In the southern part of the capital, there was a teahouse called the Bamboo Grove Teahouse, nestled among a cluster of natural rocky formations. The tea tables were scattered around, separated by tall stone screens, with clusters of green bamboo growing between the rocks, creating an ambiance akin to a formation set by a master.
Huaiyu, accompanied by Qingsi, sat there, attentively listening to the sounds around them.
She hadn’t originally planned to come today. The arrangement was for Qingsi to deliver the jade pendant to Liu Yunlie. However, Liu Yunlie had sent word insisting she deliver it personally. Since Jiang Xuanjin was confronting Qi Han, Huaiyu decided to come as requested.
One cannot catch the wolf without sacrificing the child.
After the time it took for two incense sticks to burn, Liu Yunlie arrived leisurely. Huaiyu straightened her back the moment she saw him, instinctively glancing at the stone screen to her left.
Jiu Wu and the others were behind it.
One advantage of this place was that the bamboo always made a “rustling” sound, masking the breathing of those nearby. Even the most skilled martial artist would not detect the ambush.
Liu Yunlie, oblivious to the ambush, entered alone. He greeted her with a faint smile, “Greetings, Your Highness.”
Huaiyu asked coldly, “What does Lord Liu mean by this?”
Addressing her as “Your Highness” in broad daylight?
Liu Yunlie chuckled, “Seeing you with Qingsi, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity.”
Qingsi frowned at him.
“It’s quite odd,” Liu Yunlie said, brushing his sleeve and sitting down opposite her. He poured himself some tea. “Hasn’t His Highness ever found it strange? Qingsi used to obey only the Eldest Princess of Danyang, but now she recognizes you as her master.”
Huaiyu replied calmly, “Qingsi was given to me by him.”
She didn’t ask for Qingsi; Jiang Xuanjin had offered her. Why would he find it strange?
Liu Yunlie sighed, “Your Highness is truly skilled, even managing to toy with Lord Ziyang.”
His eyes were filled with sarcasm, his face still wearing a smile. It was truly irritating. Huaiyu’s voice turned icy, “Do you not want your item, Lord Liu?”
“No rush,” Liu Yunlie said. “Before taking the item, I have a question for Your Highness.”
“—How did you persuade Lord Ziyang to act against Chief Li?”
A pan of incense was burning on the table, its rich aroma wafting through their tea area with the breeze.
Huaiyu glanced at the incense, leisurely took a sip of tea, and replied, “Is the lord here to conduct an investigation?”
“I pondered all night and still couldn’t figure it out,” Liu Yunlie shook his head. “How could a mere woman manipulate Lord Ziyang so?”
“I did not manipulate him,” Huaiyu replied. “Chief Li shielded Meng Hengyuan first and was later found guilty of embezzlement.”
“Yet, in the eyes of His Highness before, Chief Li was a good official,” Liu Yunlie asserted confidently. “You must have done something to change his opinion, prompting him to present evidence of his crimes to the Emperor.”
Fanning herself lightly with a silk fan, Huaiyu responded, “Heaven’s sins can be forgiven, but self-inflicted sins cannot.”
Liu Yunlie’s expression darkened slightly. “Your Highness’s words are as good as saying nothing.”
“Why are you asking these questions now?” Huaiyu said. “I have already stated that my sole aim is to clear my name. Once the Sima Xu case is resolved, I will no longer use Lord Ziyang for anything.”
Liu Yunlie narrowed his eyes. “So you admit you are using Lord Ziyang?”
“Why wouldn’t I admit it?” Huaiyu smiled lightly. “When I first approached him, I even considered killing him.”
Liu Yunlie was momentarily stunned, seemingly shocked by her audacious thought. His expression turned complex as he said, “You truly live up to the reputation of the Eldest Princess of Danyang. Despite Jiang Xuanjin’s sincere affection for you, you can still bear to do this?”
Raising an eyebrow, Huaiyu asked, “Do you have the right to say that? Haven’t you ever used him?”
“When have I ever used him?”
Feigning innocence now? Huaiyu sneered. “The Sima Xu case. If you hadn’t used his hand to close the case, how would the blame have fallen on me? Lord Liu, you’ve wanted me dead for a long time, haven’t you? Qi Han took action against Sima Xu, and you took the opportunity to pin the blame on me. Now that Qi Han is caught by His Highness, you’re scot-free. Quite the cunning maneuver.”
Liu Yunlie frowned. “In the Sima Xu case, I was also deceived by Qi Han. He killed people and then accused you. I didn’t anticipate that.”
Who are you fooling? This was clearly a setup, framing her while colluding with each other. And now, he had the nerve to play innocent?
Huaiyu loathed this kind of hypocrite, speaking in riddles even in front of those who could see through him. It was utterly insufferable.
“I once inquired about Miss Bai Si, and I heard about Lu Jingxing’s addition to her dowry,” Liu Yunlie said. “At that time, I couldn’t figure out what benevolence prompted the head merchant to do so. But after learning that Miss Bai Si was your reincarnation, I was somewhat moved.”
His feigned emotion was nauseating. Huaiyu frowned. “Can you, a grown man, stop being so disgusting? If you dislike me and Lu Jingxing, just say so directly. Spare me the pretense.”
“It’s genuine sentiment,” Liu Yunlie said. “He’s been by your side for five years without seeking any title, still helping you with everything. The scholars in the capital say you two were betrothed long ago. Yet after your rebirth, you didn’t elope with him but married Lord Ziyang instead.”
“Your Highness, your heart is truly ruthless. For revenge, you abandoned your lover and married the man who killed you.”
The incense on the table had almost burned out. Huaiyu exhaled softly, having no patience left for his nonsense. She took out an embroidered box and placed it in front of him. “Here is what you wanted.”
Seeing the box, Liu Yunlie wasn’t particularly excited. He opened it to inspect, tapping the lid lightly with his finger. “How can I know if this is genuine?”
“There is a way,” Huaiyu replied with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “You can try it.”
“What?”
With a flick of her fingers, a small teacup fell to the ground with a crisp “crack.” Out of the corner of her eye, Huaiyu saw Jiu Wu and his men leap from behind the stone screen. She calmly answered, “Die once, and you’ll find out.”
Liu Yunlie was startled. He quickly evaded Jiu Wu’s descending blade, which struck the stone stool he had just been sitting on, splitting it deeply with a loud “clang.”
“Murder to silence?” He looked at the ten men emerging in front of him, initially stunned but then laughing heartily. “Eldest Princess, truly an Eldest Princess. Even with a new face, these people still follow you. Only Lord Ziyang is the fool who doesn’t know who you are!”
“Do you want to tell him?” Huaiyu remained seated, speaking calmly, “There’s no chance now.”
After exchanging two moves, Liu Yunlie was astonished to find that his limbs seemed to have lost all their strength, becoming limp and powerless.
“What did you do?”
Looking at the burnt incense ash on the table, Huaiyu disdainfully said, “If it weren’t to get you with this Soft Muscle Incense, do you think I would have wasted so much time talking nonsense with you?”
Soft Muscle Incense? Liu Yunlie dodged but ended up laughing, “It seems that accepting an invitation from His Highness is never a simple matter.”
“But it’s alright. I came prepared.”
Just as Jiuwu’s long blade was about to reach his throat, a large group of constables suddenly rushed in from outside the tea house, surrounding the place with an overwhelming presence.
Jiuwu and his men reacted swiftly, determined to take Liu Yunlie’s head first. In the blink of an eye, a stone flew from the side, striking his blade and deflecting it forcefully.
An ambush? Jiuwu’s expression darkened. He repositioned the blade across Liu Yunlie’s neck, warily scanning the surroundings.
Liu Yunlie smiled, “Surrender now. I’ve brought enough men to bind all of you and take you back to the yamen. Once again, I’ve won, Eldest Princess.”
Li Huaiyu, protected by Qingsi and others, didn’t seem anxious at all. She stood up and walked towards Liu Yunlie, casually taking the dagger held by Qingxian beside her. She smiled at him as she approached.
“You’ve won?”
“You underestimate me, Danyang.”
With that, she thrust the dagger directly into his abdomen. The sound of flesh tearing was unsettling, but she didn’t even blink.
“Ugh.” Liu Yunlie groaned, his eyes widening. “You… you want to die together with me?”
So many constables here, and she still dared to strike? Is she mad?
“Die together?” Huaiyu chuckled, “You overestimate yourself. You harmed me first and then entered the secret chamber. Just die with all your secrets. I still have a lot to live for.”
The pain in his abdomen was excruciating. Liu Yunlie didn’t dare move and gritted his teeth, “You are truly ruthless!”
“If your heart isn’t ruthless, you can’t stand firm. If your hand isn’t cruel, who would fear you?” Huaiyu muttered disdainfully and let go of the dagger. She turned to those behind her, “Take action.”
Jiuwu nodded, blowing a sharp, piercing whistle. Immediately, a large group of masked men emerged from behind the constables.
“Still moved?” Li Huaiyu patted Liu Yunlie’s shoulder, “This is all thanks to Manager Lu.”
Liu Yunlie’s face turned pale. He anxiously glanced towards the stone screen on the left, as if hoping for reinforcements.
Huaiyu squinted and motioned for Qingsi to check it out. Qingsi flipped over the screen, quickly returned, and shook her head.
There were no others left.
One by one, the constables fell to the ground. Liu Yunlie’s face gradually turned pale, a look of deep unwillingness in his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak but was silenced by the pain.
“Let me ask you one last question,” Huaiyu said, smiling cheerfully at him. “Where did you put the document you were clutching in the secret chamber?”
Gasping for breath, Liu Yunlie replied, “I won’t give it to you.”
“If you don’t give it, I can still have someone find it. The secret chamber, your residence—we’ll find it eventually.” Huaiyu shrugged indifferently. “But if you remain uncooperative, you might not get a proper burial after you die.”
“You…” Liu Yunlie gripped the wound where the dagger was embedded, blood slowly seeping out. “Even in death, I won’t let you go!”
His face contorted with anger and fear, resembling a vengeful ghost. Yet, Li Huaiyu was completely unfazed. She looked at him calmly and said, “When I was dying, I felt the same way.”
Except Jiang Xuanjin took the blame, and her hatred was misplaced.
Constables and masked men clashed, turning the rocky bamboo forest into a bloody battlefield.
As Liu Yunlie slowly collapsed to the ground, Huaiyu crouched beside him, quietly waiting for him to take his last breath.
“Master.” Qingsi returned from outside, frowning. “We must go now!”
More reinforcements? Huaiyu frowned, lifting her skirt as she swiftly led Jiuwu and the others in a retreat.
“Is everything clean?” she asked as they moved.
Jiuwu responded, “Clean. The ones outside who didn’t see us, we’ll let them go for now.”
“Alright.” Passing the stone screen and heading west, Huaiyu said, “Wait for news of Liu Yunlie’s death. If there’s no word within two days, go check the Ministry of Justice again.”
“Understood.”
Outside the west gate of the rocky bamboo forest, a carriage awaited. Huaiyu glanced at it, then lifted the curtain and climbed inside.
Lu Jingxing, fanning himself, noticed the blood on her and clicked his tongue. “You’ve been so compliant lately, I almost forgot how ruthless you used to be.”
Huaiyu playfully waved her blood-stained hand at him. “The Eldest Princess of Danyang is a merciless killer. Are you scared?”
“Terrified.” Closing his fan, Lu Jingxing set it aside, took out a handkerchief, and gently cleaned her hand. His expression was tender. “With Liu Yunlie dead, Qi Han will also be punished. You’ve finally avenged your great grievance.”
—
With the weight on her heart lifted, Huaiyu grinned, “Yes, avenged.”
“What do you plan to do next?” Lu Jingxing looked up at her. “Will you continue to stay at the Jiang residence?”
“Nominally, I’m still a member of the Jiang family, so I should stay there,” Li Huaiyu said, gesturing. “I’ve thought it through. Lanqing is suitable to be the Prime Minister; we’ll support him. With his assistance, Hualin will have solid support, and you can focus on your business. Once you’ve earned enough money, you can think about settling down.”
“I can now talk properly with those official’s daughters, and they won’t fear me because I’m from Danyang. If I meet a good girl, I can even play matchmaker for you.”
“As for Jiuwu and Bai Ai, those who want to be officials can join the court, and those who wish to roam the martial world can be free to do so. After all these years, it’s time everyone lived the life they wanted.”
Huaiyu’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she continued, gesturing animatedly, “In a couple of years, I might have a child. Then we can all gather for a full-month celebration, share what we’ve been up to, and drink until we drop!”
Imagining the scene she described, Lu Jingxing smiled and shook his head, “Everything else is fine, but you don’t need to worry about my marriage.”
“Why not?” Huaiyu frowned. “Don’t you trust my judgment?”
“It’s not that,” Lu Jingxing said nonchalantly. “There are so many beauties in the world; I don’t want to be tied to just one.”
Huaiyu was taken aback, looking at him with a complex expression, “You’re even more of a philanderer than Jiang Er Gongzi.”
At least Jiang Shen had married and taken concubines. Was this man planning to be surrounded by beauties forever?
Lu Jingxing half-closed his phoenix eyes, smiling quietly for a moment before asking her, “Have you decided to spend your life with Jiang Xuanjin?”
The question sounded somewhat sentimental. Huaiyu scratched her temple, a bit embarrassed, “I think it’s not a bad idea. He treats me well.”
“Don’t I treat you well?” he asked.
Huaiyu blinked at him, suddenly swore, and said incredulously, “Don’t tell me you actually have feelings for me?”
“What’s the matter?” Lu Jingxing glanced at her sideways. “Don’t you think highly of yourself?”
“That’s not it,” Huaiyu shook her head. “I’m such a unique and unparalleled beauty, it’s normal for you to have feelings for me!”
Unable to hold back, Lu Jingxing rolled his eyes, “Say that with a straight face, don’t lose it.”
Li Huaiyu: “…”
Opening his fan again, Lu Jingxing looked down and said, “Just teasing you. Once a brother, always a brother. We’ve sworn by Guan Yu; just don’t lose touch with me in the future.”
“How could I?” Huaiyu laughed, “You’re my family.”
——
A single missed opportunity can lead to a lifetime of regrets. Lu Jingxing pursed his lips, fanning himself as he pondered. If he had realized his feelings earlier, would he have still missed his chance with her?
The answer was uncertain. It seemed the person before him had never truly had any romantic feelings for him. Once certain words are spoken, there might not even be a chance to remain friends.
Better to leave things as they were.
The carriage arrived near the Jiang residence, and Huaiyu, accompanied by Qingsi, got off the carriage early. After bidding farewell to Lu Jingxing, she removed her blood-stained outer robe, which Qingsi held, and they entered the Mo Residence through a side door.
The Mo Residence was quiet. The servants reported that His Highness had gone to the palace and had not yet returned.
Qi Han, after all, was a Prime Minister. Pressing him with old cases wouldn’t be easy and would likely take considerable effort. Huaiyu wasn’t concerned. Feeling very tired, she decided to take a nap, regardless of the early hour.
This time, she didn’t have any nightmares. Her dreamscape was peaceful, with the shadows of trees at the gate of Feiyun Palace, Hualin’s childish laughter, and a distant figure in a green robe, waiting for her gently.
Even in her sleep, she couldn’t help but smile.
When she woke, it was already evening. Looking around the room, Huaiyu asked Qingsi, “Has His Highness returned yet?”
Qingsi replied softly, “Just now, Yufeng brought a message saying His Highness will stay in the palace for a few days to discuss the old case with His Majesty.”
“Ah…” Huaiyu pouted in disappointment, “I’m left alone here again.”
Qingsi thought for a moment and said, “Earlier, the Second Young Madam sent someone to ask about you. Would you like to see her now?”
The girl from the Xu family? Huaiyu perked up, “Sure, invite her over.”
She had heard that Xu Chuniang and Jiang Shen had a falling out but only knew the gist of it, not the details. Since she was bored, chatting with her could be a good distraction.
Qingsi went to fetch her.
Xu Chuniang arrived quickly, carrying a quilt and pillow.
Huaiyu was taken aback, “Second Sister-in-law, I have plenty of these. Why did you bring them?”
“It’s not for you.” Xu Chuniang replied softly, “I want to sleep in the guest house.”
“Ah?” Huaiyu was surprised. “Why would you want to sleep here instead of in Wangshu Courtyard?”
Xu Chuniang bit her lip, not answering, her eyes reddening.
Huaiyu understood immediately, “Second Brother bullied you again?”
“It’s not bullying,” Xu Chuniang said, “I brought it on myself, I can’t blame him.”
Hearing her tone, Huaiyu felt a pang of sympathy. She took her to the guest house, had Qingsi change the bed linens, and then asked, “What happened?”
Xu Chuniang lowered her gaze. Holding Huaiyu’s hand, she was silent for a while before speaking, “Last time, he gave a handkerchief I spent three months embroidering for him to a concubine. I felt so wronged that I went back to my parents’ house. The old master had him bring me back, but he thought I was using the old master to threaten him, so he’s been very cold to me.”
“Today, I even brewed ginseng soup to coax him, but he was too busy doting on his concubine, completely ignoring me. He simply mentioned that he would follow the instructions of the Elder Master. Tonight in our chamber, he insisted on bearing a legitimate son at an early date.”
A tear splashed onto her hand. Xu Chuniang choked up, “Who cares about having a legitimate son anyway? I just love him, that’s all.”
Huaiyu sighed softly, “Second Brother has indeed gone too far.”
“It’s my own fault,” Xu Chuniang wiped her tears, “If I didn’t love him so much, I wouldn’t feel so miserable.”
In matters of the heart, the one who falls deeper always loses. Encountering indifference is akin to self-torture.
Huaiyu wasn’t adept at comforting others, so he could only dumbly stare at her. Fortunately, Xu Chuniang wasn’t seeking comfort; she simply needed someone to confide in, feeling relieved after speaking out.
“When I visited my parents’ home recently, Father often inquired about you.” Taking a deep breath, Xu Chuniang changed the subject, “He said you’ve been kind to our family and asked me to assist you more.”
She found it somewhat peculiar, considering Lord Ziyang was the one who rescued her father, yet he never mentioned His Highness, only advising her to look after Lady Jiang Bai.
Huaiyu smiled faintly, “Lady Xu is considerate.”
Yun Lanqing now knew her identity. With both Emperor Hanxiao and Fairy Xuexian aware, it didn’t matter anymore. Since Lü Yunlie’s death resolved everything, even if they knew, they wouldn’t involve her again.
Xu Chuniang looked weary, and Huaiyu didn’t want to disturb her further, so he settled her and returned to the main building.
Five days had passed, and Jiang Xuanjin still hadn’t returned to his residence.
Huaiyu was puzzled, lying in bed as he asked Qing Si, “With such conclusive evidence in the case, why is it taking so long?”
Qing Si replied, “There’s been no news from the palace.”
Feeling uneasy, Huaiyu sat up and asked, “Are we sure Lü Yunlie is dead?”
Qing Si nodded, “His body was sent out of the capital by Wutong, and the incident at Shizhu Forest has been kept under wraps. No one knows what happened there.”
Everything seemed to be going smoothly, yet why did she feel so anxious?
“Find a way to inquire at the palace,” she instructed, her heart heavy as dark clouds loomed low, threatening rain.
After Qing Si left, Huaiyu sat at the table, staring at the food before her, her appetite completely gone.
“Miss,” Lingxiu stood nearby, hesitating as she asked, “Should I fetch a physician? Your complexion seems off.”
Huaiyu pursed her lips slightly, tasting a bitter irony, and nodded, “Please do.”
There were no female physicians at Mo Residence, so they brought one from the Jiang residence. The physician looked familiar.
“I am Qijin, and I have met Madam before,” the physician greeted respectfully upon setting down her medicine box.
After studying her for a moment, Huaiyu suddenly realized, “I remember you.”
Qijin smiled gently, “Madam has an excellent memory.”
Back when she was Miss Bai, His Highness had sent her over to tend to her illness. Who would have thought this seemingly pitiful girl would later become the envied Madam?
Extending her hand to feel her pulse, Qijin conducted a serious examination, frowning as she asked, “Madam, have you had your monthly cycle this month?”