. He turned around, his expression also becoming more subdued, and after a brief moment of contemplation, he walked over.
Huaiyu was still surprised. Seeing them approaching, she remembered that Jiang Xuanjin was still inside the carriage and almost instinctively pulled back the curtain.
Jiang Xuanjin glanced at her, puzzled.
Even more puzzled, Li Huaiyu couldn’t understand. With Xu Xian’s charges, he couldn’t possibly be released easily. Who knew if they had bribed someone or swapped identities? After finally getting out, why would they walk straight into Jiang Xuanjin’s hands? What if they were sent back? What would they do?
Just as she was thinking, Xu Xian’s voice came from outside.
“Thank you for His Highness’s rescue. I shall repay this favor in the future.”
What? Huaiyu listened dumbfounded, then abruptly turned to look at the man beside her.
Jiang Xuanjin remained calm. He raised the curtain and said, “It was simply repaying a debt. General, please don’t worry about it.”
Repaying a debt? Xu Xian was surprised. Beside him, Lu Jingxing looked behind him and chuckled, fanning himself. “This person’s favor is truly enormous.”
Glancing at him, Jiang Xuanjin half-closed his eyes and said softly, “Innkeeper Lu, may I have a word with you?”
“Of course.” Lu Jingxing gestured to the side.
Jiang Xuanjin got out of the carriage and walked with him, leaving Li Huaiyu dumbfounded inside.
“What’s going on? Did His Highness help the general?” She came out and squatted by the carriage shaft, asking Xu Xian in amazement.
Xu Xian didn’t have a deep impression of Miss Bai Si, but knowing she was a friend highly valued by Lu Jingxing, he smiled and replied, “I was wrongfully imprisoned, with clear charges against me. But His Highness has keen insight and discovered discrepancies in the embezzlement case against Li Fengxing. After interrogating him for two days, he finally admitted to framing me, thus clearing my name.”
Two hundred thousand taels of silver appeared out of nowhere in his mansion, and he was immediately caught red-handed by Liu Yunlie’s men. It was a frame-up, and he had no evidence to prove his innocence. He was already feeling desperate in jail. Who would have thought Lord Ziyang would suddenly send Li Fengxing into the prison as well?
How many years had Lord Ziyang been deceived by Li Fengxing’s mouthful of righteousness? Yet, he finally saw through him. Xu Xian was very relieved, and even more so when Li Fengxing’s case was exposed, clearing his name of the false charges.
This didn’t seem like a coincidence. Jiang Xuanjin sending Li Fengxing to prison seemed like it was to save him.
Huaiyu listened, stunned for a long time, before realizing—could Jiang Xuanjin’s favor be for her?
Blinking, she finally remembered their previous conversation:
“Is your relationship with Lu Jingxing really that good?”
“It’s just that we’ve known each other for a long time. He pities me and takes care of me more.”
“And you?”
“What about me? I have nothing to repay him with, so I can only remember his favor.”
…So, had Jiang Xuanjin been so busy these past few days because he was thinking of repaying this favor for her?
Her heart shook, and she couldn’t believe it as she covered her mouth with her hand, gaping for a while before slowly looking into the distance.
Jiang Xuanjin stood gracefully in front of Lu Jingxing, his demeanor composed. Lu Jingxing leaned casually against the wall behind him, swaying his folding fan in a carefree manner. They seemed to be engaged in conversation, exchanging words back and forth. Lu Jingxing seemed slightly irritated.
Curious, Huaiyu lifted her skirt and tiptoed over, hoping to eavesdrop on their conversation. However, just as she approached, Jiang Xuanjin turned around and said, “Let’s go.”
“Hmm?” Looking at him and then at Lu Jingxing, Li Huaiyu grabbed his sleeve. “What were you just talking about?”
Jiang Xuanjin replied gently, “We were discussing the fine weather today.”
“Do you take me for a fool?” Huaiyu glared at him and then turned to Lu Jingxing.
Straightening up, Lu Jingxing held his fan to his face and chuckled, “Isn’t the weather lovely? Perfect for a stroll in the mountains and by the water.”
With a twitch at the corner of her mouth, Huaiyu chuckled in exasperation. “You both think I’m a fool!”
Supporting her waist, Jiang Xuanjin asked softly, “Didn’t you say you didn’t want to walk today?”
Huaiyu felt a slight discomfort and blushed crimson.
Jiang Xuanjin chuckled softly and effortlessly lifted her, saying a brief “Until we meet again” to Lu Jingxing before walking towards the direction of the carriage without looking back.
Lu Jingxing frowned as he watched their receding figures, his expression complex. He absently toyed with the jade handle of his fan, appearing somewhat restless.
Once Huaiyu was settled back into the carriage, she listened as Jiang Xuanjin bid farewell to Xu Xian, her chin resting in her hand as she pondered. But as soon as he boarded the carriage, her whole demeanor brightened. She reached out and hugged his arm, nuzzling her chin against his shoulder.
Jiang Xuanjin shot her a glance, “You have quite the posture when you sit.”
“Hehehe!” Ignoring his remark, Huaiyu smiled at him obsequiously and reached out to pinch his arm. “Tired?”
Just a moment ago, he seemed so anxious and guilty, and now he’s suddenly all sunshine and roses? He glanced at her askance, silent.
Huaiyu sighed deeply, reaching out to touch his face. “You’re such a strange person. Can’t you just tell me what you’re up to? You make me worry and then you make me mad. Just when I think I’ve misunderstood you, you make me feel sorry for you. You’re playing both the good guy and the bad guy, what am I supposed to do?”
Tell her? He wasn’t even sure about this himself. If he told her in advance and things didn’t work out, wouldn’t it be even more upsetting? Jiang Xuanjin snorted lightly.
“If you keep quiet like this, I might just kiss you!” Huaiyu narrowed her eyebrows, pinching his face. “I’m asking you a question, you need to answer!”
Allowing her to pinch him, Jiang Xuanjin said, “You’re making an accusation, not asking a question. Why should I answer?”
“Then I’ll question you!” She put her hands on her hips. “Are you happy about our union today or not?”
Her question was so loud that the person driving the carriage outside nearly fell off their seat! Jiang Xuanjin’s face darkened, and he reached out to firmly cover her mouth, his eyes practically tearing her apart. “You…”
“Mmm-mm-mm!” That was the truth!
“Not all truths should be spoken like you do.” Jiang Xuanjin was about to explode. “Have you no shame?”
Huaiyu blinked, shaking her head earnestly. Then she stuck out her tongue and licked his palm softly.
In an instant, he pulled his hand away as if struck by lightning, looking at her with a mixture of anger and helplessness. He tried to say something, but his mouth moved soundlessly, his handsome face turning shades of blue and black.
Li Huaiyu laughed joyfully. “Who told you to get all worked up? You’re walking around with a stern face, not saying anything. You even wanted to bathe separately from me. I thought maybe you were planning to have me for dinner after our union!”
“…It’s only you who becomes so talkative afterward!” He averted his eyes, feeling a tinge of embarrassment creeping up to his ears. “Do we have to bathe together if we don’t separate?”
Given the proper decorum of the Jiang family, teaching Jiang Xuanjin to share a bath would be out of the question.
Huaiyu stared at him blankly for a moment, then slapped her thigh as if suddenly enlightened. “So, you’re not mad, you’re just shy?”
“Shut up!”
“Hahaha—” Not only did she not shut up, Li Huaiyu laughed even louder, slapping the carriage walls as she laughed, causing the entire carriage to shake.
How absurd! This man, who seemed shameless like a beast when he was pressing her, suddenly became shy when they talked about undressing together. She had thought so much, only to realize she was completely wrong!
Her laughter echoed along the official road, drawing the attention of passersby. They saw a carriage whizzing past, shaking as it went, with laughter emanating from within.
“Has the carriage come to life?” someone murmured.
The animated carriage brought two people back to the Mo residence. Huaiyu pushed Jiang Xuanjin onto the bed as soon as they entered the main house.
“What are you doing?” He frowned.
Pulling off his outer robe, Huaiyu said, “You haven’t slept for two days. If you don’t care about yourself, I do. Now rest!”
With that, she tucked him in tightly.
Rubbing his temples, Jiang Xuanjin said, “I can’t sleep during the day. Who knows what might happen later…”
“Forget about everything else. I’ll take care of it for you.” She pushed his hand back under the covers. “If anyone dares disturb you today, I’ll shut them up!”
The nearby servant, Cheng Xu, touched his mouth nervously and looked at his master.
Jiang Xuanjin let out a soft sigh and shook his head at him before closing his eyes.
But not long after he closed his eyes, Lingxiu came in. “Master…”
Huaiyu swiftly grabbed Cheng Xu, blocking Lingxiu, and pushed them both out of the room. She followed, closing the door behind her and latching it.
“Tell me everything!” she demanded.
Just hearing her tone made one imagine how she bravely declared, pounding her chest. The man on the bed smirked and finally relaxed, drifting into a deep sleep.
Outside the door, Lingxiu whispered, “Second Madam has sent some snacks for you.”
Second Madam? Huaiyu blinked, recalling that Second Young Master Jiang. It dawned on her. “Please ask her to sit in the side hall.”
Jiang Shen, this person, Huaiyu had heard of him before. Lu Jingxing once modestly claimed, “I may be recognized as the second most elegant person in the capital, but no one dares to claim the first!” But after a pause, he added, “Jiang family’s Second Young Master Xuan Song might take the spot for third.”
Jiang Shen, also known as Xuan Song, was the one who married the most concubines in the Jiang family. Within half a year of marriage, he had taken in three concubines, leading people in the capital to speak of this Second Madam with disdain and contempt.
Huaiyu was a bit worried. Would a woman who was so looked down upon have a bad temper and be difficult to deal with?
However, when she entered the side hall and saw the person, she was taken aback.
“Sister.” The woman in front of her was dignified and graceful, coming forward to greet her with clear, transparent eyes that made people feel comfortable. However, her appearance was quite ordinary; if it weren’t for her luxurious attire, she would have blended in with the maidservants.
Collecting herself, Huaiyu smiled and returned the gesture, then invited her to sit.
“I’m not here to bother you; I just wanted to drop by.” Xu Chuniang smiled gently and pointed to the snacks on the table. “They were just made. I thought of bringing some for you to taste.”
There were two identical plates of melon seed pastries, placed on different porcelain plates—one with a pattern suitable for formal occasions and the other resembling a piece taken from a set of porcelain.
Raising an eyebrow, Huaiyu glanced at her. “Nothing else?”
Unexpectedly, Xu Chuniang seemed stunned by her question and then shook her head. “I’ve only met with Sister once during a courtesy visit. What other reason could there be to come?”
“It’s not that there’s something for you to find me, but… have you encountered any trouble?” Huaiyu picked up a piece of the melon seed pastry and popped it into her mouth. “You came in such a hurry, and didn’t even offer the other plate of pastries to anyone.”
Upon hearing this, Xu Chuniang was startled, her eyes widening slightly. “How did you know the other plate was for someone else?”
“One plate of snacks is enough for a gift, and this plate…” Huaiyu lightly tapped the clean one with her index finger. “This is for serving snacks at home.”
It was obvious that two plates were prepared, intending to give one to the people in her courtyard. However, something must have happened, so she hurriedly brought both to Huaiyu.
After being shocked for a moment, Xu Chuniang didn’t intend to answer that question. Instead, she looked at Huaiyu with admiration. “Sister, you’re truly clever!”
“Thank you for the compliment.” Huaiyu chuckled. “But there are still many outside who think I’m a fool.”
“You’re not a fool!” Xu Chuniang shook her head repeatedly, praising her with bright eyes. “You’re much smarter than me!”
Huaiyu felt gratified by the praise and offered her a piece of the melon seed pastry. “Let’s eat together.”
Taking the pastry, Xu Chuniang smiled wryly. “I’ve made this so many times, I’m tired of it. But Sister can have more. When His Highness wakes up, you can let him taste it too.”
“Alright.” Huaiyu nodded, and then she watched Xu Chuniang rise to take her leave.
Watching her slender figure, Huaiyu couldn’t help but ask Lingxiu, “Which family did this Second Madam marry into?”
Lingxiu replied, “People say she’s the illegitimate daughter of General Xu Xian from the Xu family.”
Oh, the Xu family.
Wait a minute? Huaiyu froze, then stood up abruptly. “Who did you say she’s from? General Xu’s family?”
Startled by her reaction, Lingxiu said, “Yes, General Xu’s family. It’s said that the year she got married, General Xu was fighting enemies on the border and was short of supplies. She voluntarily offered her dowry to be sold for grain. She’s quite an extraordinary woman.”
Gazing at the snacks on the table, Huaiyu suddenly understood. Most likely, Xu Xian had been released from prison, and his daughter came to thank Jiang Xuanjin.
Xu Xian had been a confidant of Danyang, but he never mentioned his wife and daughter, so Huaiyu had been unaware of the daughter who married into the Jiang household. However, since Jiang Shen was not involved in court affairs, and the Second Madam held no significant position in the household, this marriage didn’t have much impact, and thus Huaiyu remained unaware.
Her eyes wandered, and she turned to Lingxiu. “If you have nothing else to do, go around the estate more often. If anything happens in any family or courtyard, it would be good to hear about it and pass the time.”
“Understood!” Lingxiu nodded in agreement.
After seeing off the Second Madam, Huaiyu thought of sneaking back to Jiang Xuanjin’s bed to sleep with him. However, before she could reach the door, Cheng Xu approached her, bowing respectfully.
“Madam,” he looked somewhat embarrassed, “Magistrate Liu Yunlie has come to visit. I’m afraid we might need to wake up His Highness.”
Liu Yunlie? Huaiyu hesitated for a moment, then waved her hand. “Even if the Emperor were to come, it wouldn’t matter. Let your master sleep peacefully. I’ll handle it.”
“But…” Cheng Xu wanted to say more, but this woman was not easy to handle. However, seeing the determined look on her face, he swallowed his words.
Liu Yunlie arrived with a fiery temper, and along the way, servants hurriedly avoided him, fearing they might become collateral damage. However, as he reached the courtyard gate, someone blocked his path.
“Magistrate Liu, please come this way.” Huaiyu greeted him with a bow, then gestured towards the side hall.
Liu Yunlie hesitated for a moment, then asked with a bow, “Where is His Highness?”
“He’s resting,” Li Huaiyu replied, “He hasn’t slept for two days. Please understand.”
With his temper reaching its peak, how could he understand? Liu Yunlie’s face darkened. “I have urgent matters to discuss, please make an exception.”
Li Huaiyu smiled gently, but she didn’t step aside.
Liu Yunlie was somewhat surprised. But upon reflection, could a mere woman stop him? So, he tried to sidestep towards the main building.
However, as he moved, the person in front of him also moved. Although her footwork seemed a bit clumsy, her movements were agile and she effortlessly blocked his path from all directions, clearly skilled in martial arts.
Slightly taken aback, Liu Yunlie finally looked at her carefully.
The woman in front of him appeared delicate, with a slender figure, yet she exuded an inexplicable aura of dominance, making him feel uncomfortable.
“What do you mean by this, Madam?” he frowned.
Huaiyu smiled, “You barged into my residence in broad daylight, intending to disturb my husband’s rest, and you ask me what I mean?”
Her expression seemed mild, but her words were sharper than chili peppers. Liu Yunlie was surprised. He had heard some unfavorable rumors about Fourth Miss Baibefore, but he thought with Jiang Xuanjin’s discipline, she would be more obedient. Who would have thought she would be so assertive?
His gaze grew colder, and Liu Yunlie said, “Please prioritize the overall situation, Madam, and do not delay His Highness’s important matters.”
“What important matters?” she retorted. “You, coming here now, most likely because General Xu’s release has left you discontented, wanting to clarify his stance. And you think such trivial matters are worth disturbing my husband’s rest? Think again!”
As soon as the words left her mouth, Li Huaiyu realized her mistake! She was currently playing the role of Bai Zhuji, how could Bai Zhuji know about Liu Yunlie’s style?
Liu Yunlie was even more astonished, suspicion flashing in his eyes. “How do you know?”