Unaware that she was being seen as a vulnerability, Li Huaiyu casually stepped into the room.
“Oh, Mister Liu and Second Brother are both here?” Jiang Shen glanced at her, then at Jiang Xuanjin’s stern expression on the bed, feeling a bit confused. “What brings you here, younger sister?”
“I just saw off some guests,” Huaiyu walked over and naturally sat down by the bedside. She turned to smile at Liu Yunlie with a hint of playfulness. “Is Mister Liu here to inquire about His Highness’s condition?”
For some reason, ever since their encounters at Moju, Liu Yunlie always felt tense around this lady of the court. She was just a woman of the household, but her presence exuded a commanding aura that was somewhat intimidating.
Bowing politely, he replied, “I won’t disturb you any longer. Your Highness, please rest well.”
“You’re leaving so soon after arriving?” Huaiyu stared at him with a smile. “Aren’t you and His Highness close as brothers?”
Their relationship had been quite good before; besides formal settings, they addressed each other by name elsewhere. Why did it suddenly feel somewhat distant?
Liu Yunlie bowed again, feeling awkward. “There are matters to attend to. Once I’m free, I’ll bring supplementary medicine for His Highness.”
“Thank you,” Jiang Xuanjin nodded curtly.
With a smile, Liu Yunlie exited the room. As soon as he turned the corner, his expression darkened. After a few more steps, feeling secluded, he whispered behind him, “Where is the person who went to gather information?”
His confidant hurriedly approached and whispered back, “They’ve returned. Miss Bai Si didn’t have much to inquire about. She used to be foolish and naive, but after recovering, His Highness seems to favor her for some reason.”
“What about her close associates?”
“She’s close to her maid, Lingxiu, and also seems to have a good relationship with several elders from the Bai family who often visit her courtyard.”
“The Bai family…” Liu Yunlie pondered deeply.
With no one else in the guest room, Li Huaiyu grinned and asked Jiang Xuanjin, “Have you taken your medicine?”
Jiang Xuanjin shook his head coldly.
Cheng Xu had brought the medicine earlier, placing it nearby. Jiang Shen said, “There were guests just now, so you didn’t get a chance to take it. It’s still warm. Take it now while it’s not cooled down.”
Huaiyu heard this and immediately handed the medicine to him.
Jiang Xuanjin glanced down at it and muttered, “It tastes bad.”
“Medicine is never tasty,” Huaiyu raised an eyebrow. “After you finish it, shall I pour you a cup of tea to rinse your mouth?”
“No need.”
“What then? Preserves? We seem to be out here,” Huaiyu looked around. “How about some fruit to sweeten it?”
“No need.”
“Um…” Huaiyu was at a loss, holding the bowl of medicine with a wry smile. “If we were at the Jiang residence, it would be fine. But here, we have to make do with whatever we have. Can’t you be more cooperative?”
Jiang Shen watched, his eyelids twitching. “Little sister.”
“Hmm?” Huaiyu turned to look at him.
“Third brother isn’t usually like this,” he bluntly pointed out. “It seems he becomes unusually delicate and fussy only in front of you.”
That was true. When Third Brother was sick before, he planned to coax him with the bitter medicine, but back then, seventeen-year-old Jiang Xuanjin had just gulped down the medicine and coldly remarked, “I still have documents to review.” He didn’t let even half an incense stick’s worth of time delay him, sweeping him out of Moju.
But what was happening now? Why so talkative when someone else tries to coax him? What’s with that displeased expression demanding to be fed? So delicate. If those literary men in the capital who praised him as a lofty pine knew, wouldn’t they have to swallow their words?
Jiang Xuanjin glanced at him faintly and said, “I want a sweet cake from the west of the city.”
Sweet cake? Huaiyu nodded hurriedly, ignoring what Jiang Shen had said earlier. She put down the bowl and bowed to him. “I’m sorry to trouble Second Brother. I can’t leave here.”
“Huh?” Jiang Shen stared at the person on the bed. “Didn’t you say you don’t like sweets?”
“I want to eat it,” Jiang Xuanjin repeated quietly.
Setting down the bowl, Huaiyu escorted Jiang Shen out, pushing him while slipping silver into his hand. “His Highness’s wound hurts, so just go along with him.”
“No, he’s doing this on purpose!” Jiang Shen was both amused and annoyed. “Sweet cakes are available everywhere. Why insist on those from the west of the city? Don’t you think he’s too petty?”
Huaiyu paused, earnestly lowered her head in thought, and then shook it. “I don’t think so.”
“Huh?”
“Whatever he does, I find it all adorable,” she grinned broadly as if spring had bloomed. “I’d buy sweet cakes from all over the capital for him!”
Jiang Shen: “…”
With a slammed door, the second young master of the Jiang family left without looking back, muttering to himself as he walked away, “No wonder he’s getting married. A petty iceberg matches a clueless icebox perfectly, isn’t it just right!”
The clueless icebox returned to the bedside and asked the iceberg, “Are you willing to take the medicine now?”
“My hand hurts.”
The wound on his arm was still deep, and Huaiyu looked at it, then picked up the medicine herself and fed him spoonful by spoonful.
“Why do you look so pale?” Jiang Xuanjin frowned at her, halfway through the medicine.
Huaiyu was taken aback, then realized, “No wonder I feel a bit dizzy. I fell ill yesterday, got hit by a carriage on the street, and slept through the night… Oh, what are you doing?”
Jiang Xuanjin was infuriated, his temples throbbing. He pushed away her hand trying to press on him, propped himself up, pinched her arm and shoulder, then said in a low voice, “Come here.”
“Hmm?” Huaiyu glanced towards the door. “Don’t you care about decorum? What if someone comes in…”
“Come here!”
“…Don’t get agitated.” Setting down the bowl, Huaiyu kicked off her shoes and climbed over him to the inner side of the bed, shed her outer robe obediently, and pulled the blanket over herself. “I’m not that badly off. I can still run and jump. It’s just my lower body feels a bit weak, and my head’s a bit fuzzy.”
Jiang Xuanjin reached out to touch her forehead, then his own, his expression darkening further. “Same.”
“What’s wrong with being the same?” Huaiyu chuckled. “It means I’m normal.”
Staring coldly at her, Jiang Xuanjin said, “My high fever hasn’t gone down.”
Huaiyu: “…”
She rushed over in a hurry after reading the imperial decree, forgetting all about being ill along the way. Now that she relaxed, her head was indeed becoming increasingly dizzy.
“I’ll just sleep for a while,” she said. “I took medicine before leaving, so sleeping a bit should help.”
Jiang Xuanjin didn’t say a word, just tucked her in properly, watching her close her eyes.
This person… seemed not as foolish as he had imagined. He reached out to touch her hair, a hint of puzzlement in his eyes. Initially, he thought she was a reckless rascal, but what kind of rascal dared to speak so boldly in front of so many ministers? There was reason and boldness in her words. If those men hadn’t been preoccupied with other matters, she could have held her own in debate.
Had Miss Bai of the Bai family been foolish all these years?
Catching sight of her robe casually placed on the bed, Jiang Xuanjin reached to grab it, intending to move it off the bed. However, as he grabbed the sleeve and tugged, a stack of papers slipped out from the sleeve pocket.
Neatly folded sheets of paper, seemingly a painting. It looked somewhat familiar. He picked it up, unfolded it, and squinted at it.
Roughly drawn figures of two people depict the fourth scene she had painted, showing the reconciliation between them. Had she seen this painting before? If she had seen it, why had she asked him for an apology? Did she truly feel wronged, or was she mocking him with her understanding?
Feeling slightly displeased, he folded the painting back and placed it neatly aside, casting a sidelong glance at the person sleeping beside him. Suddenly, he felt an urge to pinch her.
“Second Brother is right,” Jiang Xuanjin thought to himself. “To make someone obedient, you need more people around who care about him, afraid to lose him. It’s a tactic he hasn’t learned, but Bai Zhuji has mastered it well. If she were a fool, how many smart people would be left in the capital?” He sneered to himself.
Huaiyu had no idea how long he had been silently observing her. The next morning, she woke up feeling refreshed, and without thinking, she hugged the person beside her.
“Ah it’s more comfortable sleeping with you,” she sighed, holding his uninjured arm. “When I sleep alone and reach out, I always end up grasping nothing.”
Jiang Xuanjin glanced at her. “You’re talking about this early in the morning. Aren’t you afraid of wagging your tongue?”
“Not at all!” She grinned, propping herself up to kiss the tip of his nose. “I’m more afraid of you biting my tongue.”
Jiang Xuanjin: “…”
Even the injured were not spared her teasing. She had no shame!
Huaiyu slipped out of bed and tidied up before washing herself. Once dressed, she said, “If I’m staying here for a few days, I’ll go back home to fetch some fresh clothes for you.”
Her offer sounded thoughtful, and Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips. “Let Feng accompany you.”
“Alright.” Huaiyu nodded with a smile, plucking a meat bun from the breakfast tray brought by a servant, and then headed out.
Lord Ziyang was confined to the Tingwei mansion and couldn’t attend court, but the outside world seemed unchanged. As Huaiyu walked, she suddenly felt a bit worried.
If Jiang Xuanjin remained so straightforward, how would he fare against those plotting against him? Missing court for a few days was a small matter, but those in court weren’t there for a free meal. What if they tried to sideline him?
Before, she might have hoped for his misfortune, but now they were on the same boat. Shouldn’t she lend him a hand?
As she pondered this, there was suddenly a commotion up ahead. Many people crowded from the lanes onto the street, blocking the way.
Feng stepped forward to take a look, then turned to her. “Madam, let’s take a detour. There’s a gambling house ahead, likely causing a disturbance. It’s best not to pass through.”
“Oh.” Huaiyu nodded in agreement. Gambling houses were always trouble spots, but as long as no lives were lost, the authorities usually turned a blind eye.
However, when she returned to the Jiang residence to pack her things and prepare to go back to the Tingwei mansion, two servants from the Bai family appeared at the door.
“Fourth Miss, please help us!” The two servants knelt as soon as they saw her. “Quickly, help save our young masters!”
Huaiyu, holding Jiang Xuanjin’s favorite scripture book, asked in puzzlement, “Which young masters?”
“Ours!” one of the servants raised his head. “Your cousins from the Bai family, both Young Masters Bai, are being bullied right now!”
Bai Zhuji’s cousins? Huaiyu suddenly realized—they were the sons of Bai Liushi and Bai Liangshi, right? She remembered hearing about them last time—Fusheng and Qilin or something—wanting Jiang Xuanjin to help them obtain official positions.
“They’re being bullied, why come to me?” Huaiyu asked, bemused.
The servants anxiously explained, “The people causing trouble have powerful backgrounds. They’ve brought high officials to press charges. We didn’t dare disturb our master, so we came to seek Fourth Miss at the Jiang residence. We heard that Fourth Miss is highly favored by His Highness…”
“And then?” Huaiyu smiled, interrupting them.
The servant hesitated, looking at her attitude, and frowned. “You… you won’t help?”
“Why should I?” She found it absurd. “Are they very close to me?”
“…” Clearly not, considering they had often bullied her in the past.
“No more to say? Then please step aside. I’m in a hurry to take care of someone.” Huaiyu sidestepped them and boarded the carriage with her belongings.
The two servants wanted to say something more, but Feng, with a stern look, silenced them immediately.
This was getting interesting. Old Man Ba Dezhong ng was upright and honest, yet why were his subordinates all rotten? Bai Xuanji had learned decorum, but her heart was still calculating. These cousins from the Bai family were even more useless—failing to pass the imperial exams yet causing trouble everywhere. If Ba Dezhong ng found out, he might use a ruler to give them a severe beating.
She had no goodwill left to help this bunch; they could clean up their mess.
However, the trouble caused by the two Bai brothers seemed quite serious this time.
In the evening, while Huaiyu was telling stories to Jiang Xuanjin, just as she reached the part where “three monks fell into the river while fetching water together,” Feng entered with a solemn expression.
“Madam,” Feng began an unusual address that caught Huaiyu’s attention. She turned to him. “What’s the matter?”
“Your maternal cousins have been imprisoned in the Tingwei dungeon,” Feng replied solemnly.
Jiang Xuanjin paused, glancing sideways. “What happened?”
Feng sighed helplessly. “This morning on Chang’an Street, the two young masters from your maternal family got into a conflict and ended up fighting openly in the street. The authorities were called, and upon investigation, it was revealed that the two young masters owed gambling debts. They lost their temper and started a brawl with the staff of the gambling house.”
Such a thing? Jiang Xuanjin frowned, while Huaiyu, beside him, exclaimed in surprise, “Wow! No wonder they came to ask for my help. They dared to stir up such trouble. If Old Man Bai finds out, it won’t just be a severe beating—they might end up dead!”
Ba Dezhong ng had spent his entire life building a reputation, and it was about to be ruined by these two troublemakers!
Jiang Xuanjin looked at her with mixed emotions. “Why do you seem not at all worried?”
“What should I be worried about?” Huaiyu blinked innocently. “It’s not like I was the one gambling and fighting.”
“…” Jiang Xuanjin couldn’t argue with that logic. Nevertheless, since they were her relatives, and such an incident had occurred, most people would try to cover it up and help get them out of trouble.
“Why are you not thinking of ways to help?” Jiang Xuanjin looked at her puzzled expression.
“Don’t bother with any ideas,” Huaiyu shook her head as she watched him. “Don’t even think about helping. Focus on yourself!”
Her words surprised Feng. With His Highness right here, a casual request from him could resolve the situation. Why was Madam telling him not to help? What was she thinking?
Huaiyu simply hadn’t considered herself part of the Bai family. Apart from Ba Dezhong ng, none of them had ever done her any favors. Why should she care if they brought misfortune upon themselves?
However, she underestimated the shamelessness of Bai Liangshi and the others. Just as they discussed this, officials from the Tingwei mansion arrived directly.
“What’s going on?” Huaiyu frowned, blocking their path after closing the door behind her. “His Highness is recuperating and cannot see visitors.”
Bai Liangshi and Bai Liushi cried miserably, dragging Huaiyu under the nearby eaves, pleading with tears in their eyes, “You have to help us this time! You must help us no matter what!”
Huaiyu leaned against the wall with a smile, finding their distress somewhat amusing. “It’s just because they got into a fight and ended up in the yamen? Such a trivial matter. They’ll be released after a short detention. Is it that serious?”
“It’s not as simple as you think!” Bai Liushi stamped her foot in desperation. “Fusheng was cheated of three thousand taels by the gambling house! Three thousand taels! Now they won’t release him unless he repays the debt!”
“If there was any other way, we wouldn’t have come to you,” Bai Liangshi said bitterly. “Do you think we enjoy being so humiliated? We’re desperate!”
Finally speaking frankly, Huaiyu chuckled. “But you’re here because you’re desperate too. I don’t have the money to repay their debts, nor do I have the power to free them from prison.”
Both looked towards the closed door of the compartment.
Huaiyu’s expression turned serious. “If you dare disturb him, I can ensure they spend the rest of their lives in that cell. Do you believe me?”
Bai Liangshi covered her face with a handkerchief, crying, “What do you want us to do? Dezhong doesn’t know about this yet. Before it becomes a big issue, let’s solve it quickly. If this scandal spreads, it will reflect poorly on your father.”
To be honest, Huaiyu wasn’t Ba Dezhong ng’s biological daughter. Why should she be concerned about his reputation? Huaiyu rolled her eyes and stared at Bai Liangshi for a moment before suddenly saying, “Do you want me to help?”
“Of course!”
“Alright then,” Huaiyu nodded. “Go back to Bai Manor now. Tell my father about how you tried to sabotage my dowry. Once you’ve done that, I’ll figure out a way to help you resolve this matter.”
The crying paused abruptly as Bai Liangshi stared at her incredulously. “At a time like this, you’re still holding onto the past?”
Huaiyu shrugged nonchalantly. “You were harming me. I was the victim. Why shouldn’t I hold it against you?”
“You…” Bai Liangshi was infuriated. After a moment of consideration, she gritted her teeth and said, “Fine, I’ll ask for forgiveness from Dezhong once Qiulun and the others are released.”
“Talking conditions with me now?” Huaiyu was taken aback. “Your son isn’t even your flesh and blood?”
Even if he were her blood, asking her to approach Ba Dezhong ng about sabotaging her dowry was still a difficult situation. Knowing Dezhong’s temperament, he had already held a grudge against her for a long time after the incident at the gate. Bringing up this matter again could very well lead to her being driven out of Bai Manor.
Bai Liangshi’s face was full of anxiety. After hesitating for a while, she said, “I’ll go speak to him now. Can you start thinking of ways to save them?”
“Sure,” Huaiyu nodded generously.
Bai Liangshi pulled Bai Liushi and left.
“Are you going to tell Dezhong about the dowry issue?” Bai Liushi asked in surprise, wiping her tears.
“Would I be foolish enough to do that?” Huaiyu glanced back at the still-standing figure. Bai Liangshi snorted, “Let’s just placate her for now and stall a bit.”
Once Bai Zhuji intervened, she could then leverage Emperor Ziyang’s influence, and the yamen would be compelled to save face. Their plan was too transparent and grandiose, prompting Huaiyu to yawn and give them a disdainful look, then turned and called for Cheng Xu.
“Do you know the whole story behind the gambling house incident?”
This was a question that couldn’t be asked of just anyone, but since his master always demanded precision, Cheng Xu always carried out his duties meticulously. In response to her query, he promptly answered, “I inquired with people at the gambling house. It seems that the two young masters from the Bai family encountered a scammer. However, catching a scammer in action at a gambling house is hard to prove, so they’ll still have to repay their debts.”
“Did it attract any officials’ attention at the time?” Huaiyu asked, recalling what the servants had said when they came to find her.
Cheng Xu nodded, “Centurion Tiger Guard Yi was patrolling nearby at the time. He saw the commotion on the street and went to investigate, which led to a confrontation with the two young masters from the Bai family.”
Yi Yang again?
Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, suddenly feeling that something was off.
“Others might not know, but I know about Yi Yang. He has genuinely helped Jiang Xuanjin before, and you can see it even during the funeral of Grand Princess Chang. He respects and fears Jiang Xuanjin. So, knowing that troublemakers were from the Bai family, and considering the Bai family’s connection with Jiang Xuanjin through marriage, wouldn’t a person who originally respected Jiang Xuanjin try to suppress the situation and then seek favor with Jiang Xuanjin?”
Given Yi Yang’s opportunistic nature, he should have suppressed the incident and then approached Jiang Xuanjin to mend relations.
“Has Minister Yi recently met His Majesty?” Huaiyu murmured.
Cheng Xu responded, “He did, when His Highness came to the tribunal, he led the arrest.”
It was an “arrest” not an “invitation.”
Huaiyu was shocked. Her eyes suddenly gleamed.
She found it! Isn’t this the person who was nice to Jiang Xuanjin before Dan Yang died, then suddenly turned hostile afterward and made things difficult for him?
“Madam?” Cheng Xu was startled by her excitement. “Is something wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong. Everything’s just right!” Huaiyu grinned, her eyes darting around. “The Bai family is in big trouble. Hurry, go inform Lord Bai!”
“What?” Cheng Xu was surprised. “Inform Lord Bai directly?”
“Yes, tell him that two members of the Bai family owe money at the gambling den. Tell him to investigate thoroughly and not to cover it up!”
Cheng Xu thought Huaiyu might have lost her mind and tried to calm her down. “Madam, it’s not necessary. This matter has nothing to do with Lord Bai. Why drag him into this?”
“How does it have nothing to do with him? They share the same surname! As the head of the family, he should set an example of impartiality. Otherwise, how will these children learn?” Huaiyu waved her hand earnestly. “Go quickly!”
Chengxu looked utterly stunned, nodding only after a long pause.
Meanwhile, Jiang Xuanjin was deep in thought at the bedside when Liu Yunlie suddenly arrived.
“Hmm? Where’s Madam?” Surprised not to see Bai Zhuji, Liu Yunlie asked.
Glancing at him, Jiang Xuanjin replied, “She’s outside.”
“Good. I have something to ask you,” Liu Yunlie said. “Two people from the Bai family have been locked up. Shouldn’t we find a way to release them?”
Jiang Xuanjin’s expression became complex as he regarded the man before him. Liu Yunlie, known for his upright character, asking him such a question was unexpected. Based on his past behavior, wouldn’t he strictly follow the law without showing any leniency?
“Don’t misunderstand,” Liu Yunlie sighed. “I simply feel that since we’re friends, and you care so deeply for Madam, it wouldn’t be right to sit back and watch her family suffer.”
“And so?” Jiang Xuanjin sneered. “You want me to abuse my authority for personal gain?”
“Why would you think like that?” Liu Yunlie frowned in confusion. “It’s just a matter of personal relationships, nothing more.”
Glancing coldly around the room, Jiang Xuanjin’s eyes remained indifferent.
“If we were to say I’m misusing my position for private gain, it would only be the blame I should carry,” Liu Yunlie added. “I wouldn’t cause you any harm. The record of arrests and releases is in your nephew’s hands. If you decide to have someone released, just let him know, and I’ll approve it.”
Jiang Yan just happened to serve as the left surveillance official, so for Jiang Xuanjin, all it would take is a simple gesture.
Just then, Bai Zhuji came in from outside.
Liu Yunlie turned to her with a rare hint of a smile. “Greetings, Madam.”
Seeing him enter, Li Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, her eyes subtly shifting. She immediately suppressed her smile and lowered her head. “Your Excellency is too kind.”
Looking at her and then at Jiang Xuanjin on the bed, Liu Yunlie asked, “While we’re on the subject, would Madam like to visit the prison?”
Visit the prison? Li Huaiyu glanced at Liu Yunlie twice and realized he had misunderstood something. Did he genuinely believe she, Miss Bai, was close to her two cousins in jail?
Pausing for a moment, Li Huaiyu quickly put on an expression of heartbreak as if deeply wounded. She pinched her handkerchief and wiped away imaginary tears, sighing heavily. “There’s no need to visit. What’s there to see? It’s just causing needless worry.”
“Madam needn’t say that,” Liu Yunlie hurriedly replied upon seeing her reaction. “The two young masters from the Bai family haven’t committed any serious offenses.”
“Without committing any major offense, she was nonetheless detained in the Ministry of Justice. To her surprise, the magistrate, one of the three high officials, personally came to speak with her. He even suggested she visit her imprisoned brother voluntarily.
Huaiyu smiled inwardly but feigned deeper sorrow on her face. “I haven’t done anything wrong, yet as his sister, I can’t even save them. How can I face anyone?”
Jiang Xuanjin looked at her in confusion and caught the meaning behind her glance: ‘Come on! Let’s play this drama!’
What did she mean by that? He was puzzled, while Liu Yunlie, beside her, followed her gaze.
“Your Highness,” he said, “can you bear to see Lady so distressed?”
Her crying seemed so insincere. How could anyone tell she was truly upset? Jiang Xuanjin wondered silently. He glanced at the person beside her, who was winking and making faces, and pursed his lips. Finally, he spoke in agreement, “The two young masters of the Bai family deserve their punishment, and she knows it herself.”
Liu Yunlie shook his head. “Even if she knows, who wants their brother to remain in prison?”
“Lord Li…” Huaiyu choked up, gratefully meeting his eyes before turning to Jiang Xuanjin. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of grievance and anxiety, her trembling hand clutching a handkerchief.
Jiang Xuanjin’s brow furrowed slightly. “You may visit them, but let’s not bring this up again.”
“What use is it for me to visit them? What use!” She collapsed onto the edge of the bed, holding the handkerchief to her eyes, crying quietly and pitifully. “You don’t even care about me!”
“I do care about you. But where does the law stand?” Jiang Xuanjin’s expression hardened. “There are consequences for every action. Just because he’s your cousin doesn’t mean we should bend the rules.”
“Anyone else from another family in the same situation could get out of jail for minor offenses,” the person by the bed argued, her voice rising. “But just because they have some connection to you, Lord Ziyang, they might end up dead in there! Then why should I marry you? I might as well marry the magistrate!”
“What are you saying!”
“Am I wrong? Even the magistrate himself came to ask if I would visit them. As my husband, you haven’t said a word since you found out about this!”
“Do you think what Lord Li did was right?”
“Why wouldn’t it be? At least he has some humanity!”
“And I don’t?”
“You, Lord Ziyang, have no humanity at all!”
As their argument escalated with each word, even he was dragged into it. Initially, Liu Yunlie had planned to use Lady Jun to pressure Jiang Xuanjin into relenting, but instead of achieving his goal, he inadvertently provoked him, leaving him momentarily stunned.
“Lord Li, take me away!” Lady Jun furiously demanded, “You’re better than him!”
Huh? He was baffled.
“Liu Yunlie, what do you mean by this?” Lord Ziyang glared at him from the bed.
Huh? He was even more bewildered.
What did it matter to him?!
“No wonder you came personally to raise this issue,” Jiang Xuanjin squinted at him, “Yunlie, this lord treated you like a confidant, never expecting you to harbor such intentions!”
What intentions did he harbor? Liu Yunlie could only smile wryly, “Xuanjin, let me explain…”
“No need!” Jiang Xuanjin’s voice turned cold, “Yu Feng!”
“Here,” came the immediate response.
“Keep an eye on the prison. If Lord Li dares to bring someone in to visit or release anyone, report to me immediately,” he ordered sternly, “I will personally bring this matter before His Majesty and accuse the current magistrate of abuse of power and favoritism!”
“Yes, sir!”
After issuing his commands, Jiang Xuanjin looked displeased at Liu Yunlie, “I’m feeling unwell. Lord Li, please leave.”
Liu Yunlie was utterly frustrated. How had things spiraled into this mess? It wasn’t his young uncle in jail, so why was he being threatened with accusations? Wait, what had he come here for again?
Bai Zhuzhi escorted him to the door, speaking softly with a hint of resentment, “I understand your intentions, my lord. Unfortunately, His Highness is too overbearing. Farewell.”
With that said, she slammed the door shut.
Liu Yunlie stood there in a daze, staring at the intricately carved wooden door. After pondering for a long while, he still couldn’t grasp what Jiang Xuanjin meant.
Behind the closed door, the face that had been tearful moments ago now grinned broadly as it turned back and collapsed onto the bed. Watching the bewildered figure outside, Huaiyu dared not speak, nervously fidgeting with the blanket.
Jiang Xuanjin glared at her with annoyance and asked in a low voice, “Had enough fun?”
Nodding slightly, Huaiyu rested her head on his lap comfortably and rubbed against him. Then, looking up at him, she said, “Isn’t it all for your sake?”
His confusion deepened, and Jiang Xuanjin reached out to tuck a strand of her dark hair behind her ear, pondering aloud, “It seems like you know everything.”
She knew that Liu Yunlie wanted to involve him in the Bai family’s affairs, knew she couldn’t follow his lead, and even swiftly staged this act to dismiss Liu Yunlie without leaving a trace.
How did Miss Bai, the newlywed Lady Jun, know so much? And how did she know what to do?
The person in his arms trembled under his gaze and asked plaintively, “What are you talking about?”
He frowned, “Playing dumb?”
“What’s there to play dumb about? I just didn’t want to visit those cousins of mine who treated me badly in the past, so I improvised this little scene earlier. What were you thinking?”
Was it just a coincidence? Jiang Xuanjin pondered as he twirled her hair. It seemed plausible—this person had a poor relationship with the rest of the Bai family and wasn’t one to forget grievances. It made sense she didn’t want to see those in prison.
But… as he looked at her innocent face on his lap, Jiang Xuanjin’s eyes darkened.
Was it an illusion? He couldn’t shake the feeling she was hiding something.
“What’s wrong? Feeling unwell again?” Huaiyu reached out to massage his forehead. “Lie down for a while and rest.”
“As for the Bai family’s affairs, are you going to ignore them?” he asked softly.
Huaiyu smiled, “I married you, so I only need to manage your affairs!”
Manage his affairs? Jiang Xuanjin shook his head, “Just manage yourself.”
Liu Yunlie and the others were trying everything to force him to relinquish power. Clever as she was, she couldn’t handle these matters. It had to be him.
With Lord Ziyang absent from court and the Emperor injured, the Three High Ministers had no choice but to assist with governance. Jiang Xuanjin usually bore it with gritted teeth, enduring the workload meant for three men alone. Unfortunately, the Bai family’s troubles had complicated matters.
“What did you say?” Ba Dezhong ng erupted upon hearing the rumors as soon as he arrived, slamming down official documents and storming toward the Ministry of Justice. He brandished a ruler, ready to strike. If not for the guards intervening, both young Bai masters would have been beaten to death.
Seeing him, Liu Yunlie was taken aback, “Why… summon the Minister of Justice over this?”
“You disrespectful scoundrels have tarnished the Bai family’s reputation! I’m here to discipline you!” Ba Dezhong ng thundered, his anger palpable. He raised his hand to strike again.
Bai Fusheng and Bai Qilin panicked, hurriedly kowtowing, “Uncle, it’s the gambling den’s fault! It’s a fraudulent gambling den! We’ve erred, but it’s not a major offense!”
“Addicted to gambling, brawling, and now imprisoned! You call these minor offenses?” Ba Dezhong ng’s hand shook with rage as he held the ruler, “I’d be justified in beating you to death!”
“Uncle, please reconsider!” Bai Fusheng pleaded urgently, “Even if you beat us to death today, we must speak! It truly was the fault of that gambling den. Investigate, and you’ll see how many families it’s ruined!”
“Do you dare to argue?” Ba Dezhong ng fumed with anger.
Bai Qilin vigorously kowtowed, his forehead reddened from the impact. “Uncle, we’re not lying!”
After catching his breath, Ba Dezhong ng calmed down slightly and asked, “What exactly happened?”
The two quickly explained how they had lost several thousand taels of silver after starting with five taels at a gambling den. Liu Yunlie stood nearby, suddenly feeling a foreboding sense of unease.
In the magistrate’s residence:
Huaiyu chatted cheerfully, “You have no idea how strict my father is. He used a three-foot-long hardwood ruler. I’ve lost count of how many times he’s used it on me.”
Jiang Xuanjin stroked her hair and said calmly, “Magistrate Bai is known for his fairness.”
“Fairness? More like relentless justice! Sometimes he goes overboard!” Huaiyu rolled her eyes. “I’m terrified of him. If he catches any mistakes or omissions, he’ll dig up everything I’ve hidden and settle all accounts at once.”
Whether Bai Zhuzhi suffered similarly, she didn’t know, but Danyang had endured Ba Dezhong ng’s strict discipline.
“Having someone like Magistrate Bai is a blessing for Northern Wei,” Jiang Xuanjin said earnestly.
Huaiyu snorted lightly, then smiled meaningfully.
At times, having someone like Magistrate Bai was indeed a blessing for Northern Wei.
Jiang Xuanjin gently stroked her and suddenly asked, “Can you write?”
Huaiyu was startled and shook her head. “No.”
“Hmm? A Miss from the Bai family who can’t write?” he glanced down at her.
“…I’m different. Didn’t I become ‘silly’ due to illness?” Huaiyu replied, “I’ve forgotten everything from before, including writing.”
“You’ve forgotten everything?”
“Yes.”
“Then why do you distinctly remember your friendship with Lu Jingxing?”
Huaiyu’s heart skipped a beat. Propping herself up, she grinned mischievously. “Why do you keep bringing up Manager Lu?”
“I was thinking about past events and noticed inconsistencies in your story,” Jiang Xuanjin said calmly. “When you first met Lu Jingxing, you clearly remembered him.”
“It’s a funny story.” She shivered inwardly. Maintaining her smile, she continued, “I actually had forgotten about him, but as soon as I saw him again, all those memories came flooding back. It’s like seeing my father—I remember him instantly too.”
“Remembering people but not events?” Jiang Xuanjin frowned.
Huaiyu reached for his hand, gently rubbing it. “Yes, I can only remember people. I don’t know why. Why suddenly ask about this?”
Brushing away a bead of sweat from her temple, Jiang Xuanjin said, “Just felt curious, that’s all.”
This man never asked anything without reason. He must have noticed something amiss again. But since he didn’t press further, neither would Li Huaiyu risk probing deeper. She smiled and changed the subject, “So you finally took my advice? It’s fine, ask away. I’ll answer anything.”
“If you had to stay here for seven days, would you feel bored?” he asked.
Staying here for seven days? Huaiyu smirked inwardly. Where did he get that confidence from? Did Liu Yunlie and his group only plan to let him rest for seven days?
Still, she answered with a smile, “With you around, why would I be bored?”
“What’s so good about me?” He raised an eyebrow. “Since the moment you first saw me, it seems like…”
He paused, feeling awkward to continue.
Huaiyu grinned widely, “It seems like what? You mean I like you, right? There are plenty of girls in the capital who like you. Don’t you know what’s good about yourself?”
“But no one else persists with me like you do.”
“Exactly! That’s why I succeeded!” She proudly lifted her chin. “I’m the one who married you!”
Indeed… Jiang Xuanjin rubbed his forehead. He hadn’t married any of those serious young ladies, yet somehow ended up with her.
“Anything else you want to ask?” She asked cheerfully. “If you don’t have anything, then I do.”
“What is it?”
“They say you care deeply for the people.” Huaiyu blinked. “So if you had to choose between me and the people, who would you choose?”
“The people,” Jiang Xuanjin answered without hesitation.
Huaiyu was taken aback, her face falling. “Why?”
“Family motto.”
One of the Jiang family mottos: To take the people’s well-being as one’s responsibility, and not hesitate to die for it.
His answer was sincere, without deceit or evasion. But Huaiyu chuckled twice, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Not upset?” he frowned.
“No, my husband is a man of great stature. Why should I be upset?”
“…Your face says otherwise.”
Taking a deep breath, Huaiyu said, “It was wrong of me to ask that question. I shouldn’t have, it only added an unnecessary burden to myself. There are so many people in the world, but I only have one. What comparison could I possibly make? Let’s forget I asked, shall we have lunch?”
With that, she called out, “Chengxu.”
The person outside responded and entered, bowing respectfully. “Lunch has been served. Also, there is another matter I need to report.”
“Go ahead.”
“Sir Bai went to the prison and afterward personally led people to a gambling den on Chang’an Street. Now, officials from the Judicial Office are being dispatched, seemingly to carry out a closure.”
Jiang Xuanjin looked up. “Why did Sir Bai go to the prison?”
Chengxu glanced at Li Huaiyu, who grinned mischievously. “I filed a complaint! The Bai family harassed me over this matter, wanting to benefit from your influence to get someone released. Out of anger, I had Chengxu inform my father.”
A gleam flashed in Jiang Xuanjin’s eyes. He turned to Chengxu and ordered, “Summon Xu Yan as well.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
None of the gambling dens in the capital were clean; they thrived on exploiting others with their powerful backers. Jiang Xuanjin had tried to clean them up before but faced immense resistance and failed. Now, focusing on one and with Sir Bai personally involved, there would certainly be results. Considering the Bai family’s debts with the gambling den, bringing Xu Yan along would help avoid any suspicion.
With the road unexpectedly cleared, Jiang Xuanjin’s mood brightened instantly. He caressed the person in his arms and said, “Your knack for stumbling into things accidentally is quite impressive.”
Huaiyu looked bewildered. “What did I stumble into this time?”
She genuinely had no idea, Jiang Xuanjin smirked, a glint in his dark eyes.
Bai Derong was adamant about rules; if his people erred, he would punish them without mercy. When investigating a gambling den, he spared no one, spending just a day to uncover all its illicit activities.
While there was no evidence of cheating, the den’s financial mismanagement and large amounts of unexplained wealth were exposed. Bai Derong promptly ordered its closure and enlisted the Judicial Office’s assistance in further investigation.
Liu Yunlie’s face darkened. “Sir Bai, just the paperwork alone is suffocating us. Why bring up this case right now?”
Bai Derong replied firmly, “If there are issues, they should be investigated, no matter when.”
This old stickler was even more rigid than he was! Gritting his teeth, Linyun Lie said, “Yesterday’s paperwork alone piled up over a hundred. With the gambling den issue now, I’m stretched too thin!”
“The Judicial Office has plenty of people. If you’re busy, let Xu Yan accompany me,” Bai Derong suggested.
“Are you saying you won’t handle paperwork?” Linyun Lie retorted.
“I’ve handed it over to Prime Minister Qi,” Bai Derong said. “He enjoys revising them, so let him shoulder more.”
Prime Minister Qi did indeed enjoy reviewing the paperwork. With all major state affairs under his purview, he had a clear view of what was happening across the realm. However, with only two eyes and endless documents, backlogs were inevitable.
Summer had arrived, and Northern Wei was plagued by droughts and floods simultaneously, resulting in urgent paperwork. Some documents had been previously reviewed and revised by Jiang Xuanjin, and now they were back for further handling. How Jiang Xuanjin had initially handled them was unknown, complicating the current arrangements.
Even if they disregarded the absent Emperor Ziyang, the paperwork alone was overwhelming them. Initially, Linyun Lie and the others had been optimistic, seeing their efforts as serving the nation and demonstrating their value as court officials. However, with the gambling den issue emerging, Linyun Lie felt overwhelmed. Eventually, he sought advice from Prime Minister Qi, asking, “What should we do?”
Emerging from the sea of documents, Qi, with bloodshot eyes, declared, “Serve the country faithfully! No sleeping—carry on!”
Yet, some challenges could not be tackled through sheer sleeplessness alone. With too many urgent documents and lacking the decisive leadership of Emperor Ziyang, they could only watch helplessly as the flames slowly engulfed them.
Five days later, the urgent memorial was delivered directly to the Emperor’s presence.
“Where is Lord Ziyang?” Emperor Li Huailin asked with a pale face, reclining on the dragon couch.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, His Highness is seriously injured and has been recuperating at the Ministry of Justice for several days, away from public view,” Yun Lanqing replied, bowing respectfully.
“Why is he at the Ministry of Justice?” Li Huailin queried, perplexed. “If he’s recovering, shouldn’t he be in his residence?”
Yun Lanqing glanced at Yi Yang, who stepped forward and cleared his throat. “Your Majesty, His Highness witnessed the assassination attempt on you. Hence, he chose to reside at the Ministry of Justice to assist Minister Liu in investigating the culprit, avoiding unnecessary travel and disruption.”
“Nonsense!” Li Huailin exclaimed angrily. “His Highness is gravely injured, yet you expect him to pursue the assassin?”
“But Your Majesty’s life…” Yi Yang started to interject.
“His Highness saved my life!” Li Huailin’s voice softened with a hint of annoyance. “Treating His Highness like this, are you trying to cast me in an unjust light?”
Yi Yang bowed his head. “Your Majesty, please calm down.”
“Why didn’t anyone inform me?” Li Huailin turned to Yun Lanqing. “If not for today’s memorial, would you have continued hiding this from me?”
Yun Lanqing sighed helplessly. “Your Majesty, the Imperial Physician advised you to rest in seclusion a few days ago. We were unable to report to you.”
Li Huailin paused, feeling regretful. “Leave that aside for now. Quickly take my edict and arrange for His Highness to be transported back to Jiang Residence and grant him substantial rewards.”
“Understood, Your Majesty.”
Li Huailin had always relied heavily on Lord Ziyang, perhaps due to growing up without a father. It was no wonder that courtiers feared him. Glancing at the long list of accompanying gifts beside the edict, Yun Lanqing sighed as he hurried towards the Ministry of Justice.
Upon reaching the destination, Yun Lanqing intended to announce loudly with the edict in hand, but as he raised his eyes to look inside, he froze at the door.
On the couch in the side room, Lord Ziyang lay on his side with his head resting on Bai Zhuji’s lap. His eyes were gently closed, seemingly asleep. Bai Zhuji gently patted his back in a rhythmic motion, humming a soft tune with eyes so tender they could coax water out.
Upon hearing footsteps, she turned her head and glanced over, smiling as she placed a finger to her lips, signaling for silence.
In that instant, Yun Lanqing’s mind conjured up the words: “Beauty’s abode, hero’s mound.”
However, the hero on the couch had keen ears. Despite not making much noise, he opened his eyes.
“Lord Yun?” he spoke.
Quickly regaining his composure, Yun Lanqing held out the imperial edict with both hands. “I have come to deliver His Majesty’s edict. His Highness is to return to Jiang Residence to receive rewards.”
Glancing at the yellow scroll in Yun Lanqing’s hand, Jiang Xuanjin asked, “Is His Majesty unharmed?”
“According to the Imperial Physician, His Majesty is fine. His eating and resting are normal, though his left hand still cannot move, but the pain has subsided.”
“Very well.” Jiang Xuanjin sat up, donned his robe, and got off the bed. “I must visit the palace. Please wait at Jiang Residence, Lord Yun.”
Upon hearing Yun Lanqing’s report that Huailin was unharmed, Huaiyu was about to breathe a sigh of relief when his words startled her into a hiccup.
“Your wounds haven’t fully healed yet. Why would you go to the palace at a time like this?” She frowned.
The man beside her leisurely fastened his outer garment. “There’s a favor I wish to seek.”
“Don’t be absurd!” Huaiyu stood up and grabbed him, speaking in a low voice. “What favor could be more important than your health?”