Jiang Yan stood in the tea hall, his delicate brows furrowed, and his expression was somewhat flustered.
“Uncle!” As soon as he saw Jiang Xuanjin enter, he rushed forward and asked, “Has Jiang Baishi been imprisoned?”
He was also a member of the Court of Judicial Review, and even if Jiang Xuanjin tried to conceal the news, he would still find out.
Jiang Xuanjin slowly took his seat in the main position, holding a cup of hot tea in his hands. After a long pause, he said, “Don’t let the old master catch wind of this; he has been unwell lately.”
Jiang Yan nodded, his face full of conflict as he paced back and forth in front of him, whispering, “I’ve always felt there was something wrong with Jiang Baishi and even warned you about it, Uncle. Do you remember?”
“Hmm.” Jiang Xuanjin lowered his eyes.
Many people were aware that Bai Zhujing had issues and had warned him, but he had been stubbornly oblivious.
Jiang Yan scratched his head for a moment, hesitating as he said, “Father has been wary of her because of my words, so when Jiang Baishi came to ask Father to take her into the palace, he refused.”
Take her into the palace? Jiang Xuanjin paused slightly and looked up at him.
“It was just a few days ago. She seemed worried because she hadn’t heard from you, so she wanted to go into the palace to check on you.” Seeing the look in his eyes, Jiang Yan felt compelled to explain, “When Father refused, she seemed to leave the residence to seek out Bai Yushi.”
“I was in the palace those few days; didn’t I send messages back every day?” Jiang Xuanjin frowned.
Jiang Yan looked confused. “No, you were in the palace for five days, and there wasn’t a single message from outside. Otherwise, how could Jiang Baishi have been so anxious?”
Not a single message? Jiang Xuanjin looked at Cheng Xu beside him in confusion.
Cheng Xu said, “According to the master’s orders, I sent messages to the Imperial Guards at noon every day, informing them that everything was well at the residence.”
Normally, the Imperial Guards would help relay messages to those waiting outside the palace, but… why hadn’t the message gotten through? He couldn’t understand.
“Who do you have a good relationship with? If it weren’t for the prince worrying about you and losing sleep over it, who would be willing to rescue you?”
Bai Ai’s words echoed in his mind, and Jiang Xuanjin’s fingers twitched slightly, the color in his eyes deepening suddenly.
“Uncle, where are you going?” Seeing him stand up and walk outside, Jiang Yan hurriedly asked.
Jiang Xuanjin didn’t answer, leading Cheng Xu out the door, and heading straight for the Bai residence.
In the chaos of the Imperial Study, only Bai Dezhong had not been imprisoned; he had been sent back to the Bai residence by the emperor’s men, instructed to “rest well for two days.”
As soon as they reached the Bai residence’s entrance, they could see the guards stationed there. Jiang Xuanjin thought for a moment and led Cheng Xu around to the side of the courtyard.
The tall green wall was topped with gray-green tiles.
Jiang Xuanjin looked up, his gaze shifting slightly.
“This young master is quite handsome~”
“This young master is fierce! How can he be so rude to delicate young ladies?”
“If it were someone else, I wouldn’t let it go, but seeing this young master’s charm, I’ll let it slide.”
“Until we meet again.”
…
Someone laughed as they got up from the ground, and with a whoosh, they disappeared without a trace, their giggles lingering in the wind, mingling with the paper money that brushed against his face.
Reaching out to grab it, Jiang Xuanjin came back to his senses, only to find nothing in front of him.
“Master?” Cheng Xu looked at him in confusion. “What were you grabbing?”
His eyelashes trembled. Jiang Xuanjin lowered his head and said, “Paper money.”
When he first met her, the sky was filled with paper money belonging to Danyang, fluttering down like a heavy snowfall.
His closed fist tightened, and Jiang Xuanjin took a deep breath, shaking his head. “Let’s go inside.”
Cheng Xu lightly agreed, first climbing the wall to check the roof tiles, confirming that no one was on the other side, then nodded at his master.
This was the first time he had seen his master climb a wall. A person who always insisted on “acting upright and sitting straight” moved so smoothly over the wall, grabbing the roof tiles and agilely landing in the courtyard.
Cheng Xu was a bit surprised, following him down and staring at his back in astonishment.
He thought his master wouldn’t climb walls…
Such behavior, which defied the rules, who taught him this?
The Bai residence was quiet as if there were no one around. Jiang Xuanjin took a few steps and encountered a maid carrying water. The maid saw him and seemed startled, clutching the water basin and stammering, “Your… Your Highness?”
“Where is Lord Bai?” he asked.
The maid, Xiyun, who served Bai Xuanji, stared at the Ziyang Jun for a while before coming back to her senses and pointing in the direction of the study.
Jiang Xuanjin nodded and headed straight there.
The study door was tightly closed, and there were no guards outside. Cheng Xu went up first to report, “Lord Bai, Ziyang Jun requests an audience.”
The sounds of conversation inside the study immediately fell silent, and after a moment, someone slowly opened the door.
“Servant… greets Your Highness.” Lingxiu trembled as she knelt and bowed.
Jiang Xuanjin frowned. He stepped inside and asked her, “What are you doing here?”
Lingxiu replied softly, “It was the master who summoned me…”
Jiang Xuanjin looked at Bai Dezhong, who was sitting behind the desk. The latter nodded slightly. “I summoned her back to ask some questions.”
It was obvious what he wanted to ask, and Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips. “Can Lingxiu answer?”
Feeling uneasy, Lingxiu clutched her sleeve and said, “I have been by the young lady’s side for many years, so naturally, I can answer questions about her.”
After a pause, she added, “Even if that person is no longer my young lady.”
Jiang Xuanjin listened, slowly turning to face her. “You know?”
“Yes.” Lingxiu lowered her head. “Previously, she spoke with Qingsi, and I accidentally overheard. At first, I didn’t believe it, but after observing for a while, I found that the current young lady is indeed very different from the previous one.”
“I secretly asked a Taoist priest, and he said that this is a case of possession. As long as we choose a day with strong yang energy to perform the ritual, the ghost can leave, and our true young lady can return.”
Jiang Xuanjin twirled the prayer beads, his gaze deep as he looked at her. “You want the former Bai Si to return?”
“Yes.” Lingxiu trembled violently, gripping her sleeve tighter. “The former one was my true young lady. The mistakes made by the current person should not be borne by my young lady’s body.”
This was her maid, Jiang Xuanjin thought coldly. He had always treated Lingxiu well, but what good was that? She had never regarded her as a master.
“What does Lord Bai think?” he asked.
Bai Dezhong stroked his beard, his expression grave. “Although this matter is unbelievable, I have seen it with my own eyes. The real Zhujing could never have such courage and strategy.”
“Courage and strategy?”
“Yes.” Bai Dezhong stood up and said, “On the day I went to the Imperial Study to rescue Your Highness, I was with them the whole time. Han Xiao, Xu Xian, and others all followed Zhujing’s arrangements, and she even produced a military token from who knows where.”
“I know very well what kind of character my daughter has. Zhujing is timid; even if she has a marital relationship with Your Highness, she would never be bold enough to use such a method to save someone.”
He was skeptical of what others said, but even Bai Dezhong claimed that Bai Zhujing had gone to the Imperial Study to save him.
Jiang Xuanjin’s fingers continued to twirl the prayer beads as he fell into thought.
The news that couldn’t reach Jiang’s residence, the five days of waiting, and the sudden rebellion.
He had been angered into a stupor by Li Huaiyu, and only now, upon careful reflection, did he realize something was truly amiss.
Li Huilin had told him, “Your Highness, there are those in the court who have harbored treasonous intentions for a long time, just waiting for an opportunity to raise an army and rebel.”
He had also said, “If Your Highness does not believe it, you can stay in the Imperial Study with me for a few days.”
The young emperor, wearing a dragon robe that was slightly too large, smiled with shallow dimples, innocent and naive. He had raised him, always obedient and sensible, completely different from the chaotic Li Huaiyu.
However, based on what Qingsi had said, combined with the truth of the rebellion in the Imperial Study, Jiang Xuanjin suddenly felt that Li Huaiyu was not wrong at all.
He thought that if he acted upright, everyone in the world would be the same, but in reality, beneath their perfect exteriors lay hearts he could not comprehend.
How ridiculous.
“Your Highness?” Bai Dezhong called him with some concern.
Jiang Xuanjin came back to his senses and nodded. “I fully agree with the intention of the Yushi. Li Huaiyu’s vengeful spirit lingers, but Bai Si is innocent. You can petition the emperor to eradicate his spirit and leave his body.”
Bai Dezhong paused, looking at him. “Does Your Highness still wish to forgive Zhujing?”
“What does it have to do with Zhujing?” Jiang Xuanjin sneered. “The one who deceived me from beginning to end is only Li Huaiyu.”
As he spoke, he turned to Lingxiu and said, “You need not return to Jiang’s residence; wait here for your young lady to come back.”
After saying this, he cupped his hands to Bai Dezhong and turned to leave.
Bai Dezhong looked at his retreating figure with a complex expression. Once he was far away, he whispered, “Your Highness is very clear about this.”
The one he hated was also Li Huaiyu, and the one he loved was Li Huaiyu; it had nothing to do with anyone else.
From behind the widescreen, Qi Han slowly stepped out, chuckling lightly. “Your Highness is always clear about right and wrong.”
Seeing him come out, Bai Dezhong lowered his eyes. “I have already spoken as you instructed; can I spare the young lady’s life now?”
“Of course.” Qi Han smiled and cupped his hands. “Please prepare the petition; as long as Your Highness can co-sign it, once the Eldest Princess’s spirit is scattered, your daughter will naturally live.”
Bai Dezhong’s hand holding the brush stiffened as he looked at Qi Han. “You want Your Highness to co-sign?”
Qi Han nodded; that was exactly what he wanted from Ziyang Jun!
Previously, due to the reopening of old cases, the young master had lost much of the court’s support. Now, if he did one more thing to plead for Bai Zhujing, the emperor would likely not face any dissent in dealing with him.
Seeing his expression, Bai Dezhong understood.
After going around in such a big circle, he had come to force him to act in this play, just to ensnare the young master as well.
When the cunning rabbit dies, the hound is cooked; the emperor didn’t even plan to spare Ziyang Jun. His contributions to the Northern Wei were no less than those of Prime Minister Sima!
Feeling heavy in his heart, Bai Dezhong trembled slightly as he held the brush.
In the prison.
Huaiyu returned from Feiyun Palace, feeling much lighter, a smile returning to her face as she sat on a pile of straw, speaking to Xu Xian. “It’s already autumn outside; the wind is a bit chilly. After a couple more rains, the capital will start to get cold.”
Xu Xian frowned and asked, “Is Your Highness alright?”
“Me? What could be wrong with me?” Huaiyu replied. “I saw Huilin; he still recognizes me as his sister and agrees to let you all go.”
Xu Xian was slightly taken aback and immediately grabbed the railing. “What about you?”
“As for me… I’ll just stay here a couple more days.” Huaiyu smiled. “It’s quite nice here; although the sleeping arrangements are a bit uncomfortable, there’s nothing to worry about.”
Only she could say such things. Xu Xian shook his head repeatedly. “I’ll stay here to guard you. Once you’re out, I’ll leave.”
“Tsk.” Huaiyu was displeased. “Didn’t I just tell the general? Have you forgotten already?”
—General Xu, if there’s ever a chance to escape, please leave the capital without looking back. Don’t do anything foolish again.
Remembering this, Xu Xian’s expression grew even more serious. “Your Highness had this planned from the start?”
Li Huaiyu grinned. “You all think Your Highness is the most powerful person in the world. What do you think? Are you convinced?”
Both angry and amused, Xu Xian gritted his teeth. “When did it become the responsibility of a little girl to protect us?”
“A little girl? I’m the Eldest Princess of Danyang!” She raised her chin proudly. “The Eldest Princess has protected the entire capital for many years, from the bun shop at the street corner to the silk shop at the other end!”
Xu Xian’s eyes turned red upon hearing this.
Huaiyu laughed for a while but then felt a heaviness in her chest. She leaned against the other end of the cell, covering her mouth and dry heaving.
“Do you… want to inform Ziyang Jun?” Xu Xian whispered. “Perhaps if he knows, there might still be a chance.”
“Ziyang Jun?” Li Huaiyu choked on her breath, turning back with a smile. “What is that? Can it be eaten? Is it delicious?”
Xu Xian was momentarily speechless, realizing that she was genuinely heartbroken and no longer willing to entangle herself with Jiang Xuanjin. He lowered his gaze and stopped mentioning him.
Autumn had arrived, and the prison was quite cold at night. Huaiyu curled up in the corner, hugging her stomach and shivering. Xu Xian wanted to ask the jailer for a blanket, but the jailer coldly replied, “Your Highness has ordered that nothing be given to those in the prison.”
Hearing this, Huaiyu didn’t say much, just rubbed her arms and dozed off.
In a half-dream, half-awake state, it seemed someone opened the prison door, entered, and picked her up, placing her in a soft and warm spot.
It felt like her bedding. In her dream, Huaiyu murmured, reaching out to grab the soft cotton blanket and wrapping herself tightly.
Finally, she was no longer cold.
Jiang Xuanjin took three days of sick leave, postponing the trial of the treason case. Those in the know said that the young master had been deeply hurt this time; no matter who came to seek an audience, he remained shut away.
“How could he not be heartbroken?” Li Huilin squatted by the pond in the Imperial Garden, tossing fish food into the water. “Someone who never intended to marry has made an exception for her; who would have thought it was all a scam?”
“My elder sister is quite formidable; even Ziyang Jun could be deceived. No wonder she was able to reduce Pingling Jun from a powerful minister to a helpless fool step by step back then.”
Liu Yunlie, still recovering from his injuries, sat not far behind him, pale-faced. “Does Your Majesty still remember Pingling Jun?”
“How could I forget? How could I not remember?” Li Huilin half-closed his eyes, angrily tossing the fish food into the pond, startling the koi to scatter.
Li Shan had told him the secret that Emperor Xiaoxiao had concealed since the day he entered the palace. He had always been skeptical and cautious of this person.
But Li Shan had treated him well. When others questioned his young ascension to the throne, he stood in front of him to protect him. When he missed his father, he would come to Longyan Palace in the middle of the night, holding him and comforting him. Even when he was angry and bit him, kicked him, or scolded him, Li Shan never got angry.
In the second year of Daxing, he fell from a tree, biting his lip and not daring to cry, fearing that his elder sister would worry. Pingling Jun came over and picked him up, asking with concern, “Does it hurt?”
Of course, it hurt, but his father had said that a man should not shed tears lightly.
“I’m here; if you’re in pain, you can cry.” He gently patted his back.
Li Huilin burst into tears, grabbing Pingling Jun’s sleeve, suddenly realizing that he was different from his father.
His father favored his elder sister more; when she was sick, he always stayed in Feiyun Palace. But whenever he felt unwell, only his elder sister was by his side, not his father.
His father treated him well, but the way he looked at him always lacked something compared to how he looked at his elder sister.
That something was all in Pingling Jun’s eyes.
He began to try to trust him, accept him, and act like an ordinary child with him. During the days when his elder sister was busy and absent, Pingling Jun was always by his side.
Li Huilin remembered what his father had said before his death. He went to the secret chamber and pulled out the “Abdication Edict” to read.
At that time, his heart was also cold, but thinking of how well his elder sister treated him, he felt that abdicating was not a big deal. After all, when his elder sister’s child turned fifteen, he would have been on the throne for over twenty years, which was enough.
However, his elder sister killed Pingling Jun.
On the day he received the news, Li Huilin stood foolishly under the tree outside Longyan Palace, staring at the high branches for a long time, unable to come back to his senses.
His elder sister said, “Pingling Jun deserves to die.”
But why did he deserve to die? Li Huilin thought for a long time and couldn’t figure it out, yet he heard others speak of his elder sister with reverence.
“Concealing one’s strength for four years was all for today; the Eldest Princess is remarkable.”
“How terrifying; the former Pingling Jun was so glorious, yet he died in four years, ending up in such a tragic fate.”
Four years, huh…
Li Huilin slowly climbed that tree, looking down at the place where he had fallen, his eyes turning red.
His biological father had only accompanied him for four years.
“What year is it now in Daxing?” He asked Liu Yunlie, who was behind him, as he grabbed more fish food.
Liu Yunlie coughed lightly and replied, “It’s the eighth year of Daxing.”
“Very good.” Li Huilin smiled. “It’s also four years.”
His elder sister had killed his biological father in four years, and he would also take four years to avenge this paternal murder.
Karma comes full circle; who says there’s no retribution in this world?
“Your Majesty, regarding that jade pendant…” Liu Yunlie said, “I believe that with the Eldest Princess’s cunning, what she gives may not be genuine. Even if it’s smashed or she commits suicide, it’s hard to guarantee she won’t find another way to come back. Therefore, I have invited ten high monks, and on the day of the Double Ninth Festival, they can help her soul scatter.”
Li Huilin asked him, “What about Bai Dezhong’s side?”
Liu Yunlie replied, “Qi Chengxiang has already arranged it; Lord Bai has no objections.”
“And… what about Your Highness?”
“Your Highness seems to hate the Eldest Princess to the core. He should have no objections either.”
What does it feel like to be hated by the one you love? Li Huilin had never experienced it. He looked down at the fish in the pond, which had gathered together to fight for food, and chuckled lightly, but his hand holding the fish food trembled slightly.
When Li Huaiyu woke up, the sky outside was already bright. She stared at the blanket for a while, then realized that her cell had changed.
A bamboo bed had replaced the original pile of straw, and thick blankets were laid on the bed. No wonder she had slept so comfortably.
Looking in surprise at the next cell, she asked Xu Xian, “Did Lu Jingxing come yesterday?”
Xu Xian shook his head.
“Then where did all this come from?” She was puzzled.
Xu Xian hesitated, looking at her as if he was deciding whether to tell the truth. But before he could finish his thoughts, the jailer came again.
“Time for a meal.”
Yesterday, the food brought to her was just leftovers, but today was different; there was meat and vegetables in the bowl for Li Huaiyu, along with a bowl of soup.
Huaiyu frowned. “Is this the last meal already?”
The jailer remained silent, placing the food down and leaving.
Staring at the white rice for a while, Huaiyu reached out to take some, muttering, “Since I have to eat anyway, it’s better to be full before I die than to starve to death.”
She hadn’t eaten much since she came in, and now that there were vegetables and soup, Huaiyu quickly finished her meal and then lay back on the bamboo bed, waiting.
She thought someone would soon bring her a dagger or white silk, but after waiting for a long time, the cell remained quiet, with no sound at all.
After waiting for a long time, Huaiyu yawned and comfortably fell asleep again.
After three days of sick leave, Jiang Xuanjin stood back in the court, his demeanor as splendid as ever, showing no signs of illness.
Li Huilin sat on the dragon throne and smiled. “Your Highness has recovered quite quickly.”
“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.” Jiang Xuanjin cupped his hands. “Today, I have come to report on the treason case involving the remnants of Danyang.”
“Oh?” Li Huilin straightened up, his eyes slightly brightening.
He had been waiting for three days, and the evidence he needed to provide Jiang Xuanjin had already been given. Jiang Xuanjin must have realized that there was something suspicious about the rebellion in the Imperial Study. Given his temperament, even if he had been deceived by his elder sister, he would still seek justice for Bai Zhujing and Xu Xian.
As long as he dared to publicly plead for the remnants of Danyang in the court, he would have a reason to take him down—this was also his consideration when handing the case over to Jiang Xuanjin.
Next to the young emperor, besides the Eldest Princess of Danyang, the most threatening figure was this Ziyang Jun, who had been conferred by the late emperor.
Leaning slightly forward, Li Huilin looked at Jiang Xuanjin with some impatience, his hands resting excitedly on his lap.
However, the person below opened his mouth and said, “After verification, Xu Xian, Han Xiao, and others indeed mobilized the Imperial Guards and exhibited rebellious intentions.”
“I ask Your Majesty to make a decision.”
In an instant, Li Huilin thought he had misheard. “What?”
This was Jiang Xuanjin’s conclusion? How could that be? Didn’t Bai Dezhong tell him that those people had genuinely come to rescue him?
Was it that he hadn’t thought it through? Or had he been hurt too deeply by his elder sister, leading him to seek revenge?
Jiang Xuanjin calmly raised his head and repeated, “I ask Your Majesty to make a decision.”
“Your Highness.” Qi Han, who was beside him, could no longer remain calm and stepped forward. “Is the treason case really this simple? I heard from Liu Tingwei that the people in prison have not confessed.”
“Treason is a grave crime; who would confess?” Jiang Xuanjin said slowly. “But Your Majesty was present at the time and knows their actions; there is no need for further investigation into this case.”
The pit had been dug, and the soil was ready to fill it. He walked to the edge of the pit but didn’t jump in? Qi Han frowned, looking back at Bai Dezhong. “Wasn’t Yushi Bai present at the time? Does he have nothing to say?”
Bai Dezhong stepped forward, glanced at Jiang Xuanjin, and said softly, “In my opinion, Xu Xian and the others surrounded the Imperial Study to rescue Your Highness, not to rebel.”
Qi Han nodded secretly and then bowed to Jiang Xuanjin. “Your Highness, is this case not being investigated too hastily?”
“In your opinion, should I trust Yushi Bai’s words and conclude that Xu Xian and the others are innocent?” Jiang Xuanjin tilted his head. “Then why don’t you, Lord Qi, decide this case?”
Qi Han was taken aback. He turned to meet the emperor’s slightly reproachful gaze and immediately fell silent, retreating to the side.
“This case…” Li Huilin sighed. “Let’s discuss it further in the future.”
Jiang Xuanjin was puzzled. “It can already be decided; Your Majesty still wants to discuss it further?”
This scene made it seem as if he and Qi Han were trying to save the remnants of Danyang. Li Huilin was somewhat annoyed, secretly cursing Ziyang Jun for being so slow-witted. He had already provided so much evidence, yet he still wanted to be fair and just in his judgment.
“Further discussion.” He said.
The court was in an uproar, and those who were displeased with the remnants of Danyang jumped out one after another. “Your Majesty, please do not be soft-hearted towards the remnants; the facts are clear. It’s better to decide quickly.”
“Yes, Your Highness has already verified it; what are you hesitating for?”
Having been in power for half a year, how could he still be so indecisive? How could the officials trust him?
Li Huilin gritted his teeth, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by their words. He stood up and said, “If there are matters to report, do so quickly; if not, it’s time to dismiss the court.”
Bai Dezhong still had a petition for leniency in his sleeve, but since the crime had not yet been determined, he could not present it and could only silently retreat back into the ranks.
The court fell silent, and Li Huilin waved his sleeve. “Then let’s dismiss the court.”
“Your Majesty, we bid you farewell.” Jiang Xuanjin stood at the front, bowing as usual.
“Your Highness, this way please.” As soon as he stepped out of the court, a eunuch came to invite him. Jiang Xuanjin nodded and followed him to the Imperial Study.
Qi Han and the others did not follow. In the study, only the emperor was present, kneeling and sitting in front of the chessboard, just like before, placing black pieces and waiting for him to arrive.
Jiang Xuanjin stepped forward, first properly greeting him, then sitting opposite him and placing a white piece.
“Your Highness truly does not intend to leave a way out for the elder princess?” Li Huilin asked in a low voice.
The white piece landed on the intersection of the board, cutting off the black pieces’ path. Jiang Xuanjin did not raise his head, his voice calm. “If Your Majesty wishes to spare her, I will not stop you.”
But he would not spare her.
“You really are ruthless.” Li Huilin shook his head, placing a black piece. “Do you feel no guilt towards the elder princess at all?”
He thought that knowing that Prime Minister Sima had not died at the hands of the elder princess would soften this person’s heart to some extent.
However, Jiang Xuanjin showed no expression. “What I owe her has already been repaid.”
Li Huilin was taken aback, thinking carefully. It was indeed true; rather than saying he had repaid her, it was more accurate to say that the elder princess had come to reclaim it herself.
After fiddling with the black piece for a while, Li Huilin said, “I wonder if Your Highness has noticed the concubines in Feiyun Palace?”
“Why should I pay attention to them?” Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze to place a piece.
Li Huilin followed suit, saying meaningfully, “There are four concubines who were among the first to enter Feiyun Palace, and they have the best relationship with the elder princess. Their names are quite interesting; if Your Highness thinks carefully, you should be able to uncover a secret.”
Jiang Xuanjin remained indifferent. “I am not interested in the secrets of Feiyun Palace.”
“Knowing is not a bad thing.” Li Huilin said, “If you know and still wish to kill the elder princess, I will not stop you.”
The four concubines who were the first to enter Feiyun Palace?
As Jiang Xuanjin left the palace, he pondered this sentence. He took a carriage to the dungeon, and when he got out, he hesitated for a moment before asking Cheng Xu.
“The names?” Cheng Xu told him, “They are Wu, Bai Ai, Qing Xian, and Chi Jin. These four should be the earliest to enter Feiyun Palace. At that time, you instructed me to investigate their backgrounds one by one.”
“…” Jiang Xuanjin’s hand holding the prayer beads stiffened slightly, a glimmer of light flashing in his eyes, which he quickly concealed.
He strode into the dungeon, pressing down the jailers who were about to bow and greet him, his steps hurried and swift, heading straight for the deepest part of the death row.
“Just wait another two days.”
Lu Jingxing stood outside the bars, reaching out to wipe the dirt off her face. “As soon as there’s an opportunity, I’ll take you away.”
Li Huaiyu obediently let him wipe her face, smiling as she said, “If you can take them out, I’ll be forever grateful.”
His clean fingers were not afraid of getting dirty. After wiping off the dust and mud, they finally gently rested on her cheek, stroking it softly. “Don’t say such foolish things.”
“It’s not foolish.” Huaiyu said. “Lu Jingxing, if you can take them out of the capital, I’ll worship you as my god in my next life.”
With narrowed phoenix eyes, Lu Jingxing was somewhat annoyed. “Then I won’t take you.”
“Hmm?” Huaiyu frowned. “Why not?”
“If I meet you in my next life, I’ll definitely pull you to the altar directly.” He said playfully.
Rolling her eyes, Li Huaiyu said, “Last time you said you were blind to have feelings for me.”
“Indeed.” Lu Jingxing nodded seriously. “In my next life, I might just be reborn as a blind person.”
Kicking the bars, Huaiyu scolded him, “I’m about to die; can’t you say something nice?”
“If I say something nice, will you listen?”
“Of course! Who doesn’t love to hear good things?”
“Alright.” Lu Jingxing nodded. He raised his eyes to look at her deeply, his tone suddenly serious. “I want to marry you.”
His clear and melodious voice traveled far, filled with deep affection, with no hint of jest.
The black-soled brocade boots stopped at the corner of the cell, and Jiang Xuanjin raised his eyes, his gaze suddenly cold and sharp.
Where his gaze fell, Lu Jingxing was leaning against the bars, his hand still resting on Li Huaiyu’s face. If it weren’t for the bars separating them, he might have pulled her into his embrace.
Li Huaiyu stared blankly. “Did you really say that?”
“Yeah, think about it?” Lu Jingxing smiled, “Considering how sincere I am.”
Huaiyu was taken aback, vaguely feeling that he wasn’t joking. Her heart tightened, and her gaze instinctively shifted away.
To an outsider, this looked like a shy gesture of wanting to refuse yet welcoming.
Everyone in the world knew the relationship between Li Huaiyu and Lu Jingxing; he knew it too. But this was the first time he had directly witnessed such intimate and ambiguous behavior. It truly lived up to the saying of “the wolf and the leopard.”
With a deep gaze, Jiang Xuanjin turned his head and glanced at the jailer behind him.
The jailer was so frightened that his liver and gallbladder trembled, hurriedly running outside to say to Lu Jingxing, “Master Lu, the time is up; please.”