How could she possibly know? Ancestral divination? Fortune-telling with turtle shells?
After a long silence, Huaiyu decided to adopt a mysterious and inscrutable expression, mimicking Jiang Xuanjin’s tone as she coldly retorted, “Why does it matter how I know?”
Liu Yunlie was somewhat annoyed. His temper was well-known among the civil and military officials, and few dared to confront him head-on. Even Lord Ziyang treated him with deference. But this person in front of him was different; not only did she block his path, but her words also challenged him. If he tolerated this today, where would he put his face?
Clenching his fists, Liu Yunlie said, “Madam, if you insist on blocking my way, please forgive any rudeness.”
With a swift motion, he adopted a fighting stance.
Seeing this stance, Huaiyu felt a bit excited. Liu Yunlie came from a martial background and followed a vigorous path. When she used to practice martial arts, her teachers often asked her to spar with Liu Yunlie because she excelled in soft techniques, using subtle moves to overcome strength. But due to their respective identities back then, no matter how she provoked him, Liu Yunlie never sparred with her. Now, however, she finally had a chance.
With a couple of spits on her hand, Huaiyu bowed to him. “Please!”
Is he going to fight? Cheng Xu was shocked on the side and hurried forward to intervene. “Madam, Magistrate Liu, this absolutely can’t happen!”
“Stop bothering us!” she snapped, then glanced back at the main building behind her, her eyes filled with determination and affection.
Cheng Xu and Yufeng fell silent, both feeling a bit emotional. Their master was Lord Ziyang, above all others, yet how did he become someone who needed protection and care in Madam’s eyes?
Liu Yunlie’s main goal wasn’t to fight with a woman, his eyes fixed on the main building, thinking that he could break free from her and rush forward during the fight.
However, Huaiyu didn’t give him that chance at all. She immediately launched a swift attack, forcing him to retreat two steps.
“You…” What kind of technique was this? It was too aggressive!
Huaiyu grinned, wiping her nose with her thumb. She dodged his powerful moves and seized the opportunity to strike him.
Liu Yunlie was infuriated by her unabashedly martial style. After exchanging ten moves, he couldn’t break free from her encirclement, becoming increasingly frustrated. He disregarded his status and suddenly attacked without holding back.
Huaiyu fought while retreating, gradually feeling overwhelmed. Her body was too weak; she managed to withstand so many moves solely by recalling previous techniques and employing some cunning tricks. The moves she used were only effective for intimidation; in a real fight, they probably wouldn’t cause much harm.
Seeing Yunlie closing in on the main building, Huaiyu gritted her teeth and threw herself forward, even if it meant taking a hit from him.
“Madam, be careful!” Cheng Xu couldn’t help but warn her.
Huaiyu’s leg swept towards Yunlie’s knee, and his fist was about to land on her shoulder. If both landed, Huaiyu would surely be at a disadvantage.
Yunlie had thought it over; even if it sounded bad for a man to fight a woman, he needed to teach her a lesson today. Otherwise, her insolence would only cause trouble, likely for Xuanjin.
However, before his fist could land, the door of the main building suddenly burst open. Someone dashed out and intercepted his punch, the force making his hand numb. At the same time, his lower body was attacked, and he staggered, his body tilting awkwardly.
Huaiyu was taken aback. She was prepared to take the punch, but suddenly, she was pulled aside.
“Stand back.” Xuanjin’s voice was hoarse but chilling.
Huaiyu looked up and saw him advancing towards Yunlie without hesitation, ready to strike.
“Xuanjin!” Yunlie widened his eyes to defend himself. “It’s me!”
Xuanjin’s face was dark, his gaze unwavering as he continued his assault. Dodging two of Yunlie’s moves, he suddenly punched him in the chest. Before Yunlie could react, he spun and delivered a fierce kick to his right shoulder.
His attacks were heavy, showing no mercy.
Yunlie was bewildered. After recovering, he realized that Xuanjin was genuinely angry. He quickly tried to defend himself.
“Master, calm down!” Cheng Xu and Yufeng rushed in, each trying to hold him back.
Xuanjin half-closed his eyes, his anger unabated. He pushed aside Cheng Xu, intending to continue his attack. However, another hand intervened, gently slipping into his grasp.
With a slight pause, Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brow and turned aside. “Are you going to advise me too?”
Huaiyu grinned widely, ignoring any sense of advisement, and grabbed him, eyes sparkling. “How are you so amazing! Even when you fight, you look so handsome! Just now, when I saw your coattails flying, I truly thought you were a deity descending to earth!”
“Descending to earth—earth—earth—”
Her affectionate little trailing voice echoed throughout the Ink Residence, clearing away the previously tense atmosphere completely.
The muscles on Liu Yunlie’s face twitched. He wanted to say that this lady had remarkable courage—daring to provoke Jiang Xuanjin when he was angry. And saying such nonsensical things…
However, the man who was brimming with hostility unexpectedly calmed down when she took his hand and swayed like that.
“Where are you hurt?” Jiang Xuanjin turned his head, asking her irritably.
Huaiyu smiled and gestured to her strong arms. “I’m tough, no injuries!”
Reaching out, he pinched her arm, then looked her up and down. His brows relaxed, and his expression softened.
Huaiyu tenderly touched his face. “Did I wake you up again? Are you tired? Want to go back and sleep a little longer?”
“No need.” Jiang Xuanjin allowed her to touch him, saying, “I couldn’t sleep well today anyway. Being able to rest for this long is already a blessing.”
“Whose blessing?” Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, smiling suggestively, hoping to trick him into calling her “wife” again.
But Jiang Xuanjin didn’t fall for it. With a snort, he pushed her in the direction of the main building. “You go rest for a while first.”
Liu Yunlie stood dumbfounded on the side, watching until Jiang Xuanjin sent her back to the main building and returned to him. He was a bit unable to come back to his senses. “You…”
Standing with his hands behind his back in front of him, Jiang Xuanjin’s expression was cold and clear. “Lord Liu, you trespassed into my Ink Residence and harmed my wife. What is your intention?”
Liu Yunlie wanted to say, “I didn’t harm your wife!” But seeing the expression on the man’s face in front of him, he bowed his head in resignation and saluted, “It was this subordinate’s recklessness, acting hastily. Tomorrow, I will prepare generous gifts to apologize to Your Highness’s wife. But today, I have indeed come with matters to ask His Highness.”
Jiang Xuanjin stepped aside and led him into the side hall.
This couple took turns, and he ultimately couldn’t set foot in the main building. Liu Yunlie’s mood was complicated as he sat in the side hall and said in a deep voice, “Does Your Highness know about the recent rumors in the court?”
Jiang Xuanjin poured a cup of strong tea. “Please, go on.”
“Your Highness acted against Li Feng, and also saved Xu Xian,” Liu Yunlie said with a hint of annoyance. “Such actions are no different from openly telling the entire court that Lord Ziyang favors the Eldest Princess! It’s been nearly two months since the Eldest Princess’s passing, yet her influence in the court remains largely intact. Many are working tirelessly to eliminate it, but Your Highness, instead of helping, seems to be opposing us?”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuanjin was somewhat puzzled. “Li Feng was accused of bribery and corruption. Is it false?”
Liu Yunlie paused. “No.”
“And Xu Xian received a bribe of two hundred thousand taels?”
“…Not exactly.”
“If neither of these is true, then why are you here today?” Jiang Xuanjin frowned. “Lord Liu, since when have you started to disregard right and wrong, only considering political allegiance?”
Liu Yunlie was shaken, then frowned. “But… I can’t help but feel that your recent actions are too unusual. If it’s not your intention, then someone else must have intended to lead you here.”
Is someone else leading him? Jiang Xuanjin chuckled softly. “Who could lead me in my actions? If what I do is right, why should it matter who instigates it?”
This statement was firm and resolute, leaving Liu Yunlie feeling frustrated, and unable to argue.
Meanwhile, Huaiyu lay on the bed in the main house, deep in thought.
After interacting with Jiang Xuanjin for so long, she decided to believe that he truly didn’t intend to harm her. As for the imperial decree and the poisoned wine, someone must have plotted it behind the scenes, deliberately setting him up for it.
So, who was this person behind the scenes? Who could manipulate her, the Eldest Princess of Danyang, and Lord Ziyang so skillfully, without either of them noticing? And what role did Liu Yunlie play in all of this?
With so many thoughts swirling in her mind, her face tensed up, and her expression became very serious.
However, as soon as she heard the sound of the door opening, she instantly transformed into someone who seemed genuinely asleep.
“Tired?” someone sat down beside her and asked softly.
Li Huaiyu yawned and opened her eyes, smiling as she reached out to pull him closer. “Not at all tired!”
Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze, his ink-black eyes revealing an inscrutable expression, leaving Huaiyu’s heart pounding. She quickly pulled him down to lie beside her, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Do you have something you want to ask me?”
“Mm.”
“Then ask away, I’ll give you honest answers!”
“Who taught you martial arts?” he asked in a muffled voice.
Huaiyu smiled and nudged his chest. “Do you even consider what I do as martial arts? I only know a few basic moves, no inner strength whatsoever, and my body feels as fragile as bamboo.”
As she spoke, she placed her wrist in his hand, generously offering him to inspect it. For someone who practiced martial arts, their bones, and meridians would be stronger than usual, and their pulse would be clear and powerful. But Huaiyu, on the other hand, not only lacked strength but also felt as if she could fall ill at any moment. Her palms were soft, deChengxu of any calluses.
Jiang Xuanjin realized he had been overthinking. This girl was just clever; her physique didn’t suggest any martial arts training.
“Why did you dare to confront Liu Yunlie then? Weren’t you afraid of getting hurt?” he pressed his lips together.
Huaiyu reached up to touch his eyebrows and eyes before smiling. “I worry about you. I wanted you to rest a bit longer. Even if the gods themselves came, I’d still stand in their way for you!”
“…I don’t need you to protect me.”
“Whether you need it or not is one thing; whether I want to protect you is another,” she stared into his eyes, speaking earnestly. “You’ve never liked anyone before, so you don’t know this feeling. Even if it’s just a firefly loving the moon, it would want to give all its light to it.”
Regardless of how strong the person they loved was, this was the persistent beat of the heart.
Jiang Xuanjin listened, a bit stunned. He gently brushed her soft hair with his hand. “Why do you always have so much to say every day?”
Huaiyu raised her eyebrows. “What, do you think I want to? It’s because you’re so quiet! If I don’t talk a lot, wouldn’t you feel uncomfortable keeping it all in?”
“Stop talking nonsense.”
“Who’s talking nonsense? You’re not dying to tell me you like me too?” she said earnestly, “But since you can’t say it, I’ll just have to say it a few more times to you.”
“Jiang Jie, I like you!” Her eyes curved into crescents as she smiled.
Jiang Xuanjin closed his eyes and pressed her head against his chest. “Shut up.”
Following his gesture, she rubbed against his chest, giggling softly, and held him tightly. Feeling the rare tenderness from him, her heart overflowed with joy.
It’s hard to make Jiang Xuanjin move, but once he is, everything becomes much easier.
“Oh, by the way, is your second brother going to participate in the selection of officials?” she casually asked.
Jiang Xuanjin murmured a low “Mm.”
“Then I’ll make some snacks tomorrow and send them to their courtyard,” she said, “Today, your second sister-in-law came and brought two plates of delicious melon pastries.”
Second sister-in-law? Jiang Xuanjin paused, as if he had to think for a moment to recall her, then said softly, “If you want to send, then send.”
“I heard that the second sister-in-law is from the Xu family,” she whispered, “She seems like a good girl, but why does it seem like she’s not well-liked?”
Jiang Xuanjin replied, “It’s not that she’s not well-liked, it’s just that she’s not well-liked by my second brother. He has always favored beauty.”
Xu Chuniang wasn’t particularly beautiful.
Frowning, Huaiyu asked, “Then why did he marry her? The Xu family is a prominent household; shouldn’t their daughter marry into a good family?”
If someone else had talked to Jiang Xuanjin about this, he would have been annoyed and probably wouldn’t have bothered to respond. But hearing the person in his arms chattering away, he found it amusing and couldn’t help but answer, “My second brother was forced into marrying her.”
Looking up unhappily, Huaiyu narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean ‘forced’?”
He gently stroked her hair to soothe her discontent, then continued, “My second brother had concubines since he was sixteen, but he refused to take a wife until he was twenty. He said he was afraid that a wife would bully all the beauties in his house. No matter how much the matchmakers praised the girls from other families, he wouldn’t agree.”
The first time Jiang Shen saw Xu Chuniang, he stared at her face for a long time with disdain. But after spending a day with her, Jiang Shen returned to Jiang Xuanjin excitedly and said, “I’ve found someone who can be my legal wife!”
Jiang Xuanjin was still young at the time and looked at him puzzled. But his second brother shamelessly said, “It has to be someone who doesn’t look good but has a good temper. She won’t be jealous or scheme against others. Anyway, she has nothing that can match me. If she can enter my household, she should be grateful. How could she bully my beauties?”
Huaiyu’s mouth twitched as she listened. “So, he married the second sister-in-law just as a decoration?”
Jiang Xuanjin nodded. “The second sister-in-law rarely leaves the courtyard.”
“How pitiful,” Huaiyu sighed. Her soft heart was typical of a girl; she easily felt sympathy for those who seemed to be struggling. Jiang Xuanjin didn’t think much about it. He gently rubbed her head with his chin, his eyes drooping tiredly as he slowly drifted into dreams.
In his dream, he was clinging to a high cliff, struggling to climb up. Suddenly, someone reached out a hand to him.
“Grab onto me,” the person called out with a smile, offering a warm and soft palm.
He hesitated for a moment before instinctively grasping it. She effortlessly pulled him upward. But just as they were about to reach the top, she turned back with a sudden coldness in her voice. “Did you think I was trying to save you?”
His hand was suddenly released, and he felt himself plummeting rapidly into the abyss—
He jolted awake, his brow furrowing.
The sensation of weightlessness seemed to linger, and he reached out to clutch his aching chest. His complexion was grim.
“My lord?” Cheng Xu brought water and placed it nearby, then opened the curtains for him. “Did you have a nightmare?”
He glanced around the room, frowning. “Is it already dawn?”
“Yes,” Cheng Xu nodded, “You slept very well this time.”
Sleeping for a full ten hours was quite unusual.
“And where is she?”
“The madam has gone to the Shao Hua Courtyard. She instructed us to make sure you drink some rice porridge when you wake up.” Cheng Xu answered with a stiff tone, stealing a glance at his master’s expression from the corner of his eye.
It’s true… He gets moody whenever he wakes up and doesn’t see the madam around; his expression becomes so heavy.
Cheng Xu couldn’t help but feel a bit resentful. Why did the madam have to rush off like that? It would have been better to wait a bit longer for the master to wake up before leaving.
Huaiyu was already seated in the main hall of the Shao Hua Courtyard. When Xu Chuniang saw her, her face, which had been somewhat wrinkled, instantly lit up with joy. “Little sister is so considerate.”
“I heard that Second Brother is going to participate in the selection of officials, so this little gesture is just to show some goodwill,” Huaiyu looked around and asked her, “Where is Second Brother?”
At the mention of this, Xu Chuniang’s expression dimmed again, and she lowered her eyes. “He’s been in a bad mood these days, always listening to music in the side chambers.”
Being forced by Jiang Xuanjin to participate in the selection of officials was enough to put anyone in a bad mood, Huaiyu chuckled to herself. She asked again, “From the Second Sister-in-law’s perspective, will the Second Brother be selected this time?”
Xu Chuniang nodded repeatedly. “If he takes it seriously, of course he will! His essays are exceptionally well-written; I’ve read many of them. Although some are written in a fit of anger, during calmer times, they are indeed eloquent!”
She didn’t hold back in praising her husband. Listening to her, Huaiyu couldn’t help but tease, “But being selected for office isn’t just about eloquence.”
“He’s not just eloquent!” Xu Chuniang hurriedly added, “Many of his essays are insightful too!”
“Is that so?” Huaiyu sighed regretfully, “I didn’t know what he had written.”
As soon as this was mentioned, Xu Chuniang got up and pulled her. “Come with me, little sister!”
Huaiyu obediently followed her, and they left the main hall and entered a nearby study.
Xu Chuniang eagerly searched through the shelves for her husband’s essays while Huaiyu stood by the desk. Inadvertently, she glanced at a casually placed seal, engraved with Jiang Shen’s name and style name.
This seal was very important; it had to be stamped on the answer sheet during the selection of officials to verify one’s identity. But Jiang Shen had left it lying around so casually; it was obvious that he didn’t take the selection seriously at all.
Huaiyu curled her lips slightly. She casually tucked the seal into her bosom.
Xu Chuniang found several neatly bound books and eagerly handed them to her. “Take a look, these are all written by him.”
There was pride evident in her tone.
Huaiyu took them and flipped through them casually, nodding in approval. “Indeed, they are impressive. Did the Second Sister-in-law discover these only after marrying into the family?”
Xu Chuniang shook her head, slightly shyly. “I read his essays when I was sixteen and admired them wholeheartedly. Later, being able to marry him was my luck.”
It was like that? Huaiyu blinked, remembering what Jiang Xuanjin had said about Second Young Master Jiang’s thoughts. She couldn’t help but feel a bit sentimental. “His luck is being able to marry you.”
Xu Chuniang felt embarrassed by the compliment and waved her hands repeatedly. “Little sister, you flatter me. I… I don’t have anything special. He… he’s the special one!”
Her words were clumsy, but the light in her eyes was bright, like the first rays of dawn, warming the hearts of those around her.
Huaiyu smiled, thinking that perhaps when you truly like someone, your eyes speak the truth.
So, when Jiang Xuanjin returned home in the afternoon and found her staring at him eagerly, he was puzzled.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
Huaiyu replied, “Take a good look at me! Have you seen what’s in my eyes?”
Jiang Xuanjin stared at her expressionlessly for a moment, then suddenly took out a handkerchief and reached out to wipe her eyes. He shook his head disdainfully. “Dirty.”
“…” Angered, she swatted away the handkerchief in his hand. “I asked you to look into my eyes, not do that!”
What was wrong with her eyes? Jiang Xuanjin was puzzled. Following her instructions, he looked earnestly and gradually noticed layers upon layers of affection in her eyes, shimmering like the gentle flow of a stream adorned with peach blossoms in March.
Suppressing a smile, he said, “Are you bored?”
Couldn’t she tell? Huaiyu’s face fell, and she lowered her head in reflection. She still lacked skill. She should learn from Xu Chuniang’s gaze in the mirror more often. That gaze surely could captivate him at first sight!
“I’ve been waiting for you here for a long time,” she pouted. “Every day, besides eating and sleeping, all I do is wait for you. How can I not be bored?”
Thinking for a moment, Jiang Xuanjin asked, “Do you want to go out for a walk?”
Her eyes lit up, and Huaiyu immediately jumped up. “Yes, yes! I heard that the capital has been crowded lately, so lively!”
With people from all over coming to participate in the selection exams, wouldn’t it be crowded? Jiang Xuanjin didn’t fancy crowded places. After court sessions, he preferred to stay at home and not go anywhere. But seeing her looking like she was about to suffocate from boredom, he pursed his lips and turned to walk outside.
Excited, Li Huaiyu asked as soon as they got on the carriage, “Can we go to the Academy of Literature?”
The veins on his forehead twitched, and Jiang Xuanjin replied, “Can’t we choose a less crowded place?”
The Academy of Literature was currently the most crowded place, with half of the examinees purchasing writing supplies there.
“Oh, but I like crowded places,” she glanced at him, a little disappointed. “Then… how about going to the outskirts to see flowers?”
Giving her a sideways glance, Jiang Xuanjin said, “Forget it, let’s go to the Academy of Literature. If you want to buy something, you can go down yourself. I won’t get off the carriage.”
In the guise of Lord Ziyang, could he truly alight from the carriage without being recognized? If someone sharp-eyed spotted him, they would surely block him amidst the crowd, making extraction difficult! Huaiyu nodded in understanding, but then quickly switched to a smile, happily taking his hand and toying with his fingers.
“Be more discreet out here,” he frowned. “Always so… forward. What will people think?”
At this, Huaiyu turned to him and asked, “Wasn’t I just as forward before we were married?”
“And you dare to bring that up?”
“Exactly! If I could be forward before we were wed, why should I stop now that we are? Marriage is meant to make such behavior acceptable, isn’t it?” Huaiyu declared boldly. “If you’re embarrassed, I’ll be more discreet in the future. Like this!” With that, she sat beside him, grabbed his hand, and pulled his wide sleeve over it, raising an eyebrow in inquiry.
The silver cloud pattern embroidered on the sleeve looked elegant and proper, but beneath it, her hand mischievously tickled his, scratching the palm for a moment. She then intertwined her fingers with his, one by one.
Jiang Xuanjin stiffened slightly. “Let go.”
“No one will see us. Why let go?” Huaiyu retorted, holding him tightly. But after a moment, she felt his palm growing moist.
“Hmm?” she curiously asked. “Are you feeling warm?”
He sat upright against the carriage wall, his gaze fixed ahead, his tone aloof. “I’m not warm.”
Yet he couldn’t shake the warmth and softness of her hand, which reminded him of the dreadful dream he had last night.
“Are you not going to let go?” he asked softly, almost as if speaking to himself.
But Huaiyu heard him loud and clear. She responded with a broad smile, resolute and confident. “No, I won’t let go!”
His deep black eyes brightened at these words.
The literary courtyard was soon in sight. Huaiyu prepared to alight, only to realize that she couldn’t let go of his hand; he didn’t want her to leave the carriage.
So she turned back and whispered, “I’ll go buy something and be right back, okay?”
His face, which had just softened, instantly tensed up again. Jiang Xuanjin glanced at her hand but remained silent.
Huaiyu sighed helplessly. “Will you come with me, then?”
Still no response. His slender fingers gently hooked onto hers, neither pulling away nor tightening their grip.
With no other choice, Huaiyu pinched his wrist with one hand and slowly freed her other hand, then neatly tucked his hand back into the sleeve. “Wait for me!” she said before swiftly getting out of the carriage and disappearing into the crowd with agility.
Jiang Xuanjin frowned, watching the swaying curtain of the carriage with some annoyance. “Let’s go,” he said to the driver.
“But…” The driver, Cheng Xu, was puzzled. What mood had his master shifted into this time?
He cautiously lifted the curtain and asked, “Are we not waiting?”
“She can’t keep her word, so why should I wait?” Jiang Xuanjin’s face was stern. “Let’s leave immediately.”
“Understood.”
Meanwhile, Li Huaiyu made her way through the winding paths toward the literary courtyard, unaware that the young princess behind her was in a huff again. She only held onto the seal in her pocket, instructed Lingxiu to wait at the entrance, and then dove into the crowd.
“What would you like, sir?” The refined attendant, upon seeing a customer, asked without raising his head.
Huaiyu looked at him, somewhat surprised. “Why are you here?”
The attendant, Bai Ai, who had been bowing his head, looked up in a daze and then gasped. “Milady…”
“Is the shop out of stock?” Li Huaiyu interrupted him.
“Yes, milady. The type of rice paper you requested needs to be retrieved from the storeroom.” Bai Ai glanced around and stepped aside. “Please, this way.”
Huaiyu nodded and lifted her skirt to follow him. The bustling crowd around them paid no attention to their movements.
Bai Ai led her to the backyard and said, “Your Highness, Mr. Lu has been trying to reach out to you these days. The selection of officials is imminent.”
“I’m aware,” Huaiyu nodded. “That’s why I’m here. I just didn’t expect to find you here too.”
Bai Ai explained, “It’s convenient for me to be here.”
It made sense upon reflection. With so many scholars and students coming and going, this place was a hub of information. Bai Ai, coming from a scholarly background, found it fitting to socialize here.
After scrutinizing him for a moment, Huaiyu suddenly reached out and beckoned to him.
“Your Highness?” Bai Ai’s heart sank at her gesture. Every time she asked him to do something difficult, she would gesture like this, and the deeper her smile, the harder the task.
Now, with her smile blooming like a flower, Bai Ai had a very bad feeling about this.
After three sticks of incense had burned, Li Huaiyu emerged from the gates of the literary courtyard with a stack of rice paper, accompanied by Lingxiu. The items in her pocket had been delivered to the designated person; now she needed to find Jiang Xuanjin.
However, upon returning, she noticed that the spot where the carriage had been was now empty, with only Cheng Xu standing there.
“Where’s your master?” Huaiyu asked curiously.
Cheng Xu sighed helplessly. “The master said he didn’t want to wait for you, so he left first.”
“Hmm?” Huaiyu raised an eyebrow. “Where did he go?”
“The master didn’t say.” Cheng Xu gestured towards the teahouse nearby as he spoke.
Huaiyu nodded in understanding, giving him an appreciative glance as she handed him the rice paper. She lifted her skirt and made her way into the teahouse without sparing a glance at the crowded first floor, heading straight for the most secluded private room.
Jiang Xuanjin held a teacup, hearing the commotion at the door. He glanced back at her with a cold, distant look.
Huaiyu smiled as she sat down beside him, taking his hand and sipping from his teacup. Then, with a mysterious tone, she said, “Guess what I just heard?”
No coaxing or asking why he left; she just jumped into this. Jiang Xuanjin didn’t want to give any reaction, keeping a stern silence.
Undeterred, she continued, “I heard that this year’s academic officer is once again Mr. Liang! I didn’t even know who this Mr. Liang was, but the shop assistant who sold me the paper got excited at the mention of him, and it seems many students around also have some complaints about him.”
“Liang Sixian?” Jiang Xuanjin was taken aback, blurting out the name involuntarily.
Huaiyu looked curious. “Do you know him?”
Of course, as an academic officer with a salary of a thousand stones a year, how could he not? But when it came to this person, Jiang Xuanjin was somewhat intrigued. “Why would there be complaints about him?”
“I’m not sure. I overheard some gossip while shopping. It seemed to be about unfairness and misleading students,” Huaiyu shrugged nonchalantly. “Perhaps just some casual complaints.”
In every year’s selection of officials, there were bound to be disgruntled individuals who felt they were unjustly overlooked. Criticizing the academic officers was quite common. Jiang Xuanjin didn’t dwell on it, simply placing the teacup in front of her. “My tea.”
She had drunk it all, not even leaving a leaf.
Huaiyu grinned mischievously. “Too much strong tea isn’t good for you. Shall I make you a weaker one?”
Jiang Xuanjin was about to say that the entire pot was strong and making it weaker would require a new brew. But before he could, she leaned over, the soft fabric of her clothing enveloping him. Tilting her head up, she pressed her lips against the corner of his mouth.
“How about now? Is it much weaker like this?” She licked her lips with a teasing grin.
The man before her was slightly tilted back by her, a glint passing through his ink-black eyes, but he said, not quite pleased, “No.”
No change yet? Provoked by this, Huaiyu pouted and immediately grabbed his head, pulling him into a deep kiss.
The faint aroma of tea instantly filled their lips and teeth.
Cheng Xu and Lingxiu followed behind, about to enter the room, when they saw the two inside embracing and kissing passionately. Lord Ziyang leaned back on the bench, half-closing his eyes as he gazed at the person before him. His eyes seemed to hold the first rays of dawn, shining brilliantly.
Both at the doorway were taken aback.
Huaiyu, with her eyes closed, couldn’t see this. With a playful attitude, she kissed him until satisfied, and when she sensed he wasn’t angry anymore, she let go and reached out to him with a smile. “Let’s go home!”
His gaze softened, and Jiang Xuanjin put his hand back into hers. “Alright, let’s go home,” he said.
In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the selection of officials. Huaiyu accompanied Jiang Xuanjin to see off Jiang Shen. They found him standing at the door, yawning, looking quite tired.
“Are you planning to sleep on the field?” Jiang Xuanjin asked expressionlessly.
Jiang Shen raised his eyelids and glanced at him. “That’s not a bad idea.”
“How can that be?” Huaiyu shook her head, handing him a talisman-like charm. “This is for Second Brother. May it bless you with overflowing inspiration today!”
Jiang Shen raised an eyebrow, took it, and glanced sideways at his younger brother’s face. He immediately grinned, “Sister is thoughtful. Such attention to detail. Second Brother will wear this charm well.”
As he spoke, Jiang Shen took a couple of light sniffs and exclaimed, “This fragrance of incense is truly refreshing. I should sniff it more often!”
Huaiyu didn’t pay attention to anything else, just watched Jiang Shen’s actions with satisfaction. “As long as Second Brother likes it.”
Jiang Xuanjin remained silent until Jiang Shen left. Then he turned to Huaiyu and asked, “When did you get that charm for him?”
“Yesterday, when you were attending court, I went to the temple,” Huaiyu replied.
How thoughtful. Jiang Xuanjin withdrew his gaze coldly and turned to leave. Huaiyu caught up with him, smiling as she held his hand and handed him another charm. “This is for you. It’s much thicker than Second Brother’s. It’s a safety charm.”
“Who cares?” he scoffed.
However, two days later, Lord Ziyang stood in the study, and the ornament at his waist was replaced by a thick safety charm.
Li Huaiyu was listening to the academic officer’s report on the summary of the selection of officials. As she nodded along, her gaze inadvertently swept to the lower right corner. She saw Jiang Xuanjin lightly fingering the safety charm, lost in thought. The soft glow around him completely softened his usual seriousness.
With a slight shift in his thoughts, he called out, “Your Highness?”
Lord Ziyang snapped out of his reverie, his fingers suddenly releasing the charm.
Liang Sixian, who was standing nearby, smiled and remarked, “Your Highness seems quite pleased, doesn’t he?”
“Hmm?” Jiang Xuanjin was slightly puzzled. “Why would I be pleased?”
Liang Sixian was taken aback for a moment, then he bowed and said, “Your Highness, isn’t it a cause for joy that your second son has taken the lead in today’s selection of officials?”
Jiang Shen had taken the lead? Jiang Xuanjin paused. He hadn’t heard that earlier, but now that he did, a smile indeed crept onto his face. “Indeed, that is cause for joy.”
Liang Sixian breathed a sigh of relief, and Li Huailin added, “Young Master Jiang should have entered officialdom long ago. This time, it’s well-deserved.”
Jiang Xuanjin nodded in gratitude, composed his thoughts, and upon returning home, shared the good news with his family. The whole household erupted in joy, cheering and celebrating as they ushered Jiang Shen out.
However, Jiang Shen didn’t share their happiness. Frowning, he looked at Jiang Xuanjin and asked, “Are you sure you didn’t mishear?”
“No mistake,” Jiang Xuanjin replied. “Mr. Liang himself said it in front of His Majesty.”
Li Huaiyu, smiling amidst the crowd, watched as Jiang Shen’s expression darkened gradually. Then he spoke up, “That’s impossible.”
“Why?” Everyone was puzzled.
Taking a deep breath, Jiang Shen clenched his fist. “I didn’t write a single word. My seal hasn’t even been used. How could I have taken the lead?”
As soon as these words were spoken, the main hall fell silent.
Jiang Yan whispered, “Second Uncle, you can’t say such things lightly.”
“Why would I fabricate something like this?” Jiang Shen was slightly annoyed. “But it’s true, I didn’t write a single word. I felt sleepy as soon as I got on stage. I fell asleep straight through to the end!”
The patriarch slammed his cane onto the ground upon hearing this. “Nonsense!”
“Father, it’s not my fault,” Jiang Shen said helplessly. “I don’t know what happened either. I felt incredibly sleepy, intending to rest for a moment before answering the questions. But before I knew it, I had fallen asleep and didn’t wake up until others nudged me after the exam was over.”
Jiang Xuanjin frowned slightly. “It doesn’t make sense for Mr. Liang to say such things in front of His Majesty.”
“But he did say them,” Jiang Shen insisted. “We can’t admit to this. If we do, it’ll be seen as cheating on my part. You have to go to the palace and clarify this for me.”
How could something like this be clarified? Jiang Xuanjin pondered for a moment before looking up and saying, “I’ll investigate first.”
Seeing him stride out, Huaiyu immediately followed.
“You’re leaving again?” She trailed behind him, sounding miserable. “Can you take me with you?”
He turned around, frowning at her. “How does that look proper?”
“I’ll change into suitable clothes and follow you!” She swiftly removed her outer robe.
“You…” Jiang Xuanjin was about to rebuke her, but he saw that she had worn Lingxiu’s dress under her robe. She removed a few hairpins and wrapped them in her outer robe, instantly transforming into a young maid.
Jiang Xuanjin frowned. “You had this planned from the beginning?”
“Yes!” Huaiyu admitted openly, then took his hand. “I wait for you in the courtyard every day, it’s too painful. Let me follow you. I can do anything, like serving tea and pouring water!”
Seeing his potential objection, she immediately deflated, wrinkling her nose and shaking his hand. “Take me with you. I promise I won’t be a hindrance!”
With this demeanor, it seemed that if he uttered a single “no,” she would burst into tears.
Jiang Xuanjin shook his head, not wanting to waste too much time. He handed her clothes to Cheng Xu and then pulled her along as he walked out.
Huaiyu instantly brightened up, walking alongside him. “I knew you couldn’t bear to leave me! Don’t worry, I… I’ll serve you well!”
She even learned to act like a proper maid. Jiang Xuanjin snorted lightly as he helped her onto the carriage, asking coldly, “As a maid, what should I call you?”
Without hesitation, Huaiyu replied, “Yuer!”
Jiang Xuanjin was puzzled. “Why this name? It has no relation to your actual name.”
With a complicated expression, Li Huaiyu looked at him and said, “Among the characters ‘Bai Zhujie,’ which one do you think is appropriate to pick?”
After a moment of thought, Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips. “Then let it be Yuer.”
The two of them went to the Ministry of Rites together. Jiang Xuanjin explained that he wanted to review the examination papers for the imperial exams, thinking it shouldn’t be a big deal. However, the officials at the Ministry of Rites showed discomfort upon hearing his request.
“Well… after the imperial exams, the papers are destroyed,” one of them said with a furrowed brow.
Jiang Xuanjin frowned upon hearing this. “The papers for the top three candidates should be presented to His Majesty after the exam.”
Realizing they couldn’t deceive him, the officials invited him into the hall for tea and quickly informed the examiners. When Liang Sixian arrived, he greeted Jiang Xuanjin with a smile and promptly had Jiang Shen’s paper brought over.
“Is this what His Majesty wishes to see? The second young master’s essay is truly outstanding, worthy of praise!” Liang Sixian remarked.
Jiang Xuanjin took the scroll and glanced at it, then checked the seal at the end. “May I borrow the papers from the top three candidates for a review?”
“That would be against protocol,” Liang Sixian said solemnly. “Although Your Majesty holds high authority, these papers are typically reviewed by civil and academic officials before being presented to His Majesty. If Your Majesty has any inquiries, I’m at your service.”
“If that’s the case, I’ll take my leave,” Jiang Xuanjin said, folding the paper.
“Your Majesty!” Liang Sixian hurriedly stood up, a hint of panic in his voice. “Have I done something wrong? Is there anything inappropriate about the second young master being the top candidate?”
“If it was indeed his work, then there would be no issue.”
However, the handwriting on the paper wasn’t Jiang Shen’s, yet it bore his seal. What were the examiners thinking? Liang Sixian panicked, wanting to retrieve the paper from Jiang Xuanjin, but Jiang Xuanjin showed no intention of returning it. He stood up and walked out.
No one could stop him.
Liang Sixian panicked and quickly ordered someone to follow them. Jiang Xuanjin moved swiftly, opting not to take the carriage. Instead, he pulled the obedient little maid behind him and ducked into a narrow alley.
Hearing the footsteps behind them, Huaiyu frowned. “There’s no way out ahead.”
“Who told you that?” Jiang Xuanjin strode forward without hesitation.
Finding it amusing, Huaiyu pointed ahead. “Look for yourself, such a high wall!”
Jiang Xuanjin snorted, took a few large strides to the wall, and with one hand on her waist, he half-lifted her. With a powerful leap, his other hand grabbed the top of the wall. Veins bulging on the back of his hand, he used his strength to pull them both over.
Huaiyu was stunned, and before she could react, he had already set her down steadily on the ground.
“You… you’re so strong?” she asked in shock.
Jiang Xuanjin gave her a sideways glance and continued to pull her along. “What’s so strange about that?”
“No, I mean, with your strength…” Huaiyu swallowed, curious. “How could I ever pin you down before?”
Jiang Xuanjin: “…”
He cleared his throat and handed her the scroll he was holding. “Never mind that. Just keep this safe.”
“Oh.” Huaiyu took it absentmindedly and glanced at it. Suddenly, she exclaimed, “Hey, this handwriting looks familiar!”
Jiang Xuanjin paused in his steps. “Familiar?”
“Yes, look at this ‘de’ character. The way it’s written is very distinctive. I’ve seen it before in the Wen Yuan (Academy), and I even complimented it at the time. How come it’s written the same way here?”
He followed her pointing a finger to examine the character. His expression changed subtly. “Let’s go to the Wen Yuan.”
The Wen Yuan was close to the Chawen Yuan (Examination Hall). They quickly lost their tail and walked over directly. As soon as they entered, Huaiyu pulled him over and pointed to a piece of calligraphy hanging on the wall. “Look, isn’t this similar?”
The calligraphy, freshly hung, displayed the phrase “The Arrow’s Target.” The last character, ‘de’, was written in the same distinctive manner as the one on the scroll.
Jiang Xuanjin bent down to examine the signature. His heart skipped a beat when he recognized the name.
“What’s wrong?” Li Huaiyu peeked over with an innocent expression. “Bai Ai? Hey, he has the same surname as me!”
“This person,” Jiang Xuanjin’s expression turned complex, “don’t you remember?”
Huaiyu shook her head. “I’ve never heard of him. Why should I remember?”
…Indeed, they had only seen each other twice, once in the main hall and once at the wedding banquet, and had never spoken a word, not even knowing each other’s names.
Jiang Xuanjin took the calligraphy down. “This person will be difficult to find. We’ll need to go to the Lu Residence.”
“Go to the Lu Residence?” Huaiyu clapped her hands in excitement. “I know the way!”
Jiang Xuanjin cast a cold glance at her.
Li Huaiyu immediately straightened her expression, saying seriously, “After all, the Bai family is also over there.”
After exchanging a few words with the shopkeeper, Jiang Xuanjin bought the calligraphy and painting, rolled them up, and walked out without acknowledging her. Huaiyu hurried to catch up, smiling apologetically all the way.
When they arrived at the Lu residence, Lu Jingxing personally came out to greet them, looking at Jiang Xuanjin with surprise, “What a rare guest.”
“Where is Bai Ai?” Jiang Xuanjin didn’t even bother to step inside and asked directly.
Lu Jingxing, shaking his fan, smiled, “Why are you suddenly asking about him? He likes to wander around, so I don’t know at the moment…”
“I have urgent business with him,” Jiang Xuanjin interrupted his evasion, raising his eyes, “It’s a matter of great importance.”
Lu Jingxing wanted to say, “What does your urgent business have to do with me?” but then he noticed the young girl behind Jiang Xuanjin.
“And who is this?” Closing his fan, he frowned, “How long have you been married, and already bringing a maid with you?”
“What business is it of yours?”
Lu Jingxing’s face darkened, “Does Zhuji know?”
Jiang Xuanjin paused, glanced back at the person hiding behind him, and suddenly smiled, “What if she knows? And what if she doesn’t?”
Lu Jingxing stepped down the stairs, his sharp eyes fixed on Jiang Xuanjin, his tone hostile, “If she knows and still indulges you, I’ll trouble her. If she doesn’t know and you’re hiding it from her, then I’ll trouble you.”
As he spoke, he was already standing in front of him, exuding a fierce aura.
Jiang Xuanjin stared at him for a while and said, “Just a maid, is it that serious?”
“Everyone knows that Lord Ziyang never had maids around him before. Now suddenly bringing one, what kind of maid could she be?”
Understanding dawned on him, Jiang Xuanjin stepped aside slightly and turned to the person behind him, “What kind of maid are you?”
Li Huaiyu, adhering to the principle of “when immortals fight, mortals stay away,” intended to play dead throughout. She hadn’t expected the person in front of her to suddenly step aside, and as the light brightened, she saw Lu Jingxing in his soft silver and snow silk robe.
With a dry laugh, she looked up to meet his astonished gaze, seriously thought for a moment, and then tentatively answered, “A… a bedroom maid?”