HomeSpring BanquetChapter 64: Lord Ziyang's Tactics

Chapter 64: Lord Ziyang’s Tactics

Along the journey, Li Huaiyu felt as though she had forgotten something important, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t remember. When Jiang Xuanjin brought it up, she suddenly jolted.

Right, Qing Si?

She turned back to him, frowning. “Where is she?”

“Three days ago, Qing Si infiltrated the palace with intent to assassinate His Majesty,” Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze, “but she was detected before passing the third gate and apprehended, then taken to the Ministry of Justice.”

Her heart sank, and Huaiyu’s face grew paler. That fool Qing Si went to assassinate! They had already evacuated the capital, and she was still at the Ministry of Justice. What was she going to do?!

Jiang Xuanjin looked at her calmly, unruffled, as if waiting for her to speak.

Taken aback, Huaiyu cautiously asked, “Does Your Highness have a way to save her?”

Jiang Xuanjin nodded.

I have a way, but you’ll have to ask me. I’ll decide if I’m in the mood to agree. — That’s what Huaiyu read in his eyes.

With a wry smile, Li Huaiyu awkwardly said, “If Your Highness can help save her, I would be immensely grateful, but…”

But she had nothing now to repay with. With his temperament and how much he disliked her, how could he possibly help her?

“Is Your Highness going to Dan Yang?” Jiang Xuanjin asked indifferently.

This was hardly a secret anymore; if she were to escape, she would head towards Dan Yang. Huaiyu nodded slowly, then glanced at him again. “If we pass by Ziyang, would Your Highness consider facilitating our passage?”

“What do you think?” His tone was indifferent.

If Ziyang Jun didn’t hinder the Eldest Princess, it was already considered the utmost benevolence and righteousness. Did she expect further help?

Scratching her head, Huaiyu felt she might be overstepping. She lowered her voice. “Then why did Your Highness ask about this?”

“The area between Ziyang and Dan Yang is plagued by three years of drought and locust infestations,” he explained. “If after returning to Dan Yang, Your Highness can assist, I will ensure Qing Si’s release and return her to Your Highness.”

It was truly in keeping with the Jiang family motto — taking the people’s well-being as one’s responsibility, never shirking even at the cost of life.

This condition, proposed by Jiang Xuanjin, seemed natural and logical. Li Huaiyu found it acceptable and immediately nodded. “It’s a deal.”

Jiang Xuanjin released her hand and turned around. “Then let’s go up the mountain to rest for a while.”

“Wait… Huh?” Huaiyu was puzzled. “Why should I go up the mountain?”

“This place is thirty li away from the next major city. Do you still want to travel?” Lianjiang Mountain didn’t look steep, and there was a magnificent temple halfway up the mountain. They should be able to reach it in less than half an hour. Compared to continuing their journey, resting on the mountain would be more relaxing.

After thinking for a moment, Li Huaiyu asked, “Is it crowded on the mountain?”

Xu Chunyang stepped forward and answered, “Not many. Every Double Ninth Festival, this temple only receives patrons from the Jiang Mansion, with no outsiders present.”

“Alright then,” Huaiyu nodded.

They were currently fugitives. Though she didn’t know when the arrest warrants might be issued, they had to avoid crowds as much as possible.

“The Old Patriarch doesn’t know about your situation yet,” Jiang Xuanjin said, “Please pay him a visit on the way and reassure him.”

Mr. Jiang doesn’t know yet? Huaiyu’s lips twitched, feeling awkward. Things had become quite complicated between them. The eldest and second sons of the Jiang family, as well as Jiang Yan, must all be aware of the situation. Despite this, she still pretended everything was normal as she went to pay respects to Mr. Jiang.

“Having difficulties?”

“…None.” But she did need a favor. Huaiyu scratched her chin thoughtfully and finally agreed, “Let’s go.”

“Your Highness…” Qing Xian and the others hesitated to speak.

Huaiyu turned back and whispered, “Don’t worry. Lord Ziyang isn’t like those treacherous courtiers. Besides, he saved my life once; he has no reason to harm me again.”

“This isn’t about harming or not.” Bai Ai pursed her lips. “Don’t you think… His Highness is setting a trap?”

Step by step, they were bridging the divide that had nearly split them apart, only to be ensnared again.

Huaiyu thought seriously for a moment. “As long as we can save Qing Si, that’s all that matters. Besides, no trap can bury me.”

The Eldest Princess of Danyang had stumbled twice in matters of the heart—first for familial love and then for romantic love. After the pain, she had learned what was right and wrong. No matter how deep the scheme, it could no longer deceive her.

Previously, her father had said, “A wall of a thousand men, without desires remains strong.” She hadn’t understood its meaning then, but after these brushes with life and death, she finally did.

Without emotions, there would be no vulnerabilities. Those in power, once vulnerable, faced irreparable disasters.

She wouldn’t make such fatal mistakes again.

The coachman and Xu Chuniang led the way ahead, with Huaiyu walking up the mountain step by step. Nervous and worried, Xu Chuniang frequently glanced back at her.

Huaiyu couldn’t help but smile at being watched. “You don’t need to worry so much about me.”

“How can I not worry?” Xu Chuniang shook her head. “Rest well on the mountain for a few days. I’ll brew medicine for you.”

Huaiyu wanted to agree but remembered that the temple was full of Jiang family members. She pursed her lips. “There’s no need. It wouldn’t look good if anyone saw.”

Xu Chuniang naturally understood her concerns and glanced at Lord Ziyang following behind. She pulled Huaiyu aside and whispered, “I’ll say I’m brewing it for myself. How about that?”

Seeing Xu Chuniang’s earnest expression, Huaiyu chuckled softly. “Second Madam… Mrs. Er is truly kind-hearted.”

She habitually called her ‘Er Sister-in-law’, but now that title seemed inappropriate.

Xu Chuniang also realized the problem and squeezed her hand, saying, “If it suits Your Highness, how about calling me by my maiden name?”

“That’s good.” Huaiyu’s eyes brightened. “I haven’t used maiden names with other girls before!”

“Then from now on, you can call me Chuniang.” Xu Chuniang smiled. “‘Half a leaf of new willow, the first brew of wine’ Chuniang.”

“That’s a nice name.” Huaiyu pointed at herself and smiled. “‘Guilty of carrying a jade, burning both jade and stone’ Huaiyu.”

“…,” Xu Chuniang couldn’t help but laugh and cry. “Who describes themselves like that?”

“I’m just telling the truth, with those two characters.”

Shaking her head, Xu Chuniang said gently, “Yours is ‘bearing talent and ambition’ Huai, and ‘exquisite jade’ Yu.”

Bearing talent and ambition, exquisite jade.

Li Huaiyu was stunned and then burst into laughter.

It had been a long time since anyone had praised her so gently since her father’s death. Her mood had been heavy, but seeing Xu Chuniang’s soft eyes and expression, she suddenly felt the sky had cleared.

Going to the temple wasn’t so bad after all. At least she could stay longer with Chuniang.

Cold Mountain Temple.

Seeing the name of this temple, Huaiyu felt a bit familiar. When she went in and saw the two monks holding the Buddha beads, she understood why.

The eminent monk Liuyun Lie requested here.

As soon as Jiang Xuanjin entered, it felt like coming home. His demeanor relaxed, and he even loosened the cuffs that had been tightly fastened.

“Over here.” Without needing a monk to lead the way, he guided the group southward.

Li Huaiyu looked at him curiously, and Xu Chuniang, noticing her expression, explained, “His Highness has always had a strong affinity for Buddhism since childhood. He has a close connection with the old abbot here, who accepted him as a lay disciple. His Highness comes here to stay for a month every year.”

No wonder he was so familiar with this place. Huaiyu raised an eyebrow and suddenly wondered, What would Jiang Xuanjin look like if he were ordained.

Someone ahead seemed to sense something and glanced back at her.

With sharp eyebrows and deep black eyes, there was neither charm nor sentiment in his gaze, as if he had just descended from a snowy mountain in deep winter, carrying a refreshing chill.

However, Huaiyu thought, that even if he appeared so aloof, with his ink-black hair falling naturally, he would still be the most handsome monk in the world.

She meant no offense; it was merely an objective evaluation.

Turning her gaze away, Huaiyu asked Xu Chuniang, “Aren’t you going to greet Second Young Master first?”

Xu Chuniang hesitated briefly, then said somewhat nervously, “I suppose not?”

Since the day Jiang Shen left the mansion, he seemed displeased. Although she didn’t know who had upset him, whenever he was in a bad mood, he tended to vent his anger on her. Therefore, she avoided lingering near him and kept her distance.

“Er Sister-in-law, you should go and see him,” Jiang Xuanjin ahead spoke calmly. “Second Brother hasn’t been in a good mood lately.”

She knew he wasn’t in a good mood. But what use would it be for her to go? It would be better to let his concubine handle it; she wasn’t good at comforting people.

Xu Chuniang silently cursed inwardly. Just as she was about to refuse, she met His Highness’s slightly cold gaze.

“Um, yes, I’ll go and see him!” she hurriedly replied. “I’ll leave Huaiyu in Your Highness’s care.”

She wouldn’t dare to look elsewhere; she understood the silent message conveyed in His Highness’s eyes. His mood hadn’t been good lately either. Compared to him, she’d rather face Jiang Shen.

“Alright,” Huaiyu said. “When you’re free, come find me.”

“Okay!” She smiled and agreed before hurrying away, not daring to look at Lord Ziyang again.

She came here every year. She knew the way, passing through two large halls to reach the guest rooms on the west side. The first room inside was where Jiang Shen stayed.

Pushing the door open, Xu Chuniang’s heart was still pounding. Without looking at the person in the room, she first glanced outside.

Lord Ziyang was usually reticent and rarely glanced at her, but when his eyes met hers this time, it was intimidating.

“What are you doing?” came Jiang Shen’s voice from behind.

Xu Chuniang turned around and faced his pitch-black face, bowing respectfully. “This servant has come to pay respects.”

Jiang Shen smirked but without warmth. “Weren’t you saying you didn’t want to come? Yet here you are in a hurry.”

She disliked this kind of smile from him the most, but she wouldn’t say much. She just lowered her eyes and stood silently, like a silent statue.

Jiang Shen looked even more infuriated. “Where’s your maid?”

“…I didn’t bring her.”

It was for the safety of Huaiyu and the others. She only brought a companion coachman; the maid belonged to the Jiang family, so she couldn’t risk bringing her along.

“Then who did you come with?” Jiang Shen frowned.

Xu Chuniang felt uneasy and hesitated for a while before saying, “His Highness.”

Traveling with one’s brother-in-law seemed unconventional. However, with so many people on the carriage and no opportunity for privacy, it wasn’t considered inappropriate. Xu Chuniang’s unease stemmed from not informing Jiang Shen about Huaiyu’s situation. Originally, Huaiyu was supposed to come along, but Xu Chuniang intentionally said otherwise to wait for her, which made her feel embarrassed now.

However, Jiang Shen interpreted her demeanor differently.

Jiang Xuanjin said he wouldn’t come, so she didn’t come. But now that Jiang Xuanjin had come, she didn’t avoid suspicion and still chose to accompany him.

What did this mean?

Already feeling irritated, Jiang Shen’s face darkened, and he said coldly, “Shouldn’t I thank Third Brother?”

“Thank him?” Xu Chuniang was puzzled. “Thank him for what?”

“Thank him for taking care of you along the way,” Jiang Shen said with a cold smile.

“…” Realizing what he was implying, Xu Chuniang felt both angry and embarrassed. “It’s not what you think!”

“Oh, then what is it?” Jiang Shen flicked his sleeve, his gaze becoming more mocking. “No wonder you’ve been distant lately.”

Her face flushed red, completely provoked by him. Xu Chuniang gritted her teeth. “I’m not as clever as you. My heart isn’t as complicated; it can’t accommodate so many people!”

In other words, all this time, her heart had only held space for him.

Jiang Shen paused, the anger in his expression softening slightly. He pursed his lips, watching her tremble with anger, and hmphed. “Then why didn’t you come with me?”

“You’ll find out when you go to pay respects to Grandfather later,” Xu Chuniang said, turning to leave.

However, Jiang Shen moved quickly, grabbing her forcefully. She stumbled back into his arms.

“Why have you been so temperamental lately?” Holding her close, Jiang Shen raised an eyebrow. “Since you returned from your family’s house, you’ve ignored me and barely looked at me. Am I to blame for thinking too much?”

With her hand against his chest, Xu Chuniang listened to his words, feeling a pang in her heart.

He was always like this. He would say something harsh and forget it in an instant, only to accuse her of being cold later on.

How could she not be distant? Once she had incurred his displeasure, she became a woman seen as scheming for favor. If she approached him as she used to, foolishly trying to please him, she might hear even more hurtful words.

She was starting to feel afraid.

“Not going to speak?” Jiang Shen pursed his lips. “We’re husband and wife. We should be able to share everything. If I did something wrong, you should tell me instead of sulking.”

It had been so many years, and Jiang Shen had never spoken to her in such a gentle tone before. Xu Chuniang’s eyes reddened as she slowly tightened her grip on the fabric of his shirt at his chest.

“Hmm?” Jiang Shen’s gaze softened even more. “Not angry anymore?”

With her head lowered, Xu Chuniang nodded slowly.

What could she be angry with him about? Her sadness and distress were her own. Despite everything, she still wanted to give him the best of herself.

Jiang Shen smiled slightly, reached out to lift her chin, rubbed noses with her, and then kissed her.

When it came to coaxing women, Jiang Shen considered himself capable of outshining his younger brother by a mile. What was it—just a little argument? Be stern for a bit, give her the cold shoulder for a couple of days, and then cuddle her like this to make up. Women were so easy to handle!

He couldn’t understand why his younger brother was always so gloomy these days!

Feeling smug, Jiang Shen confidently thought that his younger brother might be good-looking, but trying to steal women from him was impossible. With his temperament, besides Jiang Baishi, who could endure him?

“Achoo!” Just as she sat down after entering the room, Huaiyu sneezed.

Qingxian hurried over and gently touched her forehead. “Your Highness, you must not fall ill again. Your health…”

“It’s nothing, just an itchy nose, not an illness.” Huaiyu dabbed her nose with a handkerchief and looked around. “This room is quite spacious.”

Jiang Xuanjin stood by the window, his gaze dark as he looked over. In a cold tone, he said, “My room naturally wouldn’t be small.”

“What? So, you want me to rest here?” Huaiyu stood up abruptly. “If not here, then where should I rest?”

“If you’re not here, where else would you be?” He spoke expressionlessly. “Father is in the South Court. If he finds out we’re in separate rooms, it will only cause trouble.”

Qingxian frowned and looked up at him. “Your Highness, what do you mean by this?”

Meeting his gaze, Jiang Xuanjin smirked slightly. “Can’t you understand?”

He intended for them to share a room.

Qingxian’s expression darkened. “Your Highness and Your Highness… I’m afraid it’s not appropriate.”

Both being men, they understood each other’s thoughts very well.

Jiang Xuanjin calmly brushed away the leaves blown in by the wind through the window and looked at Qingxian. “Appropriate or not is not for you to judge.”

The room, already cool, seemed to grow colder inexplicably. Qingxian stood beside her, gaze meeting Jiang Xuanjin’s from a distance.

For a moment, silence pervaded the room, disturbed only by the swaying of the Buddhist banners, which seemed to intensify the chill.

“Achoo!” Huaiyu couldn’t help but rub her arms and sneeze again.

The person by the window paused, withdrew his gaze, and casually closed the window. “Your Highness, any objections?”

“If I did, would you stop saving Qingsi?” Huaiyu raised an eyebrow.

Jiang Xuanjin nodded seriously.

Huaiyu chuckled lightly and waved her hand. “Well then, I have no objections. Sharing a room is sharing a room. It’s not like we haven’t before.”

“Your Highness…” Qingxian looked at her displeasedly.

Patting his arm, Huaiyu said, “Don’t worry too much. Go find Chijin and the others. Don’t wander around and run into the Jiang family. It’ll be hard to explain later.”

Reluctantly standing there for a while longer, Qingxian finally nodded. “Yes.”

With only the two of them left in the room, Huaiyu leaned back, curious, and rested her chin on her hand as she looked at the person by the window. “Say, Your Majesty, isn’t the capital in chaos right now? Instead of going back to handle state affairs, you have the leisure to come here and contemplate the view?”

Jiang Xuanjin looked out through the intricate carvings on the window, silent.

This demeanor reminded her of when she first got close to him, cold and aloof, aloof from worldly matters.

However, this time, Huaiyu wouldn’t approach him to force him to speak. She smiled to herself, surveyed the room, then lay down on the bed and closed her eyes to rest.

Outside, night had fallen. Qingxian didn’t return after leaving, and Huaiyu’s consciousness began to blur after lying down for a while. In a hazy state, she felt a slight sink beside her and knew Jiang Xuanjin had come up. She turned away from him, keeping her distance.

The bed was large, with her sleeping on the side against the wall, almost pressed up against it.

Jiang Xuanjin glanced at her for a while, his face cold and impassive, waiting until her breathing was completely even and she lay still, before exhaling heavily. He then gently pulled her into his arms.

Her slender waist was even thinner than before, and her face lacked color. Rushing here had left traces of dust on her chin, making her appear dirty.

Pinching his sleeve, he held his breath and carefully wiped away the dirt from her. The dark brown dust stained his amber-colored sleeve, resembling ink spilled on a finely crafted painting.

Staring at the dirt for a moment, Jiang Xuanjin inexplicably smiled, his voice low and bitter.

Huaiyu couldn’t see his expression, her brow furrowed slightly, disturbed even in her dreams.

She had fled, and once Huailin discovered it, he would undoubtedly be furious, and under that rage, others might get involved. She would have to show herself. Qingsi was already in their hands, and she didn’t know if Han Xiao’s family had left the capital. Her escape had been full of danger, but what about those left behind?

The capital city is left behind, but the worries left in its wake are truly not few…

She anxiously pulled the blanket tighter around herself and murmured in her sleep.

Jiang Xuanjin had heard her talk in her sleep before; at that time, he hadn’t paid much attention because the names she called out were too absurd.

However, this time, Jiang Xuanjin heard her cry out:

“Father Emperor.”

The rumors about the Eldest Princess were that she was ruthless and cunning, capable of dismantling any obstacle. Yet now she sounded like a child, pleading pitifully. Was she clutching at the hem of the Filial Emperor’s robes, half-crouched on the ground, acting like a spoiled child?

Thinking of Qing Si’s words, Jiang Xuanjin’s eyes darkened as he gently brushed away a stray lock of hair from her ear.

Chaos had erupted in the capital.

Li Huailin sat on the Dragon Throne, his expression grim. Before him, Qi Han, Liu Yunlie, and others all knelt, reporting one by one:

“We have searched everywhere, but the Eldest Princess should no longer be in the capital.”

“Lord Ziyang has also left for Mount Linjiang. Though it’s a customary practice of the Jiang family, I find it suspicious. The residences of Han Xiao, Yun Lanqing, and Xu Xian have been searched, but their families have also left the capital yesterday.”

“The Ministry of Justice’s prison has been breached, and all remnants of the Danyang faction have vanished.”

Li Huailin slammed his hand on the imperial desk. “Customary practice? Suspicious? Can’t you see that Jiang Xuanjin has orchestrated all of this?!”

Liu Yunlie was taken aback. “But… how could this be? Didn’t His Highness already break ties with the Eldest Princess’s faction?”

“Break ties?” Li Huailin paced angrily. “What a ‘break’! He has turned the tables, pulling the rug out from under us!”

Initially, it was Liu Yunlie who had set traps for Jiang Xuanjin, inciting internal strife within the Danyang faction, hoping he would lose support and take action. But at some point, they had begun following Jiang Xuanjin’s lead.

When Jiang Xuanjin insisted on executing the Danyang faction, they did not oppose but instead advised, causing dissatisfaction among the court officials who saw the Emperor as indecisive. When Jiang Xuanjin did not attend the sacrificial ceremonies, they lost the condemned prisoners, making the Emperor appear inept and the young Emperor incompetent!

For the past few days, the reports delivered to the study inadvertently urged him to listen more to loyal officials.

Who is a loyal official? The entire court, civil and military, and all the people of the world recognized only one Lord Ziyang!

“Your Majesty, please calm down,” Qi Han bowed, “Leaving that aside, Lord Ziyang will return to the capital. When he does, we can take action accordingly.”

“Wait for his return?” Li Huailin pulled out the dossier just handed to him and slammed it fiercely in front of Qi Han. “Read it for yourself!”

Qi Han trembled in fear as he hurriedly opened the dossier.

It was a handwritten note from Jiang Xuanjin himself, urging His Majesty to convict Prime Minister Qi soon to comfort the late Prime Minister Sima’s spirit.

“This… what does he mean by bringing this up?” Qi Han looked bewilderedly at the Emperor. “There’s no need to turn this case over.”

At present, the situation demands capable individuals, and Li Huailin naturally hesitated to convict Qi Han. However, judging from Jiang Xuanjin’s stance in the documents, it was clear that if he wasn’t convicted, he wouldn’t return to the capital.

Where else could he go besides Ziyang? Allowing him to return to Ziyang was akin to releasing a tiger back into the mountains! If he left, he would take everyone in the Jiang residence with him. Li Huailin would be left without any leverage, while Jiang Xuanjin would have a hundred thousand troops at his command, poised at his throat.

The Filial Emperor had said that unless there was a major issue, His Highness would not return to Ziyang. In other words, his return would mean trouble for Northern Wei.

Li Huailin’s face darkened in an unprecedented manner as he impatiently slammed several scrolls on the table.

Qi Han was too frightened to even breathe properly, clutching the scrolls and trembling, frequently glancing towards Liu Yunlie beside him.

He didn’t want to be convicted. He desperately needed Liu Yunlie to say something to help him!

Liu Yunlie appeared pensive, his eyes clouded and distant, as if he hadn’t noticed Qi Han’s gaze at all. He simply bowed to the Emperor and said, “What His Majesty desires is nothing but fairness. With the military authority granted by the late Emperor and extensive fiefdoms, we can’t challenge him head-on. The current predicament and potential turnaround all hinge on Lord Ziyang. In that case, why not offer him some sweeteners to entice his return to the capital?”

“What does Minister Liu suggest?” Li Huailin pondered, looking at Qi Han.

“It would mean slighting Prime Minister Qi,” Liu Yunlie nodded.

Qi Han’s face turned pale instantly.

He thought he could avoid this disaster, but after going through all this, he still had to pay a price.

It was he who had killed Sima Xu. The old man had held onto the position of Prime Minister for too long, leaving Qi Han with little time to wait. So, on the day of the palace banquet, he sent away the guards at Fuluo Palace and slit Sima Xu’s throat while he was drunk. He had planned it meticulously, leaving no evidence behind. With the notorious reputation of the Eldest Princess of Danyang, he could easily shift the blame to her, and no one would suspect him.

He had worried about the truth coming to light and spent sleepless nights over it, but later, with the Emperor’s support, Qi Han had felt reassured. He had believed that nothing would happen to him, feeling truly carefree.

But now, even with a different Emperor, Jiang Xuanjin had found a way to make him face justice.

Liu Yunlie’s proposal seemed simple—just endure a little injustice. How much effort had he put into obtaining the position of Prime Minister over the years? If he were to bring Lord Ziyang back to the capital, the Emperor would undoubtedly strip him of his official hat. How was that any different from killing him?!

Qi Han shook his head again and again. He was unwilling. He didn’t want this!

“What is it?” Li Huailin frowned. “Prime Minister, do you have something to say?”

“Your Majesty, your subject believes… His Majesty is not as straightforward as we perceive him to be,” Qi Han hurriedly said, “If you dispose of your subject, will His Majesty truly return to the capital? What if he doesn’t return? What means does Your Majesty have to control him?”

Li Huailin was taken aback, then looked at him displeasedly. “Prime Minister, are you criticizing my incompetence?”

“Your subject dares not!” Qi Han repeatedly bowed his head. “But your subject believes that without any guarantees, making such concessions would be a loss! Why not issue a decree directly commanding Lord Ziyang to return to the capital?”

An imperial decree held weight. Would Lord Ziyang dare to defy it? Refusing would be an act of disobedience!

After pondering for a while on the Dragon Throne, Li Huailin said hesitantly, “Wouldn’t it seem like I’m making a mountain out of a molehill?”

Just because Lord Ziyang accompanied the household officials to the mountains for blessings, should he hastily issue a decree to summon him back? What kind of reasoning was that?

“Your Majesty, this is a measure of last resort!” Qi Han said, “This way, at least the initiative remains in your hands!”

That made sense. Right now, Li Huailin was most afraid of Lord Ziyang returning to his fiefdom. If there was a way to prevent him from returning, he would take it. As for what would happen after his return…

Li Huailin glanced at Qi Han and asked, “Is the Prime Minister’s eldest daughter long admired by His Majesty?”

“Well…” Qi Han hesitated, stammering, “This… I’m not very clear about.”

Liu Yunlie chuckled lightly. “Everyone in the court and the military knows it. Only the Prime Minister doesn’t?”

Qi Han glared resentfully at him, feeling uneasy as he awaited the Emperor’s decision.

After thinking for a long while on the Dragon Throne, Li Huailin said, “We cannot simply recall Lord Ziyang to the capital without any reason, so let’s find a pretext for a marriage gift.”

Qi Han was shocked when he looked up, and Liu Yunlie was also shocked. “Your Majesty?”

“As far as I know, the marriage between Lord Ziyang and the Bai family is not that…” Li Huailin said, “Offer him an imperial marriage, which will show my respect. It will also be legitimate and lawful, and I’ll have it ready for you.”

Thinking of Jiang Bai’s situation, Liu Yunlie frowned, his gaze becoming more complex. Knowing Jiang Xuanjin’s temperament, he might accept the Emperor’s decree, but this imperial marriage…

He felt uncertain about it.

Amidst the deep autumn of September, mournful winds roared, echoing through the mountain temple with each toll of the bell.

Huaiyu followed Jiang Xuanjin respectfully, bowing to Old Master Jiang with great obedience. “Greetings, Father.”

Old Master Jiang, gripping his dragon-headed cane, spoke displeasedly, “Where has Jiang Bai been lately? Why is she never seen?”

Huaiyu hurriedly lowered her head. “Recently… she hasn’t been feeling well, so she’s been moving around less.”

Old Master Jiang grunted and nodded. “Very well, take good care of her. These days at the mountain temple, have Xuanjin accompany you more.”

Accompany her? Every time Jiang Xuanjin saw her, he wore a cold expression, refusing to show her any favor. Another moment spent together and they might end up loathing each other.

Though she harbored such thoughts, Huaiyu responded sweetly, “Yes.”

The two young masters and the young master of the Jiang family stood behind Old Master Jiang, their gazes shifting between wariness and astonishment, especially Jiang Yan’s furrowed brow, which was almost twisted into a tangled mess.

As their hearts raced, Huaiyu seized the opportunity when the old master wasn’t paying attention to the young masters and revealed a sinister smile, her eyes chilling, akin to a malevolent spirit crawling up from the underworld.

“Wow!” The two young masters managed to remain composed, but the young master of the Jiang family, who had always been afraid of ghosts, couldn’t hold his ground. He took two steps back in alarm, nearly tripping over Jiang Chong’s foot behind him.

“What are you doing?” Startled by his outburst, Old Master Jiang turned around angrily and rebuked, “How can you behave so disorderly?”

“Grandfather, I… she…” Jiang Yan pointed at Li Huaiyu, wanting to complain.

However, when he glanced up, his younger uncle’s eyes were icy cold, warning him more effectively than any ghost.

Jiang Yan: “…”

“What is it?” Old Master Jiang looked at him, slightly annoyed. “Can’t even explain yourself properly?”

Swallowing hard, Jiang Yan slowly lowered his hand, his voice tinged with a hint of crying, “It’s nothing, I just… overreacted.”

Old Master Jiang’s expression turned stern. “You hold official positions now. How can you still act so frivolously? Your young aunt is already in poor health. If you scare her like this, what will you do?”

Jiang Yan felt so wrong! Who scared whom here? He was the one frightened by this stubborn Eldest Princess, and now his uncle was glaring at him. His uncle was glaring at him, and his grandfather was scolding him!

What had he done wrong?!

“It’s alright.” Li Huaiyu graciously intervened. “Young Master didn’t mean it.”

Old Master Jiang nodded at her, gently saying, “You have a good temper. There are many rare wild vegetables in this temple. Remember to join Xuanjin for lunch.”

“Yes.”

Jiang Yan ground his teeth in frustration. Seeing the two of them finish their greetings and leave, he quickly followed suit, bowing, “Grandfather, I still have something to discuss with my younger uncle. Please excuse me.”

Jiang Chong and Jiang Shen also said, “Father, you should rest first. Your sons also have something to discuss with our younger brother.”

Jiang Xuanjin never liked crowded scenes; everyone in the mansion knew that visiting him required scheduling and going separately. But today, why did everyone gather together?

Old Master Jiang was puzzled. He nodded to let them go, clutching his dragon-headed cane as he watched their departing figures, still pondering when he might hold a grandson again.

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