“……”
Lu Jingxing stared at her for a long time, so furious that he almost wanted to smack her on the forehead with his fan. “How is it you!”
Huaiju looked innocent. “Isn’t it just right that it’s me? You don’t have to find trouble with me, nor with him…”
“Then why didn’t you say anything just now?” he gritted his teeth. “Were you just waiting to see me make a fool of myself?”
“No, no.” Huaiju waved her hands. “I’m just fulfilling the duties of a maid. Since the Lord is speaking with you, it wouldn’t be proper for me to interrupt!”
Proper? When has Li Huaiju ever cared about propriety? If you reversed the characters in Lu Jingxing’s name, it would be more fitting!
Fanning himself angrily for a while, Lu Jingxing finally asked, “What do you need Bai Ai for? He’s been busy lately.”
Jiang Xuanjin replied, “The selection has passed; what else could he be busy with?”
“Even after the selection, there’s still work to do… How do you know he went to the selection?” Lu Jingxing was taken aback, looking at him with surprise. Then his expression turned a bit flustered, his eyes darting around. “Although Bai Ai was once a favored concubine in Feiyun Palace, he has no clear crimes and is not wanted by the court. He should be eligible to participate in the selection.”
His rapid change of expression was smooth and natural, and his concern was genuine, making Huaiju secretly give him a thumbs up.
Jiang Xuanjin said slowly, “I’m not here to accuse him.”
If he were truly here to accuse, he wouldn’t have brought a “maid” along to visit the Lu residence.
Lu Jingxing hesitated for a moment, fanning himself as he thought for a long time before finally saying, “Please, come inside.”
Jiang Xuanjin nodded and stepped inside, casually glancing sideways to see that Huaiju looked as if she had been there a thousand times before.
Noticing his gaze, Huaiju turned her head. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” He returned his gaze to the front, his expression impassive as he entered the flower hall.
Bai Ai arrived shortly, standing in the flower hall and looking at Jiang Xuanjin with a guarded expression. “What does the Lord want with me?”
“Was your participation in the selection smooth?”
Why is he suddenly asking this? Bai Ai looked confused, then frowned. “The questions weren’t difficult; I should have done reasonably well, but… I can’t remember if I stamped my seal.”
Huaiju stood quietly beside them, catching a glimpse of Jiang Xuanjin’s expression shifting slightly as he reached out his hand. “Give it to me.”
She quickly handed over the scroll from her sleeve.
“Is this what you wrote?”
After taking it and examining it closely, Bai Ai said, “Yes, this is indeed my writing…”
“Is it your writing?” Huaiju exclaimed in surprise. “But this seal belongs to Jiang Er Gongzi!”
Upon hearing this, Bai Ai quickly flipped to the end of the scroll. When he saw the seal, he frowned. “What’s going on? How could this happen?”
Jiang Xuanjin’s expression grew serious. “Why did you forget to stamp your seal after answering?”
“I was in a rush at the time. I hurried to finish writing and didn’t remember whether I stamped it or not.” Bai Ai looked sincere. “But this scroll is truly my work; how could it have become Jiang Er Gongzi’s? We didn’t even take the exam in the same courtyard.”
There is a distinction between the humble and the noble. Humble students, without family backgrounds, simply pay a fee to take the exam in a large mixed courtyard. In contrast, noble students have their names submitted to the Emperor for review before the exam, and they take the exam in the Academy of Literature. The two places are worlds apart.
Jiang Xuanjin said, “The scrolls are collected and reviewed in the Academy of Literature.”
This meant that the two sets of scrolls could get mixed up during the review.
“But it shouldn’t be that my scroll was stamped with someone else’s seal!” Bai Ai said, somewhat angrily. “If you hadn’t brought this up, I would have remained in the dark.”
Indeed, if Jiang Shen hadn’t mentioned it, no one would have known that this scroll was written by Bai Ai. Once the results were announced, what should have been Bai Ai’s top score would have silently turned into Jiang Shen’s.
“That’s quite a coincidence,” Huaiju murmured. “Not only was the scroll mixed up, but it was also stamped with someone else’s seal.”
“Coincidence?” Lu Jingxing snorted. “It’s clear that someone did this on purpose, taking advantage of humble students who don’t know the ropes, using good scrolls to curry favor with noble families. This isn’t the first time it’s happened.”
Jiang Xuanjin asked, “Has it happened before?”
“Don’t you know?” Lu Jingxing scoffed. “What kind of person was the top scorer from the Zhang family two years ago? A spoiled rich kid with no knowledge, yet he wrote such beautiful essays and received praise from the court? Do you think he wrote that himself?”
“That’s just your speculation.” Jiang Xuanjin looked at him. “Do you have any evidence?”
“If there were evidence, would Liang Sixian have been able to live freely for so many years?” Lu Jingxing shook his head. “These are things everyone knows but can’t speak of openly. After all, the scrolls are in the hands of those in the Academy of Literature, and no one can see them.”
That was indeed true; even Ziyang Jun couldn’t see the complete top three scrolls.
Bai Ai said indignantly, “What can I do now? Go to the yamen and beat the drum to complain?”
“Don’t.” Huaiju shook her head. “If you complain, people will think the one who swapped your scroll is Jiang Er Gongzi, but he’s not; he’s even angrier than you!”
Having blissfully slept, thinking he had finally escaped the selection, Jiang Shen would surely want to beat the drum to complain as well.
Jiang Xuanjin stood up and slightly nodded to Bai Ai. “This matter, I will give you an explanation. Please bear with it for a couple of days.”
“Alright.” Bai Ai cupped his hands. “I will await the Lord’s good news.”
Everything seemed to be going smoothly, and Huaiju let out a sigh of relief as she looked at Jiang Xuanjin’s profile.
As they left the Lu residence, Jiang Xuanjin kept his eyes half-lowered, looking somewhat troubled.
Huaiju hooked his arm and softly asked, “What are you thinking about?”
“About Liang Sixian,” Jiang Xuanjin said. “He is exceptionally talented and knowledgeable; it’s hard to believe he would engage in corrupt practices.”
Chuckling lightly, Huaiju replied, “Your second brother is also exceptionally talented and knowledgeable. When he writes poems about longing, they are as deep as the sea, loyal and steadfast. But do you think he is a devoted person?”
This comparison was too vivid, and Jiang Xuanjin was persuaded. “It seems a thorough investigation is necessary.”
“Thank you for your hard work.” Huaiju reached out to massage his arm, lowering her gaze to hide a hint of guilt in her eyes.
Jiang Xuanjin didn’t look at her, softly murmuring, “This Liang Daren has had quite a few conflicts with Danyang in the past.”
“Why does everyone have conflicts with Danyang?” Li Huaiju said casually. “Did she do many wrong things and incur public wrath?”
Wrong things? Indeed, she had done many, but some things that were once considered wrong now seemed to have their reasoning. However, her reasoning was not accepted by the law, and would ultimately be shackled.
Recalling the brilliant figure of Feiyun Palace, Jiang Xuanjin frowned, suddenly feeling a bit heavy-hearted.
“Don’t think about her!” Huaiju laughed, pulling him forward. “Let’s hurry back to find your second brother. If this drags on, who knows what complications might arise?”
The results were about to be announced, and Jiang Xuanjin came back to his senses, not daring to delay any longer. Upon returning to the Jiang residence, he had Jiang Shen look for the seal, but it was nowhere to be found. He then sent Cheng Xu to investigate the Academy of Literature at night.
As it turned out, the seal was indeed found, sitting on Liang Sixian’s desk at the Academy of Literature.
The next day, Jiang Xuanjin brought Jiang Shen to the Emperor, reporting the situation and earnestly requesting a thorough investigation.
Li Huaiju, dressed in maid’s clothing, followed Jiang Xuanjin to the Academy of Literature, where she saw rice paper scattered everywhere. Liang Sixian was being held, looking quite disheveled as he shouted toward them, “Your Highness, I am wronged!”
Seeing his blood-curdling expression, Jiang Xuanjin felt a twinge of sympathy, even wondering if these people were being too rough. How could they treat an academic official like this without verifying the facts?
However, when Xu Yan began to question the students of the capital, looking at the crowd kneeling and crying out in grievance, claiming their scrolls, Jiang Xuanjin’s expression darkened.
Not only Jiang Shen and Bai Ai, but during this selection, three scrolls from humble families had been swapped, and the scrolls that had been stamped were even altered to bear someone else’s name.
Li Huaiju was taken aback. “This is truly a case of covering the sky with one hand!”
Jiang Xuanjin was in a bad mood and turned to her, asking, “Am I too trusting of others?”
Huaiju was startled, blinking as she asked, “Why do you say that?”
Feeling somewhat fatigued, he wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her head. Jiang Xuanjin sighed, “Li Feng is like this, and so is Liang Sixian. I used to think they were good people, but it turns out they hide such dirty secrets behind their backs.”
Patting his hand that was resting on her waist, Huaiju said, “The human heart is inscrutable; you can’t judge a person solely by their appearance. Some people pretend to be virtuous but are treacherous. And some… may seem utterly wicked, but they might be genuinely devoted to the country.”
Pausing, she smiled again. “Of course, someone like me, who is consistent inside and out, when I say I like you, I do. I like you on the surface and in my heart!”
With a low grunt, Jiang Xuanjin picked her up into the carriage, his expression still dim, looking quite unhappy.
So Li Huaiju tried various ways to cheer him up. “We don’t have to rush back to the residence; let’s have the driver take a detour?”
He gently rubbed her waist, and he lowly replied, “Mm,” as he pulled her onto his lap, half-closing his eyes to look at her. His long eyelashes fluttered gently, and his dark, deep eyes were hidden beneath, looking profound and captivating.
Huaiju couldn’t help herself and planted a kiss on his eye.
Jiang Xuanjin was a bit annoyed. “What are you doing?”
With a mischievous smile, Huaiju said, “Isn’t it obvious? Let me do it again!”
As she spoke, she tugged at his collar and kissed his cheek.
The carriage moved slowly, swaying back and forth, with the sounds of passing townsfolk outside. Jiang Xuanjin felt this was quite audacious, but the person in his arms didn’t care. Not only was she kissing him, but her hand also wandered to his back, tracing his spine teasingly.
“If you move again, I’ll throw you out!” he threatened, his voice harsh but lacking conviction.
Huaiju raised an eyebrow, her eyes full of mischief. “If you dare throw me out, I’ll shout ‘Ziyang Jun is being inappropriate!’”
Jiang Xuanjin stiffened, immediately wanting to push her aside.
“If you dare push me away, I’ll shout ‘inappropriate’ too.” Huaiju smiled triumphantly, saying as she reached for his belt.
“You…” Realizing what she intended, he was somewhat shocked. This was still in the street, and through the swaying curtain, one could vaguely see the figures outside. But the person in his arms seemed fearless, loosening his outer robe and pressing against his inner garment, her warm breath brushing against his throat.
“Bai Zhuji.” He gritted his teeth, speaking seriously, “You can’t act recklessly here!”
Initially, he only intended to tease her, but upon hearing this, Huaiju was displeased and looked up. “Do you know that some people are born rebellious? The more you try to stop them, the more they want to do it.”
As she spoke, she lightly bit his chin, declaring arrogantly, “I’m that kind of person!”
Jiang Xuanjin was furious, wanting to push her away, but this person was truly shameless. She turned her head and shouted, “Ziyang…”
The townsfolk nearby immediately turned their curious gazes toward the carriage.
With his face flushed, Jiang Xuanjin hurriedly covered her mouth and pulled her back into his embrace, allowing her to continue taking advantage of him.
“Just don’t make a sound.” She grinned mischievously, reaching into his inner garment, feeling his firm, flat abdomen as if counting the muscle fibers, going back and forth without stopping.
“Don’t go too far.” His voice was hoarse, whispering angrily in her ear.
Recalling that night, Huaiju felt a surge of anger. “Who’s being more excessive? I begged you so much back then, and you didn’t spare me either!”
How shameless… Could it be the same here as it was in the room? Jiang Xuanjin’s body tensed, feeling her fingertips’ warmth, and glancing at the swaying curtain, he felt as if he was about to ignite.
Huaiju was delighted, lowering her head to peck at him, her hand shamelessly continuing its exploration.
While the driver was driving, Cheng Xu suddenly heard a muffled groan from inside the carriage.
“Master?” he quickly asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Ah, nothing. Your master bumped his head.” The voice of the Madam came from behind the curtain. “Continue driving, head toward the outskirts.”
The outskirts? Cheng Xu was puzzled but obediently complied.
Huaiju turned back, looking at the person who was biting her shoulder, and teasingly whispered in his ear, “You need to be careful; Cheng Xu has sharp ears, so don’t let him notice.”
As she spoke, her teasing actions didn’t stop, and they even became bolder.
Jiang Xuanjin’s gaze was already murderous, his hands gripping her waist tightly, and he let out a low breath, leaning his head against the carriage wall, his usually cold face flushed with color, his eyes filled with anger and struggle.
Such beauty…
Li Huaiju swallowed hard, thinking that if Jiang Xuanjin hadn’t been favored by the late Emperor and made Ziyang Jun first, she would have surely snatched him back to Feiyun Palace as a concubine when she first met him.
What a pity that Jiang Xuanjin had no good feelings for Danyang; only Bai Zhuji could tease him.
“Jiang Jian~” She breathed hotly in his ear, calling him while teasing his body, her mischievous smile resembling a bandit coming down from the mountains.
Jiang Xuanjin was utterly defenseless against her teasing, feeling uncomfortable, and couldn’t help but bite her shoulder again, letting out a low hum.
The azure brocade robe was in disarray, tangled with the light orange maid’s clothing, creating a somewhat pleasing sight.
The hour was already late. By the time the carriage swayed to the outskirts, the moon had risen. As the carriage came to a stop, Li Huaiju lifted the curtain and poked her head out, saying to Cheng Xu, “Go find some spring water; your master is thirsty.”
“Yes.” Without suspicion, Cheng Xu obediently left.
Huaiju smiled and turned back, gently stroking Jiang Xuanjin’s back, softly coaxing him, “There’s no one around now, so don’t be angry.”
With his face still flushed, Jiang Xuanjin glared at her. “You…”
“I’m audacious, ignorant of propriety, and reckless!” Huaiju candidly acknowledged her faults, then reached out to adjust his outer robe. “But you’re in a better mood now.”
Jiang Xuanjin was taken aback, frowning at her.
So, teasing him was because he was in a bad mood earlier? Jiang Xuanjin laughed coldly. “Do you think I’ll believe you just because you say that?”
“It doesn’t matter if you believe it or not!” She pouted, looking like a rogue.
Jiang Xuanjin: “…”
Cheng Xu returned, respectfully handing over the water jug. “Master.”
Lifting the curtain, Jiang Xuanjin held the water jug in one hand and Li Huaiju in the other, pulling her to the roadside. “Extend your hand.”
Huaiju obediently complied, washing her hands with the water he poured out, murmuring, “You have a cleanliness obsession, even managing me?”
“Mm?”
“It’s necessary; it is!” Huaiju earnestly scrubbed her hands.
Cheng Xu, watching from behind, looked bewildered. Didn’t he say he was thirsty?
The moonlight in the outskirts was enchanting. Li Huaiju lazily leaned against Jiang Xuanjin, yawning as she said, “I don’t want to go back; it would be nice to rest here.”
He glanced at her and shook his head. “That’s impossible.”
This place was full of grass and trees; it was not suitable for habitation.
“I know it’s impossible; I’m just saying it casually. The carriage is too stuffy.” After mumbling a few words, Huaiju moved to climb onto the carriage shaft.
However, as soon as she stood up, her hand was pulled back.
Jiang Xuanjin stood beside the carriage shaft, tugging her hand and flipping her over, carrying her on his back.
Li Huaiju: “?!”
“I also feel a bit stuffy,” he said coldly.
Huaiju was stunned for a moment, then quickly relaxed, feeling quite at ease as she draped her arms over his shoulders, swaying gently with his steps.
“You’re really cute,” she smiled.
Jiang Xuanjin looked ahead with an impassive expression. “What words should a man use to be praised? I’ll teach you properly when we return.”
“Don’t teach me; even if you do, I still think you’re cute.” She laughed even more joyfully. “If I’m good to you once, you have to be good to me once; you won’t let me owe you anything, will you?”
He didn’t respond, gripping her knee with one hand, his back straight.
This position was quite uncomfortable for the person on his back, but Li Huaiju was overjoyed, swaying her head and gazing at the moon above, inhaling the fragrance of the incense on him.
“If you’re tired of carrying me, just put me down. Cheng Xu is driving behind us.”
“Mm.”
He responded but didn’t act. Jiang Xuanjin continued walking slowly, truly making his way back. By the time they reached the Jiang residence, the person on his back had already fallen asleep. He looked at the plaque of the Jiang residence from a distance, curling his lips into a smile, his dark pupils filled with the moonlight shining down on them.
Cheng Xu, watching from behind, was at a loss for words.
Liang Sixian was detained for questioning, and the corruption in the selection gradually came to light, causing an uproar among the common people and even more chaos in the court. The Emperor ordered a thorough investigation of the Academy of Literature, and it seemed that the capital was lively once again.
Jiang Xuanjin hadn’t attended court for two days, sitting in his study calmly copying Buddhist scriptures. Any official who came to visit was kept outside.
Huaiju, cracking sunflower seeds, curiously asked him, “Aren’t you afraid of missing any important matters by not seeing anyone?”
Jiang Xuanjin replied without looking up, “Those who come to visit at this juncture surely do not wish to discuss right and wrong but rather party balance. It’s better not to see them.”
He saw through it. Huaiju smiled, thinking that someone who could navigate the court for eight years without getting involved in party struggles and still stand firm was probably only him.
Just as she was thinking, Cheng Xu rushed in with a panicked expression. “Master, there’s a distinguished guest!”
Jiang Xuanjin frowned. “Didn’t I say not to see anyone?”
“But this person… cannot be ignored!” Cheng Xu shook his head repeatedly.
Jiang Xuanjin paused. He put down his brush and looked outside, seeing a person dressed in dark yellow official robes standing outside, accompanied by only one guard.
His expression changed slightly as he stepped forward to welcome the person inside.
“What are you up to now?”
Li Huairen looked at him with a troubled expression, helplessly saying, “I truly can’t make a decision, and since you’re not entering the palace, they won’t let me ask you for your opinion on everything. So, I had no choice but to come find you.”
Li Huaiju immediately stood up from the soft couch.
Noticing her, Li Huairen smiled slightly. “Madam is also here?”
“Greetings to Your Majesty.” Huaiju’s expression turned serious as she glanced at the person beside him, unable to help but say, “It’s truly dangerous for you to be out like this.”
“Don’t blame me for not valuing my life.” Li Huairen smiled bitterly. “But if I want to bring a team of guards with me, I have to report to the Zongzheng first and wait for them to discuss the route and the carriage… I thought it would be easier this way.”
Easier it may be, but it’s hard to ensure safety! Li Huaiju’s expression darkened. Her brother had been too well protected by her; did he think the Emperor could just wander around the streets? Many wanted his life; if someone saw him, wouldn’t they pounce on him like hungry wolves on sheep?
Her heart sank, and Huaiju looked around, quietly instructing Cheng Xu and Yu Feng, “Prepare to escort His Majesty back to the palace later.”
Before Jiang Xuanjin could speak, she had already taken the lead, glancing at him sideways, signaling Cheng Xu and Yu Feng to comply.
Li Huairen looked around, seeing nothing amiss, and couldn’t help but say, “Your Highness seems too tense; nothing has happened on my way here.”
Huaiju wanted to scold him, but her identity prevented her from doing so. Fortunately, Jiang Xuanjin shared her thoughts and immediately reprimanded him, “As the ruler of the nation, how can you be so careless?”
“……Please calm down, Your Highness.” Li Huairen scolded, forgot he was the Emperor, and lowered his head, feeling guilty. “I will certainly be more careful in the future.”
Jiang Xuanjin frowned at him. “What exactly is the reason for your visit?”
Recalling the main issue, Li Huairen raised his head. “Regarding the academic official Liang Daren, I believe Xu Yan is correct. Since it has been discovered that he engaged in corrupt practices and abused his power, he should be severely punished and sent to the frontier. However, Liu Tingwei said there are still some suspicious aspects to this matter, urging me to think twice. Liu Daren has always been fair, and hearing him say this has left me uncertain.”
Jiang Xuanjin said, “If you believe Xu Yan is correct, then why heed Liu Yunlie’s words?”
“But he…”
“How Liu Yunlie behaves has nothing to do with the case at the Academy of Literature.”
“Doesn’t.”
“Since it doesn’t, and he hasn’t provided evidence to refute Xu Yan’s findings, why are you still uncertain?” Jiang Xuanjin was displeased. “And you even risked leaving the palace?”
Li Huairen felt a bit anxious under the fierce gaze, completely losing the imposing demeanor he had in court, lowering his head pitifully. Seeing this, Huaiju felt a bit sorry for him. She poured tea and placed it beside Jiang Xuanjin, interrupting his anger.
Glancing at her, Jiang Xuanjin coldly said to Li Huairen, “I will escort you back to the palace.”
Coming out this time was just to get scolded; Li Huaiju felt both amused and exasperated as she followed behind, secretly watching her younger brother, noticing that he seemed to have grown quite a bit taller.
He used to be only half a head taller than her, but now she could barely reach his shoulder.
She felt an indescribable sentiment in her heart.
“What are you looking at?” the person beside her asked softly.
Li Huaiju honestly replied, “Looking at the Emperor.”
It wasn’t his illusion; this person truly had a good impression of the Emperor. Jiang Xuanjin’s eyes darkened as he coldly said, “I’ll escort him; you don’t need to go.”
“No, I need to go too!” Huaiju nervously grasped his hand, earnestly saying, “The more people, the more help! I know a few basic moves, you know?”
The person in front of her looked displeased. “The capital is chaotic lately; if you encounter any danger, you’ll only be a hindrance.”
Huaiju’s face fell, unwilling to accept this, glancing at Li Huairen ahead.
Jiang Xuanjin led the way out of the Mo Residence, directly closing the door behind him with a loud bang, slightly filled with anger.
“Your Majesty?” Li Huairen looked back at him curiously, “What’s wrong?”
Walking up to him, Jiang Xuanjin shook his head, signaling Cheng Xu and Yu Feng to scout ahead, then casually handed the Emperor a cloak.
Li Huairen resignedly put it on, turning back to see that the Madam was no longer there, and he realized, “You’re worried about the Madam’s safety, so you won’t let her go?”
“I just fear she’ll cause trouble.”
“Recently, I’ve often heard people mention the Lord’s Madam.” Li Huairen smiled. “All the officials in the court say that this Madam and the Lord have a very good relationship.”
Is it good? Jiang Xuanjin thought coldly. They usually had a good relationship because this person constantly professed her love for him, and her gaze toward him truly seemed genuine.
But just now, he noticed that her gaze toward the Emperor was also like that—bright and gentle, even more so than when she looked at him.
What does this mean? It’s like receiving a gift from her. He felt delighted, thinking this gift was unique. Who would have thought that one day he would find out that the gifts she gave to others were also like this, and even better than his?
How infuriating!
“Did I say anything wrong?” Sensing Jiang Xuanjin’s hostility, Li Huairen felt uneasy.
Coming back to his senses, Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze. “You didn’t say anything wrong; please, Your Majesty.”
Upon leaving the Jiang residence, they were on an official road, but this place was quiet, and they hadn’t seen a single passerby for a while. Cheng Xu and Yu Feng’s expressions were serious as Jiang Xuanjin looked up, feeling an ominous premonition.
“Walk slowly.” He said, “Yu Feng, go back and bring twenty more servants.”
“Yes.”
Li Huairen looked around, seeing nothing, and couldn’t help but say, “Is Your Highness being too paranoid? How could anything happen here…”
Before he could finish, two sharp winds “whooshed” past his ears, embedding themselves in the ground not far behind them. “Shig!” The arrows pierced half an inch into the stone, trembling violently.
His pupils constricted as Li Huairen gasped.
Jiang Xuanjin immediately stepped in front of him, raising his eyes to look in the direction the arrows had come from. His gaze was sharp. “Protect the Emperor!”
The wind swept across the official road, and the atmosphere instantly became tense. Ten hidden guards surrounded the Emperor, and the two of them charged toward the high wall from which the arrows had come.
However, before they could reach it, several more dark arrows shot in from another direction, the sound of them slicing through the air sharp enough to make one shudder.
“Retreat to the Jiang residence.” Jiang Xuanjin ordered in a deep voice.
The hidden guards quickly moved, but the assailants wouldn’t let them leave so easily. Behind them, masked figures approached silently, their swords glinting ominously.
Jiang Xuanjin’s expression grew grave. They were only half a mile from the Jiang residence; if the Emperor were to be attacked here, the entire Jiang family would likely face punishment. Judging by the assailants’ demeanor, it was clear they had come prepared. They hadn’t attacked before the Emperor reached the Jiang residence, intending to drag him down with them—killing two birds with one stone.
He absolutely couldn’t let the Emperor get hurt!
As the blades turned, the masked figures charged forward, and Jiang Xuanjin protected Li Huairen as they rushed forward.
“I was wrong.” Seeing this scene, Li Huairen gritted his teeth. “I was too careless!”
“It’s useless to say that now.” Jiang Xuanjin pulled him by the arm, barely avoiding a nearby blade. “Hurry!”
The sounds of clashing swords filled the air, and arrows occasionally whizzed by. Jiang Xuanjin glanced back and saw that suddenly, over a dozen crossbows were drawn on the high wall.
“Your Majesty!” He shouted, pulling Li Huairen closer and pushing him in front of himself.
“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—” The arrows rained down from behind.
“Master!” Cheng Xu was alarmed, rushing forward to block a few arrows for him, but it was too late. Four arrows, shrieking through the air, flew past him and struck Li Huairen’s left arm.
“Your Majesty!”
“Your Highness!”
The cries of alarm filled the air as Cheng Xu, with red eyes, kicked over a masked figure in front of him and turned to check on the two men’s injuries. However, more arrows were being shot from the wall.
Li Huaiju was squatting at the entrance, sighing, when suddenly the door to the Jiang residence was flung open. Jiang Xuanjin rushed in, covered in blood, and shouted, “Get someone!”
The servants were startled by his appearance and hurriedly stepped forward to listen to his orders. Huaiju looked up but saw nothing else except the arrow that had pierced Li Huairen’s arm.
“Huairen!” Her face turned pale as she rushed over to support him, urgently asking, “What happened?”
Jiang Xuanjin had just finished instructing the servants to go capture the assailants when he turned to hear her question, momentarily stunned.
The person in front of him rarely showed such a tense expression, her delicate brows furrowed, and her almond-shaped eyes filled with concern. She supported Li Huairen, even placing his right arm over her shoulder, fully supporting him.
“……”
He opened his mouth but didn’t have the chance to say anything when she helped Li Huairen inside.
“Where’s the doctor? Lingxiu, go fetch the doctor from the residence to the Mo Residence!”
“Miss…” Lingxiu looked at the purple-clad Ziyang Jun in shock. Her expression was somewhat panicked.
But Huaiju didn’t even glance at her, focusing entirely on the arrow in Li Huairen’s arm, seeing the wound slowly oozing blood, her tone growing more urgent. “What are you dawdling for? Hurry!”
Lingxiu quickly lifted her skirt and ran, while Huaiju helped Li Huairen into the Mo Residence, quickly finding scissors to cut away the fabric around the wound.
“Your Highness…” Li Huairen was sweating profusely from the pain, half-closing his eyes in surprise as he looked at her. “You…”
“Don’t talk for now.” Huaiju was anxious, quickly snipping the arrow tail and using a handkerchief to wipe the blood around the wound.
Her movements were gentle, and her eyes were urgent, causing Li Huairen to be stunned for a while. Almost instinctively, he called out, “Sister…”
Huaiju jolted, her hand holding the handkerchief suddenly stiffening, looking at him in disbelief.
Li Huairen didn’t recognize her; he was just in so much pain that he felt anxious and scared. When someone treated him like this, he couldn’t help but want to act spoiled. But seeing the shocked expression on her face, he smiled again. “When the Lord’s Madam is gentle, she resembles my sister.”
Feeling quite awkward, Huaiju’s eyes turned red. “Is that so?”
“Yes, my sister is fierce to everyone but very gentle with me.” He smiled brightly, revealing a hint of childishness, his gaze unfocused as he looked at her as if he were seeing someone else through her.
Her throat tightened, and Huaiju couldn’t help but reach out, wanting to touch his face.
“Miss!” Before she could make contact, a flurry of footsteps approached. Huaiju snapped back to reality, retracting her hand and turning to see Lingxiu leading the doctor inside, followed by Old Master Jiang.
The Jiang family was in an uproar, and the old master immediately bowed to plead guilty. Huaiju quickly stood aside, pulling the doctor forward.
“Please don’t bow yet.” She helped the old master up, saying, “It’s urgent to save the Emperor!”
Upon hearing the identity of the injured, the doctor couldn’t help but tremble. Huaiju pressed her hand on his shoulder, speaking in a low voice. “There’s no injury to the bone; it’s just a flesh wound. It won’t endanger his life. Just pull the arrow out for the Emperor.”
“……Yes.”
Jiang Yan stood among the crowd, frowning as he glanced at Li Huaiju several times. Seeing her focused on the Emperor, he couldn’t help but step closer, gently pulling her aside.
“What’s wrong?” Huaiju didn’t look up.
Jiang Yan was somewhat annoyed, pulling her aside firmly and frowning. “While the Emperor’s health is certainly important, your little uncle is injured more severely. How can you stay here?”
“Where is your little uncle?”
Jiang Yan glanced at her with a complicated expression, pointing to the nearby guest building.
Jiang Shen and Xu Chuniang were guarding the guest building, and the doctor was currently pulling the arrow out of Jiang Xuanjin. As soon as Huaiju entered, she saw bright red blood splattering onto the floor in front of the bed.
Gasping, she rushed over to take a look.
Jiang Xuanjin’s face was pale, and he was biting down on a piece of soft wood, his upper body bare, with dark red blood all over his skin.
“Jiang Jian.” She leaned over the bed, urgently asking, “Are you alright?”
Hearing her voice, Jiang Xuanjin slowly opened his eyes.
Huaiju was about to ask again, but when she met his gaze, she felt a chill in her heart—his dark pupils were as icy as when they first met, cold and distant, quietly looking at her as if she were a stranger.
“Let the sister-in-law step aside.” Jiang Shen said anxiously, “He still has an arrow to pull out.”
Coming back to her senses, Huaiju finally noticed that there was still half an arrow embedded in his back, not hitting any vital areas but the wound was deep.
“Third Young Master, bear with it a little.” The doctor said, gripping the arrow tail, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
Jiang Xuanjin withdrew his gaze from the people around him, indifferently closing his eyes again.
As the second arrow was pulled out, blood gushed forth, but he merely frowned slightly, his expression returning to calm.
Jiang Shen was extremely tense, assisting the doctor in applying the hemostatic medicine, repeatedly asking him, “How is it? Can you endure it?”
Li Huaiju also stepped forward, wanting to touch his hand.
“I’m fine.” Half-opening his eyes, Jiang Xuanjin pulled his hand back, avoiding her touch, and spoke to Jiang Shen in a flat tone. “Second Brother doesn’t need to worry too much; I’ll be fine after resting for a few days.”
“Third Young Master is being too casual!” The doctor wiped the sweat from his forehead. “If the arrow had been off by an inch, it could have cost him his life!”
“What does it matter?” Jiang Xuanjin said softly. “As long as I’m not dead.”
This self-deprecating remark made Li Huaiju’s heart tighten, and she quickly said, “How can it not matter? It looks painful!”
He didn’t look at her or respond, closing his eyes as he waited for the doctor to bandage his wound, then lay down on the bed.
The atmosphere felt off, and Jiang Shen looked at the two of them in confusion. “What’s going on? Usually, the Third Brother is the happiest to see his sister-in-law. Why is he acting like this today?”
Huaiju scratched her hair, feeling guilty as she chuckled awkwardly. “I… made him angry.”
“He’s angry every day; just coax him a bit.” Jiang Shen waved his hand dismissively, turning to pull Xu Chuniang along. “Let’s go check on Third Brother’s medicine.”
Xu Chuniang complied and left with him.
As they departed, Cheng Xu and Yu Feng remained standing nearby. Huaiju looked at them and noticed that their expressions lacked the usual warmth.
“Did I… make you angry too?” she asked softly.
Cheng Xu maintained a stoic expression and cupped his hands. “We dare not.”
It wasn’t that they didn’t, but that they dared not. Huaiju sighed. She wanted to explain the situation, but she didn’t know how to start. So she decided to remain silent, helping to clean up the blood on the floor and then going to the main house to fetch clean clothes for him.
“Your subordinates will take care of this.” Cheng Xu took the clothes and bowed to her. “You should go rest.”
After saying that, he closed the door, directly locking her outside.
“Cheng Xu.” Yu Feng frowned, glancing at the direction of the bed, and quietly said, “Don’t go too far.”
Is this too much? Cheng Xu was furious. He had served the Lord for so many years and had never seen him so heartbroken. The azure robe was stained with blood, and he stood dazed at the door, with no one daring to help him. When asked where the Madam was, it turned out she was helping the Emperor!
Had she not seen the injuries on him? Or did she truly prioritize the greater good, thinking that the Emperor’s life was more important than the Lord’s?
Cheng Xu couldn’t understand, especially after witnessing how much his master cared for this Madam.
Yu Feng sighed and approached the bed, quietly asking, “Does the Lord want the Madam to come to care for you?”
“No need.” Jiang Xuanjin said coldly. “Don’t let her through this door again.”
Yu Feng was taken aback, and after a long silence, he replied, “Understood.”
Huaiju squatted at the door, lost in thought. Lingxiu came over and was surprised to see her. “Why are you out here?”
“It’s nothing; I made a mistake.” She said gloomily. “In a while, it should be fine.”
However, that “while” turned into two hours, and the door behind her opened and closed, but Cheng Xu didn’t let her in.
“His Majesty has awakened.” Lingxiu asked her softly, “Should I inform the Lord?”
Rubbing her numb legs, Huaiju stood up. “You go tell him; he doesn’t want to see me. I’ll go check on the main house.”
The Emperor had been attacked at the entrance of the Jiang residence and was injured so severely; that the Jiang family would surely face consequences. She needed to think of a way to have Huairen help.
Taking a deep breath, Huaiju made her way to the main house.
Old Master Jiang and the others were kneeling in a row, pleading guilty. Li Huairen was urging them to rise, but no one listened.
Huaiju walked in and knelt at the front. “I have an unreasonable request.”
Li Huairen remembered her and forced a smile. “Please speak, Madam.”
She glanced at the curious onlookers below. Huaiju hesitated slightly.
Li Huairen understood, softly saying, “Everyone, please step outside for a moment.”
Old Master Jiang looked at Bai Zhuji in confusion, only to see her give him a reassuring look, and he continued to kneel properly.
After a moment of contemplation, he led the Jiang family members outside, turning to look at Jiang Xuanjin.
The room was empty except for the guards. Huaiju whispered to Li Huairen, “You should return to the palace and protect the Jiang family. The Lord risked his life to save you, and now his life hangs in the balance. You can’t let his family suffer for it.”
Li Huairen was taken aback, nodding. “I understand this, but I don’t know how to say it…”
He was not accustomed to lying, and Huaiju was used to it, so she kindly taught him the lie she had prepared earlier, confidently saying, “It’s foolproof!”
Li Huairen was quite astonished, blinking at her. After a long time, he solemnly nodded.
Jiang Xuanjin was half-reclining against the headboard, the small guest room filled with Jiang’s family members. He scanned the room, not seeing the one person who should be there, his thin lips pressed tightly together. The hostility in his eyes intensified.
Jiang Yan stood beside him, also looking around, and said unhappily, “Where’s the little aunt again?”
“She seems to have gone to plead with the Emperor.” Jiang Chong said.
“Why is it her place to plead?” Jiang Yan muttered. “Wouldn’t it be better for her to accompany the little uncle?”
“Yan’er.” Jiang Chong shook his head.
Jiang Yan fell silent, but Old Master Jiang also looked somewhat displeased. “Yan’er isn’t wrong; Zhuji’s actions this time are inappropriate. When she comes out, let her take good care of Xuanjin.”
“No need.” Jiang Xuanjin lowered his eyes. “I have enough people around me; one less doesn’t matter.”
Li Huaiju: “……”
After she had just taught the Emperor how to lie, she was about to step inside when she was met with this statement, her foot frozen in mid-air.
One less doesn’t matter? She blinked, looking at the person on the bed in confusion.
Jiang Xuanjin also saw her, pausing slightly before indifferently turning his head away. The others in the room all turned to look at her.
With a stiff smile, Huaiju withdrew her leg, awkwardly saying, “I… I’ll go fetch the medicine.”
After saying that, she ran away.
Jiang Chong frowned slightly. “Third Brother.”
He had always been like this since childhood; whoever treated him well, he would accept it and treat them well in return. But if someone slighted him even a little, he would withdraw all his kindness and show his sharp side.
So childish.
Jiang Xuanjin remained silent, propping himself up and slowly lying down, turning his back to them.
There was nothing more to say. Jiang Chong helplessly helped the old master up and led the others away, allowing him to rest. However, Jiang Yan refused to leave, sitting on the edge of the bed and quietly saying, “I don’t like her anymore.”
Compared to the Fourth Miss Bai, he preferred his little uncle. If she made his little uncle unhappy, then he would be unhappy too.
“Little uncle, since you don’t like her either, why didn’t you just tell her earlier?” he muttered. “Let the family know that the little aunt is neglecting you for the Emperor; she would surely be scolded.”
“Don’t be foolish.”
“I’m not being foolish; I just see her guarding the Emperor and feel a bit angry.” Jiang Yan frowned. “Doesn’t she know what her identity is and what she should be doing?”
“Little Young Master.” Cheng Xu said helplessly. “You should let the Lord rest for a while.”
“Alright.” Jiang Yan stood up, clenching his fists. “Little Uncle, rest well; I’ll take my leave.”
Jiang Xuanjin turned his head, watching his angry figure, unable to help but frown as he softly said, “Cheng Xu, keep an eye on him; don’t let him cause trouble.”
What trouble could the little young master cause? At most, he would just go find trouble with the Madam.
Though he silently complained, he didn’t dare to refute him. Cheng Xu solemnly agreed and turned to leave, but he allowed the little young master to head toward the back courtyard without interference.
Huaiju was boiling medicine in the back courtyard, two pots of medicine—one for Li Huairen and one for Jiang Xuanjin. She was holding a fan, staring at the pots, slightly lost in thought.
“Little Aunt.” Jiang Yan’s voice rang out beside her.
Snapping back to reality, Huaiju smiled at him. “Is there something you need?”
“The doctor said your little uncle’s injury is severe and requires some precious herbs to nourish the blood and promote healing. I trouble you to go to the pharmacy in the west to fetch some.” Jiang Yan said seriously.
Lingxiu stood up upon hearing this. “I’ll go fetch it; it’s quite far from here to the pharmacy.”
“Such precious herbs, the pharmacy staff won’t easily give them to a maid.” Jiang Yan said. “It’s better for you to go, Little Aunt.”
Without suspicion, Huaiju stood up and said, “I’ll go; Lingxiu, keep an eye on the fire. The medicine should be ready in half an hour.”
“Yes.”
Huaiju wound her way through the Jiang residence, asking around until she finally found out the location of the pharmacy. However, when she entered and inquired, she found that they didn’t have any herbs for nourishing blood and promoting healing.
“How could this be?” She frowned.
The servant in the pharmacy smiled apologetically. “The residence originally had quite a few precious herbs for healing, but they were all taken by the Third Young Master two months ago, and the residence hasn’t been able to replenish them yet.”