“I have been ordered to investigate the assassin,” Hu Ben Zhonglang(Commander of the Imperial Guards) Jiang Yiang stood at the forefront, cupping his hands in respect. “I ask for your cooperation, Second Young Master.”
“Assassin?” Jiang Shen was puzzled. “This is Lord Ziyang’s residence.”
“Someone testified that His Majesty was attacked near Jiang Manor yesterday,” Jiang Yiang explained. “The Lord of the Court has ordered a thorough investigation of Jiang Manor and summoned the Lord and others involved to the Court for questioning.”
What? Jiang Shen was taken aback, and both Cheng Xu and Yu Feng changed their expressions, stepping forward to take a defensive stance.
“His Majesty has successfully protected the court and is still severely injured, yet you want to take him to the Court?” Jiang Shen frowned, somewhat irritated. “What logic is this?”
Jiang Yiang lowered his head awkwardly. “I am merely following orders.”
Following orders? Liu Yunlie? Jiang Shen extended his hand. “Where is the escort order?”
Jiang Manor is an official residence; to search or arrest someone requires at least a command from the Lord of the Court. However, Jiang Yiang could not produce it and merely said, “The incident occurred suddenly, and several senior officials are already waiting at the Court. I ask that the Second Young Master does not obstruct us.”
With that, he waved his hand behind him, and numerous officers holding torches rushed inside.
Cheng Xu and Yu Feng could not stop them, and Jiang Shen was forced to retreat step by step, his face cold with anger. “You are committing an offense against authority!”
Jiang Yiang seemed not to hear, his eyes fixed on the main door of the residence. He deflected Cheng Xu’s sword with the hilt of his own and stepped forward to kick the door.
However, before he could reach it, the intricately carved door swung open on its own.
Jiang Xuanjin stood there, pale-faced, dressed in a blue inner robe with a cobalt cloak draped over his shoulders. His long fingers pulled the door open, and he coldly raised his eyes to Jiang Yiang.
Jiang Yiang was startled and instinctively took two steps back, cupping his hands and bowing. “Your Majesty!”
“Third Brother!” Jiang Shen hurried to support him. “Your injury…”
Without accepting his support, Jiang Xuanjin stepped out and stood tall before Jiang Yiang, asking in a deep voice, “What do you intend to do?”
“Your Majesty, this is Lord Liu’s command,” Jiang Yiang stammered, a bit flustered. “I am merely carrying out orders. Right now, Prime Minister Qi and Lord Lin are waiting for you at the Court!”
“I am asking you: what is your intention in storming Jiang Manor?” Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze, his tone suddenly turning cold.
Jiang Yiang stiffened, his eyes darting around. It seemed he realized his actions were unjustifiable. After a moment of hesitation, he awkwardly lifted his armor and knelt before Jiang Xuanjin. “I have offended, please forgive me, Your Majesty!”
Looking at the torches illuminating the courtyard, Jiang Xuanjin slightly closed his eyes and glanced at Cheng Xu beside him.
Cheng Xu understood and quickly left the Mo Residence to check on other areas of Jiang Manor. He returned to report, “The Old Master has been disturbed and has already risen. The Eldest Young Master and the Young Master have gone to the Court with them.”
Jiang Xuanjin’s expression darkened, and he clenched his fists, stepping outside.
“Third Brother!” Jiang Shen was anxious. “You can’t go like this! Your fever has just subsided!”
“If I don’t go, these people will likely take Father to the Court as well,” Jiang Xuanjin sneered. “With such a commotion in the middle of the night, I want to see what Liu Yunlie is up to!”
As he walked, the officers holding torches stepped back, retreating from the main door all the way to the entrance of the Mo Residence. No one dared to approach him or speak.
Jiang Yiang wiped the cold sweat from his brow, following behind, feeling somewhat regretful. Lord Ziyang was clearly very weak and should have been easy to handle. Why did he feel so weak in the knees when he met his gaze?
Outside Jiang Manor, the night was pitch black. From the brightly lit residence, it looked like a monster’s gaping mouth. Jiang Xuanjin coughed lightly, turned back to Cheng Xu, and said, “Don’t look for her.”
Then he stepped out.
Jiang Yiang watched Cheng Xu warily, thinking Jiang Xuanjin was giving some kind of signal or secret code. But after hearing this, Cheng Xu merely sighed deeply.
What does this mean? Jiang Yiang was confused.
In the middle of the night, the Court sent people to surround Jiang Manor, and Lord Ziyang, along with General Biaoqi and others, was taken away!
The next morning, this news spread throughout the capital like wings, and the common people were abuzz with shock and confusion. If they were arresting others, that would be one thing; not many officials were clean, but how could they possibly arrest Jiang Manor? Everyone who came out of Jiang Manor, from Lord Ziyang to the lowly officials, were all known for their integrity!
There were also discussions in the court, but for some reason, after a few remarks, no one mentioned it again. Those who needed to attend court did so, and those who needed to report did so, as if nothing had happened.
Lu Jingxing fanned himself and laughed, “The waters in the officialdom are deep; the common people can’t understand it at all.”
Hua Yu leaned against the headboard, pinching her nose as she drank a bowl of medicine, her face wrinkling in disgust. “What’s there to understand? If they can take people from Jiang Manor to the Court, it must be because of His Majesty’s assassination.”
“Can this really happen?” Lu Jingxing snorted, shaking his head. “Lord Ziyang has at least contributed to protecting the court.”
Isn’t that the case? Remembering the injuries he bore, Li Huaiyu frowned and rolled out of bed.
“What are you doing?” Lu Jingxing waved the fan in front of her, annoyed. “You’re not fully recovered yet!”
“There’s something fishy about this,” Hua Yu said, touching his fan bone and looking up. “I clearly pleaded with Huailin. With his temperament, he wouldn’t make a big deal out of the assassination. Given the current situation, someone must be deliberately stirring things up, wanting to use this incident to accuse Jiang Manor.”
Nodding in realization, Lu Jingxing said, “That’s just right. If Jiang Manor is accused, you can take the opportunity to ask for a divorce, and from then on, you’ll be free as a bird, no longer suffering any grievances.”
Without thinking, she kicked him, and Li Huaiyu angrily said, “What time is it, and you’re still joking? Can’t you use your brain? Jiang Xuanjin has stood in the court for so many years; have you ever seen anyone deliberately target him?”
Lu Jingxing looked at her with a complex expression.
“… Except for me!” She shot him a glance, huffing. “I’m different; my situation is special! But look at the others; haven’t they always obeyed Lord Ziyang, following his lead? What’s going on now? Why are they suddenly going against Jiang Manor?”
Hearing this, it did seem a bit off. Lu Jingxing squinted, “Has he offended someone recently?”
“Li Fengxing and Liang Sixian; both have lost their previous positions and have no power now. Even if Liang Sixian has many students, none of them have the ability to shake Jiang Xuanjin,” Li Huaiyu said. “But there’s one thing he’s doing that will offend people.”
“What is it?”
Pointing to herself, Hua Yu said, “Investigating the case of Sima Xu.”
Taking action against Li and Liang can still be said to be acting according to the law. But investigating Sima Xu’s case? That contradicts Lord Ziyang’s previous stance and can even be said to be against half of the court. Although not many people know he’s investigating, there are certainly some who are aware.
“So you’re saying…” Lu Jingxing frowned, “Is it the person who wanted to harm you before, now turning to target Jiang Xuanjin?”
“Exactly.” Hua Yu nodded. “That person must hate me to the core, so when Jiang Xuanjin helped him deal with me, he assisted him wholeheartedly. But once Jiang Xuanjin realizes he wronged someone and wants to investigate this matter carefully, that person will not hesitate to turn against Jiang Xuanjin.”
In other words, as long as they find out who is making things difficult for Jiang Xuanjin this time, they can basically know who was behind the scenes against her before.
“I understand now.” Lu Jingxing nodded, glancing at her. “But what can you do in your current state?”
“First, I need to find out the ins and outs of this matter.” Touching her forehead, Hua Yu said, “After eating so much, I feel like I’m fine. If you’re not at ease, why not come with me?”
Lu Jingxing scoffed, fanning himself dismissively. “I, the first merchant in the capital, have so many things to do every day. Do you think I have the leisure to accompany you on a wild goose chase?”
After a stick of incense, the first merchant in the capital reluctantly followed someone around the street.
Seeing a royal edict on the notice wall, Li Huaiyu’s eyes lit up, and she hurried over to tiptoe and take a look.
“Reward for capturing the assassin? Those with clues will be generously rewarded?” As soon as she saw these two lines, she burst into laughter.
There were neither portraits of the assassin nor descriptions of the clothing of the person who was attacked. Putting up such a royal edict is just like shouting to the common people: Come and make up stories! As long as you say something that satisfies me, the money is yours!
No wonder they rushed to Jiang Manor to arrest people so quickly; this kind of “witness” could easily be found in large numbers!
Shaking her head, she reached out to tear down the edict.
“What are you doing?” Lu Jingxing frowned and stopped her. “Is a royal edict something you can just tear down?”
“I have clues too!” Hua Yu blinked. “Why can’t I tear it down if I have clues?”
He tapped her forehead with his fan and said, “If you tear it down, you’ll have to go to the Court. What if they find out you’re the Third Madam of Jiang Manor? Wouldn’t they take you in too?”
“Then so be it.” Being taken in would allow her to see what was happening in the Court.
Lu Jingxing clearly didn’t understand her motives, thinking she wanted to see Jiang Xuanjin. He lowered his phoenix eyes and scolded, “Have you been bewitched by him or something?”
“Who’s bewitched?” Li Huaiyu rolled her eyes. “Did you not see how he threatened me? Only a ghost would be bewitched by him.”
“Then you…”
“Don’t worry.” Hua Yu waved her hand at him, going to tear down the edict while saying, “I’m not easily coaxed. Right now, the important matter is at hand; I don’t care whether he lives or dies…”
Before she could finish her sentence, as the royal edict was torn down, a crude drawing was revealed on the wall behind it.
The drawing was quite rough, depicting two small figures, one tall and one short. The taller one bent down to lean against the shorter one, and there were a few strokes in the sky resembling fireworks, looking very familiar.
“What is this?” A nearby commoner saw it and complained, “Why are there so many things stuck on the wall these days?”
“There’s more than just here; there are quite a few stuck on the street over there,” another person sighed. “It seems to be posted by a wealthy family; I don’t know what it’s for; I can’t understand it.”
Hua Yu was stunned, staring at the drawing and blinking, then reached out to tear it down.
“What do you want this for?” Lu Jingxing frowned. “It’s as ugly as your drawings.”
“…”
After giving him a deep look, Li Huaiyu gritted her teeth and said, “This is my drawing.”
“Ha?” Lu Jingxing was taken aback, looking at her with a strange expression. After a moment of silence, he said, “Haven’t you poisoned me enough? What wrong did the common people do to deserve this?”
She slapped him on the back, angrily saying, “It’s my drawing, but I didn’t post it!”
“Who else can appreciate such a drawing besides you?”
“Mind your own business!” Folding the drawing neatly and putting it in her sleeve, Hua Yu said irritably, “I’m going to the Court; you can go back by yourself.”
“Ancestral, with you looking like this, how can I rest assured to let you go to the Court alone?” Lu Jingxing rolled his eyes, waving his hand to have Zhao Cai bring the carriage over, and pulled her into the carriage.
Li Huaiyu frowned. “I’m going to provide clues; what do you want to follow for?”
“Isn’t there a reward?” Lu Jingxing shook his fan, saying nonchalantly, “You provide the clues, and if your identity is exposed and you’re locked up, I’ll help you collect the reward. If you can’t get out, I can also bribe the jailers to let you have a good meal.”
“Pah!” Hua Yu kicked him. “Can’t you say something nice?”
Dodging her attack skillfully, Lu Jingxing laughed for a while, then turned serious and said, “If necessary, have someone send me a message; I’ll wait for you outside.”
“Okay.” She nodded heavily.
At the entrance of the Court, many people were holding royal edicts, and the officers were impatiently picking people to send inside, feeling that this task was indeed boring. Just as they were yawning, a plump servant suddenly appeared in front of them.
“Sir, I have someone who wants to go in and speak,” Zhao Cai stepped forward, discreetly slipping a silver ingot into the officer’s hand.
The officer weighed it, and his eyes immediately lit up. He smiled and shouted to the person behind Zhao Cai, “This lady, please come in!”
Hua Yu wiped her face, looking complicatedly at the carriage not far behind her.
Lu Jingxing leaned against the carriage shaft, fanning himself, looking exceptionally suave. Noticing her gaze, he raised his chin, giving her a proud look.
Foolish child, the silver ingot he slipped was worth more than the reward; he’s so pleased with himself? Hua Yu shook her head and turned to follow the officer inside.
The guards at the Court were much stricter than before; every ten steps, one could see an officer holding a long spear. However, the person leading her was taking her to a side hall, where only a minor official was seated at the main position.
“Is this one also with clues?” The official didn’t even look up. “Speak.”
Hua Yu stood before him, smiling sweetly. “I saw the assassin; it was near Chongde Street, attacking a person dressed in dark yellow.”
The official was taken aback, his pen not dropping. He waved his hand, saying, “Got it, next.”
“Hey, wait.” Hua Yu curiously tiptoed to look at the xuan paper in front of him. “This is my testimony; I really saw the assassin. Aren’t you going to write it down?”
“The previous person already mentioned this,” the official said dismissively. “What needs to be recorded has been recorded; no need to repeat.”
“How could that be?” Hua Yu exclaimed in surprise. “There was no one nearby at that time; it’s impossible for anyone to say the same thing as me.”
If someone could describe the Emperor’s clothing color, even if Chongde Street was made up, they should at least take her seriously, right? How could they be so dismissive?
The official impatiently raised his head. “If you say there is, then there is; why so many words?”
As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed the lady in front of him was dressed quite elegantly, and his heart skipped a beat, his eyes suddenly filled with unease and vigilance.
Hua Yu’s eyes turned, and she smiled. “You’re indeed wise, sir; just a few casual words can’t fool you. To be honest, I saw the assassin at the entrance of Jiang Manor, and there were many people.”
At the entrance of Jiang Manor? The official finally relaxed, standing up and saying, “Why didn’t you say so earlier? Did you really see it?”
Hua Yu nodded repeatedly. “They used bows and arrows to injure people; I clearly saw the appearance of one of the assassins; he had a mole on his face!”
“Oh?” Hearing her speak so in detail, the official was overjoyed and quickly called to the officer beside him, “Quickly report to the Lord! We have a new witness!”
“Yes!” The officer responded and left.
Liu Yunlie did not ascend to the hall; the three dukes and several old officials were seated in the tea hall. Jiang Xuanjin sat in the main seat, calmly listening to their debate.
“How did those testimonies come about? They say they saw His Majesty attacked near Jiang Manor? You take the nonsense of the common people for evidence; it’s simply absurd!” Yun Lanqing said angrily.
Liu Yunlie looked at him several times, frowning. “Why does Lord Yun assume the common people are lying? You weren’t present at the time.”
“This royal edict is unjust.” Yun Lanqing said, “If you don’t believe me, you can invite two witnesses to ask; don’t ask anything else, just ask what clothing His Majesty was wearing and what hair ornaments he had at the time of the assassination, and see if they can answer?”
“Who could pay attention to those details in such an urgent situation?”
“I think, even if His Majesty was attacked at the entrance of Jiang Manor, what of it?” Bai Dezong spoke up. “Lord Ziyang has done his utmost to protect the court; why should Jiang Manor be held accountable?”
“Lord Bai, be cautious with your words.” The newly appointed Prime Minister Qi said, rambling, “You are now related to Jiang Manor; in any case, when it comes to trials, one must avoid suspicion; it’s better for you not to speak.”
“Is this even a trial?” Han Xiao sneered from the side. “Shouldn’t we be holding court and questioning Lord Ziyang?”
This remark was sharp, and Liu Yunlie glanced at Jiang Xuanjin, shaking his head. “His Majesty is still severely injured; how can he be treated this way?”
“Does the Lord of the Court still know His Majesty is severely injured?” Yun Lanqing said. “The one who has contributed to protecting the court is instead detained here for questioning; I wonder how many loyal hearts are chilled by this?”
“His Majesty has contributed to protecting the court; no one has denied this.” Liu Yunlie sighed. “If His Majesty were unharmed, the various lords wouldn’t have to jointly petition and issue a royal edict. But now that His Majesty is severely injured, Jiang Manor cannot escape responsibility.”
“The assassin is not from Jiang Manor; why should Jiang Manor be held responsible? Haven’t they done what they should?” Han Xiao was puzzled.
Everyone fell silent, exchanging glances.
Who can determine whether the assassin is from Jiang Manor? It is precisely because they do not know the assassin’s background that everyone fears Lord Ziyang may have ulterior motives, so they first summoned him here, right?
“Lord!” Amidst the stalemate, someone came to report at the door, “A new witness has arrived.”
“Bring them in.” Liu Yunlie waved.
Everyone in the hall turned to look at the door, but Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze, completely uninterested. His wound was quite painful; he pressed his fist against his lips and coughed lightly.
However, after just two coughs, several gasps of surprise sounded around him. Bai Dezong’s tea was not steady, spilling all over the table.
What’s with the excitement? Jiang Xuanjin was puzzled and looked up toward the door.
Someone stepped in, wearing a brand new phoenix skirt that swept over the threshold, her figure graceful and dignified. When she raised her head, her amber almond eyes swept in his direction, and her eyes curved into a crescent smile.
“Greetings to all the lords.” She stepped forward and bowed.
Yun Lanqing and Han Xiao were dumbfounded, while Liu Yunlie and Bai Dezong frowned. Only the newly appointed Prime Minister Qi, who had never seen Miss Bai, smiled in surprise. “The witness is actually a lady?”
“Yes.” Li Huaiyu raised her head, neither humble nor arrogant. “When His Majesty was attacked, I was nearby.”
Jiang Xuanjin couldn’t help but cough again.
“Your Majesty?” Prime Minister Qi noticed something was off, glancing at the expressions of everyone in the hall, and asked in confusion, “Does everyone know this lady?”
Bai Dezong’s brow twitched, and he stood up, scolding, “What are you doing here?”
Having not been yelled at like this for a long time, Li Huaiyu felt a bit of familiarity and smiled, “I’m here to testify.”
“You are the wife of the Lord. Being from Jiang Manor, how can you testify in this matter?” Liu Yunlie said with a stern face.
Wife of the Lord? Prime Minister Qi was taken aback and turned to look at Jiang Xuanjin.
Jiang Xuanjin’s already pale lips turned even whiter at the sight of this person. He raised his eyes to look at her, his gaze extremely sharp.
Nonsense!—This was what Li Huaiyu read from his eyes.
Pouting, she turned her head away from him, focusing on Liu Yunlie. “You haven’t asked me what I’m here to testify about.”
What else could it be? Liu Yunlie looked at her with disdain. “There’s no need to ask.”
“There is a need.” Hua Yu nodded seriously. “This matter is quite serious; while all the lords are present, you must listen carefully to my testimony.”
Everyone knew her identity; who would take her testimony to exonerate Jiang Manor seriously? Liu Yunlie sneered, lifting his eyelids. “If the lady insists on testifying, then go ahead. What do you want to testify about?”
Li Huaiyu smiled, turning to face him, and said word by word, “I want to testify that the Court and its officials colluded, bribed the common people, and fabricated false testimonies to falsely accuse Lord Ziyang, bringing shame to His Majesty and chilling the hearts of loyal subjects!”
As soon as these words were spoken, Liu Yunlie slammed the table and stood up. “You are being outrageous!”
“Why?” Hua Yu raised an eyebrow. “The doors of the Court are wide open, claiming that the mirror is high and clear, allowing accusations from below to reach above, yet you can’t hear accusations against yourselves?”
“Zhuji.” Bai Dezong frowned. “What nonsense are you talking about? How could the Court do such things?”
“Whether they did or not, let someone confront me about it,” she smiled. “Just now when I entered, I said I had clues about the assassin, even describing the Emperor’s clothing color. Yet the officials in the manor didn’t record it at all and even wanted to drive me away. It was only when I mentioned that His Majesty was attacked near Jiang Manor that they turned around to relay my words.”
“May I ask, Lord Liu, what is the meaning of this?”
Collecting testimonies about the Emperor being attacked near Jiang Manor? Yun Lanqing frowned. “If what the lady says is true, Lord Liu, you should give Lord Ziyang an explanation for this matter.”
“Indeed, such a method of obtaining testimonies… how can this be?” Prime Minister Qi also frowned.
Liu Yunlie looked astonished, standing up in confusion. “How could there be such a thing?”
“Are you in the dark, my lord?” Hua Yu raised an eyebrow.
“I truly did not know there were such actions in the manor,” Liu Yunlie frowned. “The previous testimonies were all collected by me personally, and after discussing the testimonies with several lords, I had someone invite Lord Ziyang over.”
“Have you considered, my lord?” Li Huaiyu said. “The official road near Jiang Manor is usually deserted; if His Majesty was truly attacked nearby, how many people could have seen it?”
Liu Yunlie replied, “There would always be someone coincidentally…”
“But what if there isn’t?” She sneered. “Wouldn’t my lord be buying false testimonies with silver, framing Lord Ziyang? Am I wrong?”
No matter how one looked at it, the area around Jiang Manor was likely to be deserted.
Jiang Yiang could no longer hold back and stepped forward, cupping his hands. “What the lady says is reasonable, but at most, it can only prove that His Majesty was not attacked near Jiang Manor. However, Lord Ziyang was supposed to protect His Majesty, yet His Majesty was severely injured; doesn’t that imply negligence in protection?”
“Speaking of this, I would like to ask Lord Hu Ben Zhonglang,” Hua Yu turned to look at him. “It should be your responsibility to protect His Majesty, right? When His Majesty left the palace, where were you?”
Jiang Yiang was taken aback and hurriedly said, “At that time, His Majesty did not allow anyone to follow.”
“His Majesty didn’t allow it, so you really didn’t follow?” Li Huaiyu narrowed her eyes. “Isn’t this neglect of duty? If it weren’t for Lord Ziyang, if anything happened to His Majesty, could your whole family pay for it? Instead of thanking Lord Ziyang, you blame him for not protecting His Majesty without a scratch amidst the chaos?”
“I…” Jiang Yiang wanted to argue further, but seeing the reproachful gazes from the surrounding lords, he was startled and immediately lowered his head, not daring to speak.
Li Huaiyu scanned the people present and said, “As for how Lord Ziyang is as a person, all of you should have a clear understanding after so many years. The palace is where His Majesty wants to go, and the person who saved him is Lord Ziyang. Regardless of the cause or effect, how can this be blamed on Jiang Manor?”
This statement was logical and well-founded. Even though it came from a woman’s mouth, some in the hall nodded in agreement. “Indeed.”
“Quite reasonable,” Han Xiao also agreed, but while agreeing, he couldn’t help but glance at this lady a few more times.
This aura feels so familiar…
Bai Dezong had originally prepared to scold her, but after hearing her speak, he thought for a moment and, surprisingly, nodded as well. “I truly don’t understand how this matter could lead to accusations against Jiang Manor.”
Prime Minister Qi did not comment but merely stroked his beard and smiled. “Lord Ziyang has married a very capable wife.”
“Too kind.” Bending her knees in a bow, Hua Yu looked at Liu Yunlie. “What do you think, my lord?”
Liu Yunlie was quite helpless. “Inviting Lord Ziyang here today was not my idea; it was decided by the old lords. How did it end up with me being in a difficult position?”
It wasn’t his idea? Li Huaiyu thought for a moment. That makes sense; this person has no reason to go against Jiang Xuanjin. Even if there were some unpleasantness earlier, with his temperament, he wouldn’t hold a grudge or seek revenge.
So who among the old lords here is still involved? Hua Yu raised her eyes to sneak a peek.
Qi Han was an old official, originally the Minister of Personnel, and he filled the position of Prime Minister. The silent Tai Changqing Ji Qing sitting behind him was also an old official, and Lin Zhaoying beside him was even more so, with a long white beard.
These people are stubborn but still loyal to the Emperor.
After pondering for a moment, Hua Yu said, “Since all the lords believe in Lord Ziyang, shouldn’t he be allowed to return to the manor to continue recuperating?”
This was certainly impossible. Liu Yunlie shook his head. “There are guest rooms in the manor, already prepared for Lord Ziyang. If he needs to recuperate, he can do so here.”
A disguised house arrest? Li Huaiyu frowned, thinking these people must be crazy. They can guard against anyone, but how can they guard against Jiang Xuanjin?
She wanted to say a few more words, but Jiang Xuanjin calmly accepted it.
“Since everything is already prepared, then I will trouble you.” He coughed lightly and said, “I am unwell; I will trouble you all to investigate the assassin.”
Everyone stood up and cupped their hands in unison. “Your Majesty, take care.”
Hua Yu couldn’t help but glare at him. After all, he was a powerful lord; how could he be so easygoing?
Jiang Xuanjin expressionlessly stepped forward, grabbing her wrist and pulling her outside. Hua Yu struggled a couple of times but couldn’t break free.
“Hey.” She gritted her teeth and said in a low voice, “Didn’t you find me disgusting? Why are you touching me again?”
The grip on her wrist tightened, and Jiang Xuanjin didn’t even look at her, directly leading her out of the tea hall. Following the officers to the guest room, he finally released her.
As the door closed, Hua Yu took two steps back, rubbing her wrist and looking at him. “You know these people are deliberately keeping you here, and you don’t care?”
“What does it matter?” He looked elsewhere, speaking淡淡地, “Jiang Manor has not made a mistake; at most, it will be implicated.”
With Danyang gone and the Emperor’s foundation still shallow, as the Ziyang Lord who has assisted in governance for eight years, it is only natural for him to be suspected of ulterior motives if His Majesty is injured.
After staring at him for a moment, Hua Yu nodded. “Then I suppose I was meddling.”
With that, she reached for the door.
As soon as the door opened a crack, Jiang Xuanjin pressed it back down.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked.
Stiffening her neck without turning back, she could feel him standing behind her. Hua Yu chuckled lightly, “Didn’t you say you didn’t want to see me? So I’m leaving quickly to avoid upsetting you.”
Jiang Xuanjin said coldly, “The words are not clear.”
“How much clearer do you want it?” Hua Yu was puzzled. “I’ve clearly said what I needed to say.”
“Not you,” he said. “It’s me.”
Slightly taken aback, Hua Yu turned to face him. “What?”
Jiang Xuanjin half-lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes casting a shadow beneath them. “Where did you run off to?”
He asked her after saying half a sentence? Hua Yu scoffed, leaning against the door and saying nonchalantly, “You probably don’t want to know where I went.”
Jiang Xuanjin frowned, slightly annoyed. “Say it.”
“Lu Manor,” she replied.
His hands slowly clenched, and he tightened his jaw, his gaze suddenly sharp.
“Not happy?” Hua Yu tilted her head to look at him. “But it was you who drove me away. I had nowhere else to go, so naturally, I went to a friend’s place.”
“Friend?” Jiang Xuanjin sneered. “He doesn’t consider you a friend.”
“Are you trying to sow discord?” Hua Yu pouted.
It wasn’t sowing discord; that day at the entrance of the Court, Lu Jingxing had personally told him that he never considered Bai Zhuji a friend. As for the latter half of the sentence, Jiang Xuanjin felt worse every time he thought about it.
“Stay away from him,” he said in a low voice.
Hua Yu chuckled lightly. “Stay away from him, and then what? Wait to be driven out of the manor and die on the street?”
“…” Jiang Xuanjin’s breath began to grow restless, pressing against her as he looked at her face, which he had never seen before, filled with indifference and distance, and his heart tightened.
“You should rest well.” Hua Yu waved her hand. “Every time you talk to me, don’t you get half dead from anger? For the sake of your health, go lie down; I’m leaving.”
“Still leaving?” He pressed his lips together, half angry and half anxious, firmly blocking the door.
Li Huaiyu looked at him in confusion. “What do you want me to stay here for? To annoy you?”
“You know I’m annoyed; why don’t you coax me?” He tightened his knuckles on the doorframe, annoyed. “You clearly know how to coax me.”
The words, three parts anger and seven parts spoiled left Hua Yu stunned for a while.
Is this… a child who has been wronged asking for candy?
Looking up at him, Hua Yu tilted her head and reached out to touch his pale, cold face. She chuckled, “Don’t you remember? I’ve coaxed you before, but you pushed my hand away hard, and it hurt a bit.”
His eyes slightly panicked, Jiang Xuanjin pressed his lips together, hesitatingly reaching out, wanting to touch the back of her hand.
Hua Yu smiled and pulled her hand back behind her. “Now you regret it? It’s too late; I’ve been hurt, and I’ve been sad. Even if you hold it now, it won’t get better.”
“You…” Jiang Xuanjin frowned. “The one who made the mistake first was you.”
“Yes, I made a mistake, so I’ll apologize and accept punishment,” Hua Yu nodded. “But you spoke harshly, and your actions were extreme; I would be sad too. I’m trying to find a way to coax you, but you want to divorce me.”
“… No.”
“You want to say it’s not true, just angry words?” Hua Yu blinked. “But you said it, so I’ll take it seriously.”
Reaching out to straighten his collar, she smiled. “Do you want to apologize to me?”
The high and mighty Lord Ziyang apologizing to someone? Especially under the circumstance that she made the first mistake? Jiang Xuanjin frowned, feeling that she was bullying him. His thin lips pressed tightly together.
Hua Yu stared at him for a while, seeing that he seemed unwilling to speak, so she shrugged and muttered, “You were raised in the palm of someone’s hand.”
This kind of temperament couldn’t be changed; even if he knew he was wrong, he wouldn’t apologize or bow his head, always making others bow their heads to coax him. No matter how good-looking he was, it didn’t matter; he was too unkind.
Shaking her head, she turned to leave.
However, as soon as she turned her body, she was suddenly pulled from behind, stepping back half a step and pressing into a warm embrace.
“I didn’t mean to divorce you.” Jiang Xuanjin buried his head down, resting against her head and muttering, “I didn’t.”
Her heart felt as if it had been suddenly struck by something, and her bones felt a bit numb. Hua Yu stiffened for a moment, blinking and asking, “What else?”
“Jiang Yan kept you outside the manor; I didn’t know.”
Huh? Didn’t know? Hua Yu’s mouth twitched, and she couldn’t help but grit her teeth. “That little brat!” Then she turned her head and asked, “What else?”
What else? Jiang Xuanjin fell silent.
Hua Yu narrowed her eyes. “Is it that hard to apologize?”
“…” It was indeed quite difficult; he had no idea how to start. Jiang Xuanjin frowned, thinking for a while. He turned the person in front of him around and gently pecked her on the corner of her mouth.
Li Huaiyu wanted to laugh but forced herself to maintain a stern face and glared at him. “Is that it?”
What else could it be? Jiang Xuanjin wanted to say that she was taking advantage of him, but as soon as he opened his mouth, she pulled him in and directly kissed him on the lips.
Caught off guard, he didn’t even have time to close his mouth before she invaded. He let out a muffled sound and frowned slightly.
Hua Yu didn’t notice, thinking he was shy, and clung to him, almost biting him. Jiang Xuanjin was stunned for a moment but then smiled, allowing her to do as she pleased, only reaching out to support her waist to save her some strength.
While kissing, Hua Yu rubbed her nose against him, mumbling, “You smell like the incense in the Buddhist hall.”
However, it seemed a bit different; amidst the heavy and elegant fragrance, there was a hint of a sweet, fishy smell. What was that smell? Hua Yu thought for a moment, suddenly gasping, and quickly released him.
“Your injury!”
“Only now do you remember? Isn’t it a bit late?” He lowered his gaze at her, then leaned down to kiss her again.
“Don’t mess around!” Feeling a sinking sensation in her heart, Li Huaiyu quickly pushed against his chest, unceremoniously helping him to the bedside and looking up at his back.
The blue inner robe was darkened in a large area, and the smell of blood slowly seeped through the fabric, indicating a serious injury.
“You… doesn’t it hurt?” Li Huaiyu was shocked.
Looking at her wide-open almond eyes, Jiang Xuanjin pressed his lips together and said softly, “It hurts a lot.”
“Then why aren’t you stopping me?” Hua Yu was angry. “You’re making me look like a beast!”
Isn’t it already quite beastly? Jiang Xuanjin shook his head, wanting to comfort her by saying that he had endured much worse injuries, and it was nothing serious.
However, before he could speak, the person in front of him said with concern, “I was wrong; I’ll go have them invite a doctor now. Later, let me know how I can make it up to you!”
Hearing this, Jiang Xuanjin swallowed all his comforting words and let out a painful groan.
Hua Yu immediately lifted her skirt to find someone.
Lu Jingxing had been waiting outside the Court for a long time without seeing any movement inside. Worried, he had Zhao Cai go find out what was going on. Who knew the officer would say, “The one who just went in is the Lord’s wife, taking care of the Lord.”
She’s taking care of him?
Feeling relieved, Lu Jingxing fanned himself vigorously. “This person must have forgotten to inform me.”
He was both angry and helpless against her.
“Should we go back first?” Zhao Cai asked.
“Back?” Squinting his phoenix eyes, Lu Jingxing thought for a moment and smiled. “You go back first; I need to deliver a visiting card.”
Delivering a visiting card to the Court was something only this lord could do. Zhao Cai resignedly got into the carriage, watching his master sway as he entered the Court, before driving back.
The doctor came to reapply the medicine and bandage the wound. Hua Yu stood beside him, frowning as she watched. Seeing his rough hands, she couldn’t help but say, “Can you be gentler?”
“This… is already very gentle; the Lord’s wound is deep; no matter how you touch it, it will hurt.”
“But you can’t let him hurt like this!” Hua Yu looked around. “Do you have any anesthetic?”
“That’s not suitable; it’s harmful to the brain.”
“Then what should we do?” Hua Yu glared, thought for a moment, and rolled up her sleeves, extending her arm toward Jiang Xuanjin. “Bite me!”
Her snow-white arm was boldly extended, and Jiang Xuanjin glanced to the side, darkening his face as he pressed it back down. “Don’t mess around!”
“Don’t you feel pain?” she frowned.
“I can endure it,” he said. “If you just stay still and don’t move, that’s already helping.”
Hua Yu had no choice but to stand there awkwardly, scratching her ears and cheeks. Just then, someone shouted at the door, “Zhuji.”
Zhuji? Who is that? Not recognizing the name, Hua Yu continued to watch the doctor bandage.
“Did you get hit by a horse on the ear?” Someone suddenly asked her in a low voice.
“Wow!” Startled, she jumped up, covering her heart as she turned around to see Lu Jingxing looking at her with a forced smile, his fan tapping his palm idly.
Taking a breath, she gritted her teeth. “Master Lu, can’t we talk properly? Why do you have to scare me?”
“I called you just now, and you didn’t respond.”
Thinking for a moment, Hua Yu suddenly remembered that she seemed to have a name called “Zhuji,” so she quickly smiled and said, “Do you have something?”
Jiang Xuanjin coldly raised his eyes.
Noticing his gaze, Lu Jingxing didn’t turn his head, staring at Li Huaiyu and saying, “Have you forgotten our agreement?”
Agreement? Hua Yu blinked. “Oh, I forgot. You came in?”
“I had to see you once to feel at ease.”
Daring to say such things in front of him? Jiang Xuanjin squinted, glancing at Bai Zhuji, who was a fool, completely unaware of anything wrong, looking completely at ease. However, this Master Lu, harboring ill intentions, casually glanced at him, his eyes filled with provocation.
Jiang Xuanjin sneered and lowered his gaze, letting out a muffled sound.
Hua Yu hurried back to the bedside and asked, “Are you in pain?”
“Mm.” His long eyelashes drooped down, and he replied softly, looking very fragile.
Hua Yu turned to glare at the doctor. “Why are you getting rougher with your hands?”
The doctor replied, “I’ve already bandaged it twice; the Lord didn’t react this much before; he shouldn’t be reacting so much now!”
Unable to argue, the doctor said helplessly, “Would you like to come and do it yourself?”
Hua Yu frowned. “I’m not a doctor.”
“Hey, I’ll do it.” Inserting the folding fan into his waistband, Lu Jingxing rolled up his sleeves and approached. “I can bandage it.”
“Is that so?” Hua Yu let him take her place, feeling relieved.
Jiang Xuanjin’s face darkened. “No need to trouble yourself.”
“Hey, why be polite with family?” Lu Jingxing smiled kindly, getting closer to him, revealing a hint of mischief. “Afraid of pain? I’ll be gentle.”
Jiang Xuanjin gritted his teeth. As he reached out, he used his uninjured hand to block, and as he raised his hand, he had already exchanged several moves.
“Don’t move!” the doctor shouted urgently. “This side isn’t bandaged yet; if you move, it will come undone!”
“He can’t bandage it.” Jiang Xuanjin looked at Li Huaiyu, slightly frowning.
Hua Yu was taken aback, leaning over to take a look, rolling her eyes at Lu Jingxing. “What are you messing around for?”
“Who’s messing around? He’s the one moving around,” Lu Jingxing huffed. “This kind of self-inflicted pain isn’t how it’s used.”
“Then Master Lu might as well try using this self-inflicted pain,” Jiang Xuanjin said. “Just give a command, and someone outside will bring a knife.”
“Forget it; I find it beneath me.”
Another argument? Li Huaiyu covered her ears, glancing at the doctor, signaling him to hurry and save the patient. The doctor, helpless, had to shield Jiang Xuanjin from Lu Jingxing, carefully bandaging the wound, then picked up his medicine box and ran away.
Hua Yu didn’t keep him, seeing that Jiang Xuanjin’s wound was no longer bleeding, and she let out a slight sigh of relief.
“Is Master Lu planning to stay here?” Jiang Xuanjin asked coldly.
Fanning himself, Lu Jingxing said, “Staying is unnecessary; the smell is unpleasant.”
Then why not leave?
If the young master wants to stay, will you bite me?
After exchanging glances, the atmosphere in the room became a bit stiff.
Li Huaiyu sighed. “Are you two not compatible?”
“The zodiac signs aren’t compatible either,” Lu Jingxing added.
“Then you shouldn’t stay in the same room.” She stood up and pushed Lu Jingxing. “I’ll see you out.”
Before he could object, she pushed him out of the guest room and quickly closed the door behind her.
Jiang Xuanjin’s eyes darkened.
Jiang Shen, along with Cheng Xu and Yu Feng, finally found the guest room. Upon entering, they felt the room was gloomy.
“What’s wrong?” Jiang Shen asked. “Didn’t they say my sister-in-law was coming? Why haven’t I seen her?”
Jiang Xuanjin coldly replied, “I don’t know.”
Muttering in confusion, Jiang Shen didn’t dwell on the matter and said, “When I came over just now, Eldest Brother was still in the tea hall discussing matters with those people. It seems the situation isn’t optimistic.”
It’s impossible to hold Jiang Manor accountable for the assassination of His Majesty; the Emperor wouldn’t allow it. However, to make those old men stop pursuing this matter, they would certainly have to pay some price.
Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze.
The late Emperor had conferred upon him the title of Lord Ziyang, along with the command of 100,000 troops stationed in Ziyang. However, over the years, he had never been allowed to return to Ziyang to engage with the army, which was also the late Emperor’s precaution against him.
The late Emperor was foresighted, trusting him and allowing him to act freely, but others in the court were not necessarily so. Previously, to intimidate the Danyang Princess, no one had raised objections to his military power. Now was a good time to take advantage of the situation to return his military power. If it were dispersed among several generals, then the young master would be safe.
The calculations were good, but unfortunately, he wouldn’t yield.
Aside from his elder brother Jiang Chong, the two generals in the court held over 50,000 troops each. If they were to share the military power of Ziyang, how could the young master be safe?
While he was deep in thought, Liu Yunlie approached. His expression was grave, and he had his attendants stay outside to guard the door.
“Xuanjin, have you thought this through?”
Meeting his gaze, Jiang Xuanjin shook his head. “You know my temperament.”
Right is right, and wrong is wrong. It’s impossible to use other matters to pressure him into submission.
Liu Yunlie sighed. “You’re still seriously injured; isn’t it uncomfortable to be tossed around like this?”
“It’s nothing.” Leaning gently against the pillow, Jiang Xuanjin said, “Staying here to recuperate is quite good; it avoids the trivial matters of the court and allows for a bit of leisure.”
In the Court, one cannot attend morning court or handle public affairs; for those in power, this should be a fatal matter. Yet this person seemed completely unconcerned.
Liu Yunlie was puzzled. “Aren’t you afraid that by the time you recover, the world outside will have changed?”
Jiang Xuanjin turned his eyes to him, staring for a while before saying, “The sky I hold up won’t change; I know in my heart.”
This calm statement shocked those who heard it.
The sky he holds up… isn’t that so? Since the late Emperor’s passing, this sky has been held up by Lord Ziyang. This person doesn’t compete for fame or power and doesn’t covet authority. Over time, everyone seems to have forgotten, forgotten how this person had a heart of iron and thunderous methods during that loyalist battle.
“Hey, why is someone guarding here?” A clear voice suddenly came from outside the door, chattering, “Get out of the way; I want to go in.”
Liu Yunlie came back to his senses, turning his head in a daze to look at the door.
As soon as he saw Bai Zhuji’s figure appear, he suddenly smiled, muttering, “No, Lord Ziyang is different from before. He is no longer the same.”
The previous Jiang Xuanjin was invulnerable, but now he has a soft spot.
With a soft spot, one can always be manipulated.