Jiang Xuanjin and Li Huaiyu had barely taken a few steps when they were blocked by three people. They arrived with an imposing presence, but once they stood before them, they exchanged glances, and no one dared to speak first.
How could they start a conversation like this? Jiang Chong pondered for a moment and said, “Third Brother, may I have a word with you?”
Jiang Xuanjin glanced at them. “What do you want?”
“Just a few words,” Jiang Yan said quietly, glancing sideways.
Seeing their hesitance to speak in front of her, Li Huaiyu generously said, “Then I’ll head back to the South Courtyard first.”
“Little Sister-in-law… no, Your Highness, please stay.” Jiang Shen raised his hand and said, “I also have something I want to ask Your Highness.”
With a half-smile, Huaiyu gestured for him to continue.
She walked over with Jiang Shen, while Jiang Xuanjin had no choice but to follow Jiang Chong and Jiang Yan to the other side to see what they wanted to ask.
“Shouldn’t Your Highness and Third Brother be separated by now?” Jiang Shen sat down on a stone bench, propping his chin up casually. “Why are you still together like nothing happened?”
Huaiyu sat down, equally casual. “You should ask your Third Brother. He sent me to comfort the old master.”
Jiang Shen laughed. “I’ve always found it strange how someone from the Bai family, with such a prestigious background, could raise someone as carefree and unrestrained as Miss Bai Si. Now that the truth is out, it makes sense. Your Highness is indeed different from the daughters of ordinary families.”
This second young master was no simple character; he could still say flattering words in front of her! Huaiyu smiled slightly, looking at him intently. “We’re both sensible people, so you might as well speak your mind, Second Young Master.”
Nodding, Jiang Shen said, “Then I’ll be straightforward. Your Highness, when you approached Third Brother, you must have had some ulterior motives. Have you achieved your goals?”
That was quite direct. Huaiyu touched her nose and nodded. “I suppose I have.”
“What are your thoughts now?” Jiang Shen asked, tapping his finger on the stone table in front of him.
Huaiyu chuckled. “What else could I think? Does Second Young Master believe that I can continue living with Prince Ziyang? Between him and me, there’s only the matter of the Qingsi left unresolved; nothing else remains.”
“Oh?” Jiang Shen raised an eyebrow. “After all, you’ve been married for more than half a year. Are you not the least bit nostalgic?”
It had indeed been more than half a year.
Huaiyu lowered her gaze, instinctively touching the scar on her neck.
More than half a year wasn’t short, but it wasn’t long either. It hadn’t been enough for them to become utterly devoted to each other. Nor had it given her the courage to decisively sever ties. Any past schemes or grievances revealed would prevent them from being together.
This half-year had merely been a dream for her, a dream where she could carelessly cling to Jiang Xuanjin, enjoying warmth she had never experienced before. But once she woke from that dream, she had to accept the reality: as long as she was Danyang, Jiang Xuanjin would continue to despise her as he always had.
“Danyang…” On the other side of the temple, Jiang Chong sighed repeatedly. “Since you already know, why not let her go?”
Jiang Xuanjin leaned against the vermilion pillar, coldly replying, “There are still things left undone.”
“What could she possibly do?” Jiang Yan asked, confused.
The autumn wind brushed through his fingers, feeling like shifting sand. Jiang Xuanjin reached out to catch the wind passing through the hall, speaking nonchalantly, “A lot.”
Jiang Yan frowned, feeling a bit anxious. “Uncle, you’re just making excuses! I don’t understand what’s so good about her. Why can’t you let go after everything that’s happened?”
His tone was urgent, filled with childish complaints and anger. Jiang Xuanjin raised his eyes to look at his nephew, who was already taller than his chin, and gently asked, “You don’t know what’s good about her?”
It was a calm question, but it made Jiang Yan feel inexplicably guilty.
“Neph… nephew doesn’t see anything good about her.” Shifting his gaze elsewhere, Jiang Yan clenched his fists. “She used her body to seduce you, Uncle. She was once a notorious villain, a bad person!”
Gently pinching the leaves that had fallen on Jiang Yan’s shoulder, Jiang Xuanjin said lightly, “Since you know she’s a bad person, then stop looking at her. If you learn from her bad behavior, it will only worry your elder brother.”
Jiang Chong was taken aback, understanding the implication of those words. His expression darkened. “Yan’er?”
“I… I’m not! I didn’t!” Jiang Yan hurriedly waved his hands. “I had someone keep an eye on her to find her faults, so Uncle could see her true colors sooner…”
Standing up straight, Jiang Xuanjin gently patted his shoulder.
Jiang Yan bit his lip, his voice growing softer until he finally fell silent.
How could his uncle have noticed? He couldn’t understand. He had clearly shown his disdain for Jiang Baishi, so how could his uncle know his true feelings?
Feelings, besides love and hate, also included another: annoyance. Bai Zhuji was someone he had missed out on, and there was always a bit of unwillingness in his heart. Watching her grow closer to his uncle, seeing her smile brightly every day, Jiang Yan, feeling helpless, began to feel annoyed.
He liked to point out her flaws, to sow discord between her and his uncle, but every time she suffered, he felt terrible inside. The distance was about five steps; outside of that, he could treat her coldly, but once he crossed that line, he was back in the Jiang family garden, hiding and bumping into her.
His heart would race.
This complex emotion was something Jiang Yan didn’t know how to resolve. He understood it was wrong, that it wasn’t the right path his uncle had taught him, but he just couldn’t help it.
Now, he had finally been exposed by his uncle.
His face flushed, and Jiang Yan dared not speak again. Behind him, Jiang Chong’s expression was also complicated. He had prepared a lot to say to his third brother, but now he had no mood for it. He clasped his hands and said, “I’ll head back first and have a good talk with Yan’er.”
Jiang Xuanjin nodded, calmly watching the two leave. As his gaze shifted, he looked toward the stone table in front of the temple.
Jiang Shen and Li Huaiyu were chatting and laughing, their expressions not serious at all, as if they were friends out for tea, freely discussing various topics.
“Hey! Did you guys write ‘The Ballad of the Wolf and the Leopard’? Your skills in making things up are quite impressive!”
“Too kind, too kind.” Jiang Shen smiled. “It’s just that Your Highness and that Manager Lu are too interesting; they’re worth writing about.”
“How much interest I have in him depends on your pen,” Huaiyu smirked. “Others use their pens to select officials and gain fame, but Second Young Master, you’re idle, using it to write these fictitious romantic tales.”
“Is Your Highness angry out of shame?”
“A bit angry, but not ashamed,” Huaiyu replied. “After all, I have a thick skin. Even if articles criticizing me filled the streets of Chang’an, my face wouldn’t blush.”
Jiang Shen was momentarily speechless, clasping his hands. “Your Highness is impressive.”
“Mutual admiration.” Standing up, Huaiyu smiled at him openly. “Instead of meddling in matters you can’t control, you might as well spend some time with your wife. She seems to have been wronged.”
Was she wronged? Jiang Shen chuckled lightly. “Normal girls from decent families are quite understanding; a few comforting words will suffice.”
Looking at him, Li Huaiyu said, “Do you think a girl who can be comforted with a few words is understanding?”
“What insights do you have, Your Highness?”
Huaiyu waggled her finger playfully. “Don’t trample on someone’s genuine feelings; it’ll come back to haunt you, just like it did for me.”
What understanding? It was merely because she liked you. If she didn’t, no matter how much you comforted her, she wouldn’t care. Did you think you were so skilled?
Jiang Shen focused less on “trampling on genuine feelings” and squinted. “What retribution has Your Highness faced? You’ve escaped unscathed, and Third Brother is still protecting you. You’re quite comfortable, aren’t you?”
Comfortable? Li Huaiyu scoffed, glancing back.
Jiang Xuanjin stood at a distance, watching them with a completely expressionless face, cold and indifferent, like a chilling wind carrying fine snow, making one feel a shiver down their spine.
Who could feel comfortable with such a Prince Ziyang? He might suddenly recall old grievances and stab her in the heart with a knife.
Retracting her gaze, Huaiyu said, “If there’s nothing else to discuss, I’ll take my leave.”
“Wait.” Jiang Shen pursed his lips. “I have one last request; please agree, Your Highness.”
“Please speak, Second Young Master.”
Taking a deep breath, Jiang Shen said, “Third Brother saved you, which will surely bring him great trouble. If there are any future repercussions, please ensure that you give him a way out.”
Pausing for a moment, Huaiyu chuckled softly. “Isn’t that how it should be? What’s with the request? Even if I, Danyang, am shameless, I wouldn’t repay kindness with malice.”
“Then I can rest easy.” Jiang Shen nodded.
It seemed they were chatting happily, but in reality, it was a battle of wits. Li Huaiyu felt a bit weary and didn’t greet Jiang Xuanjin behind her. She headed straight for the South Courtyard.
“Uh… Third Brother?” Seeing the figure approaching from a distance, Jiang Shen felt a chill run down his back. He stood up and asked, “Have you finished talking with Elder Brother and the others?”
Without answering, Jiang Xuanjin stood before him and asked, “What did Second Brother just say?”
“What else could he say? Just casual chit-chat to let you speak with Elder Brother and the others.” Jiang Shen smiled, turning his head away. “It’s getting late; I should go back and take your Second Sister-in-law out for a walk. Farewell!”
With that, he slipped away quickly.
Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brow, displeased as he watched his retreating figure for a moment before following him back to the South Courtyard.
The Jiang family’s usual rule was to stay on the mountain for two days before returning to the capital, but the next day, a decree arrived from the capital.
Huaiyu hadn’t slept enough and was called by Old Master Jiang to kneel in front of the temple, her eyes barely open. In her hazy state, she heard the eunuch reading: “By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I govern the world with culture and quell chaos with military might. The Prince Ziyang is indeed the pillar of the court and the fortress of the nation…”
“…Now, the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister, possessing the grace of a lily and the heart of an orchid, dignified and virtuous, is specially permitted to be the legitimate wife. You are to return to the capital immediately to marry. All ceremonies will be jointly handled by the Ministry of Rites and the Astronomical Bureau. This is to be announced to the public.”
“Thus decreed.”
The words entered her ears, but Li Huaiyu didn’t pay much attention to their meaning. Next to her, Xu Chuniang anxiously tugged at her sleeve, bringing her back to her senses.
“His Majesty personally bestows a marriage; this is a tremendous blessing, Your Highness!” The eunuch smiled as he closed the decree and handed it to Jiang Xuanjin. “Quickly accept the decree!”
Old Master Jiang was astonished. “How could His Majesty issue such a decree?”
Hadn’t Jiang Xuanjin already married the Bai family’s young lady? How could he still be granted a marriage?
Jiang Chong and Jiang Shen immediately realized trouble was brewing. They quickly signaled their third brother to accept the decree and then think of a way to placate the old master.
If he found out that this Miss Bai was a convict who had escaped from prison, he would surely have a relapse!
However, Jiang Xuanjin stood up but did not reach out to accept the decree.
“Your Highness?” The eunuch delivering the decree was startled and quickly pushed the decree forward. “You must accept it to rise!”
Prince Ziyang was known for understanding the rules; not accepting the decree and standing up was tantamount to defying it! However, the young eunuch thought that perhaps the prince was just too excited, and if he accepted it now, he could pretend he hadn’t seen it.
Yet, even as the decree was almost thrust into his arms, Jiang Xuanjin remained unmoved.
“Is everything packed?” he asked, turning his head.
Today was the day the Jiang family was supposed to return to the capital, so their luggage had naturally been packed early in the morning. Everyone nodded stiffly, looking at him in confusion.
Li Huaiyu looked up and happened to catch the fleeting coldness in his eyes.
Her heart sank. She looked at him, then at the increasingly pale-faced eunuch beside her, suddenly feeling a strong premonition.
This person… wouldn’t he be planning to…
“If everything is packed, let’s set off.” He brushed aside the decree in front of him and said calmly.
The bright yellow scroll thudded heavily onto the bluestone ground in front of the temple, causing everyone, whether standing or kneeling, to collectively gasp. Jiang Chong reacted the fastest, picking up the decree and shouting, “Third Brother!”
“Xuanjin!” Old Master Jiang also frowned in confusion.
Seeing the situation, the eunuch delivering the decree turned to flee, glancing at his master, and stepped forward to block him.
“Father hasn’t been to Ziyang yet, has he?” Jiang Xuanjin clasped his hands. “Let me take you to have a look.”
“You’re being ridiculous!”
The dragon-headed staff made of redwood struck his arm heavily, producing a dull thud!
Li Huaiyu stood up. Almost without thinking, she rushed to Jiang Xuanjin’s side, blocking the second strike that Old Master Jiang swung at him.
“Father, please calm down!” Jiang Chong and the others quickly came forward to steady the old master, pressing down his raised hand.
“You… are you trying to kill me?!” Old Master Jiang glared at Jiang Xuanjin, struggling desperately to hit him again. “That’s a decree! A decree! Do you think it’s something you can just brush off? Do you know what you’re doing?!”
“I know.” Jiang Xuanjin replied calmly. “I’m defying the decree.”
His tone was calm, without a hint of impulsiveness, as if it were a decision he had made long ago.
Old Master Jiang was stunned, looking pale as he asked, “Why?”
Before he could answer, the old man turned to Li Huaiyu beside him. “Is it because of her?”
Was it because he had a legitimate wife that he didn’t want to accept the Emperor’s marriage decree?
Huaiyu chuckled dryly and waved her hand. “This has nothing to do with me.”
Jiang Xuanjin must have decided this from the moment he left the capital; the Emperor, aside from Danyang, would next target him, Prince Ziyang. The current decree was merely a ploy to lure him back to the capital and keep him under control.
However, Huaiyu hadn’t expected Jiang Xuanjin to defy the decree so directly. Seeing Old Master Jiang’s reaction, it was clear that for the Jiang family, defying a decree required a lot of courage.
After adhering to the rules for over twenty years, Jiang Xuanjin was finally going to give Old Master Jiang something to worry about.
The temple was thrown into chaos. The Jiang family members were trying to persuade Old Master Jiang while also trying to convince Jiang Xuanjin. More and more people arrived upon hearing the news. Li Huaiyu felt a bit uncomfortable being squeezed in, and just as she was about to leave the crowd, someone grabbed her wrist.
Jiang Xuanjin didn’t look at her, still dealing with his agitated family, but he didn’t loosen his grip, seemingly unwilling to let her go.
“What are you doing?” she asked softly.
He didn’t answer, as if he hadn’t heard, continuing to speak leisurely with the others.
Huaiyu looked down at his hand. His fingers were long, with the joints slightly pale. His thumb tightly gripped the other four fingers, holding her firmly but not painfully.
Was he nervous? This seemingly calm person still needed to hold onto something to feel at ease.
Huaiyu raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly, standing still.
Old Master Jiang took half an hour to regain his composure. Jiang Yan hurriedly helped his uncle speak well of him. “Grandfather, please calm down. It’s not bad for us to go to Ziyang.”
What going to Ziyang meant, Jiang Yan might not know, but Old Master Jiang was very clear. He looked up at Jiang Xuanjin, who for the first time showed an expression of extreme disappointment.
“Invoke the family law!”
“Father?” Jiang Shen was startled.
“Don’t you understand?” Old Master Jiang shouted angrily. “I said invoke the family law!”
Last time, when Li Huaiyu made a mistake, Old Master Jiang’s punishment was to copy Buddhist scriptures. She thought that was quite lenient compared to the Bai family, so she didn’t react much upon hearing this.
However, when Jiang Xuanjin knelt on the mat and Old Master Jiang brought out a thick wooden board to stand behind him, Huaiyu was dumbfounded.
“This…”
Xu Chuniang turned pale and whispered, “In the Jiang family, when women make mistakes, it’s a literary punishment, but when men make mistakes, it’s a physical punishment.”
So that’s how it is. Realizing this, Huaiyu looked at Jiang Xuanjin, her throat tightening slightly.
“Are you worried?” Xu Chuniang asked, looking at her.
“How could I be?” Huaiyu shook her head. “Others may not know, but you should. I have already severed ties with him…”
“Bang—” The dull sound of the board hitting flesh made one’s heart tremble.
Li Huaiyu immediately shut her mouth, watching the person kneeling upright, her brows furrowing.
Old Master Jiang didn’t hold back at all, but Jiang Xuanjin didn’t move, enduring it stoically, not even leaning slightly.
“What is the first rule of the Jiang family?” Old Master Jiang asked angrily.
“Loyalty to the Emperor.”
The board slammed down again on his back, and Old Master Jiang scolded, “Then what are you doing?!”
“…” He didn’t answer, and there wasn’t a trace of shame on his face.
Old Master Jiang’s eyes turned red with anger as he struck him again and again, hitting harder each time. “What are you doing? Speak! What are you doing?!”
At this rate, he might just beat him to death! Li Huaiyu pressed her lips together and turned to Xu Chuniang. “Shouldn’t we go and stop this?”
Xu Chuniang shook her head repeatedly. “In the Jiang family, when the family law is invoked, it cannot be persuaded. Look at the eldest young master over there; he looks so anxious, yet he hasn’t stepped forward either.”
Rules, always rules! Li Huaiyu scoffed.
If Danyang died from being too wicked, then the Jiang family was too righteous, and being overly strict wouldn’t necessarily lead to a good outcome.
“Bang—” Another strike. Jiang Xuanjin’s upright body finally swayed.
Xu Chuniang watched, somewhat sighing. “Your Highness is stubborn. If you just said a few soft words, Old Master Jiang wouldn’t have to be so harsh… Huh? Where are you going?”
Earlier, when she said she wasn’t worried, Li Huaiyu stepped forward just as Old Master Jiang was about to bring down the next strike, standing behind Jiang Xuanjin.
“…”
The wooden board, raised in mid-air, paused just above her head, creating a breeze that brushed against her loose strands of hair. Huaiyu looked up and reached out to press the board back down to the ground.
The temple erupted in an uproar! After all these years, she was the first Jiang Baishi to dare to step forward and block an elder’s punishment.
Old Master Jiang looked at her, his face as dark as it could be.
“Your… Little Sister-in-law!” Jiang Chong hurriedly said. “Quickly step back!”
As if she hadn’t heard him, Li Huaiyu met Old Master Jiang’s gaze and smiled. “Even if you beat him to death, with his temperament, he wouldn’t be able to explain the whole situation in the future.”
“So what?” the old man shouted angrily. “A person who defies the decree can be beaten to death without hesitation!”
“Please step aside.” Jiang Xuanjin said in a low voice.
Huaiyu didn’t move, only addressing Old Master Jiang. “Your health isn’t great either. After so many strikes, your arm will surely hurt tomorrow. Why not sit down, have some tea, and let me explain?”
Old Master Jiang’s gaze darkened. “Do you think with just a few words, I will let this punishment go?”
Huaiyu thought for a moment. “You can hold onto it if you want.”
“Impudent!” Old Master Jiang shouted. “Anyone who obstructs the family law will be punished together! You kneel too!”
Wow, this is serious. No wonder no one dared to intervene. Huaiyu gasped, then smiled. “How about you listen to me first, and then punish me?”
Being shameless and stubborn, she was completely different from the obedient Jiang Baishi of the past.
Old Master Jiang was even angrier, his hand gripping the board trembling, and his head felt dizzy.
“Father!” Seeing this, Jiang Chong and Jiang Shen quickly came forward to support him.
“Please rest for a moment and calm down!”
As Jiang Shen spoke, he gestured to Li Huaiyu. She understood and grabbed Jiang Xuanjin’s arm, dragging him toward the back door of the main hall.
“Let go.” Jiang Xuanjin frowned.
Li Huaiyu rolled her eyes in annoyance. “If I let go, can you walk on your own? At this point, don’t be so picky. Just treat me as a means to escape.”
Cheng Xu and Yu Feng, who were following behind, heard this and wanted to help. However, Yu Feng reacted quickly, grabbing Cheng Xu.
“What are you doing?” Cheng Xu asked, confused.
“If you want to live a good life, don’t help.” Yu Feng said quietly.
Why? Cheng Xu frowned, looking up. He suddenly realized that the lady was almost half-embracing her master as they walked, while his master, who was strong and always liked to show off, was putting half of his weight on her.
Cheng Xu: “…”
“Does it hurt?” Li Huaiyu asked, pouting.
Jiang Xuanjin snorted softly, ignoring her, but his face was pale, and there was sweat on his forehead. He didn’t look comfortable at all.
Huaiyu couldn’t help but murmur, “How could your old man be heavier than Bai De? I can accept being beaten by Bai De, but you’re such a well-behaved child; how could he bear to hit you so hard?”
“You too. Just tell them that the Emperor wants to target you, and going to Ziyang is a wise move to protect yourself. Why endure a beating for nothing?”
“I’ve told you before that your unwillingness to explain is a flaw. You didn’t believe it, but after suffering so much, you should have learned your lesson, right?”
While she pretended to be relaxed, her palm was slightly sweaty as she held his hand. Jiang Xuanjin glanced at her, his eyes flickering.
As soon as they entered the South Courtyard, Qing Xuan saw them and hurriedly approached. “Your Highness, what happened to you?”
Huaiyu laughed. “What happened to me? It’s Prince Ziyang who’s injured.”
“…Oh.” Glancing at Jiang Xuanjin, Qing Xuan’s expression immediately turned cold. “Is it serious? Let me help; I’m stronger than Your Highness.”
Saying this, he reached out to grab Jiang Xuanjin’s other arm.
“Ugh.” Jiang Xuanjin, who had been silent, suddenly groaned in pain, his dark eyes filled with agony.
Huaiyu was startled and quickly said, “Qing Xuan, don’t touch him!”
“Is your arm injured too?” Qing Xuan asked in surprise. “I’m not using much strength!”
“Forget it; it’s not far now. I’ll help him over, and you can open the door for me.” Huaiyu pointed to the room ahead.
Qing Xuan nodded blankly, taking a couple of steps forward, instinctively looking back.
Jiang Xuanjin leaned against Huaiyu, and upon noticing Qing Xuan looking back, his dark eyes locked onto him, a slight smirk appearing at the corner of his mouth.
Provocation! This must be a provocation!
Qing Xuan was furious, stopping in his tracks. “You, the dignified Prince Ziyang, playing these little tricks, don’t you feel ashamed?”
Using a pity ploy?!
Huaiyu was baffled by his outburst and frowned, looking up. “What’s wrong?”
“Your Highness, let him go!” Qing Xuan shouted angrily. “This person has ill intentions!”
Li Huaiyu hadn’t seen Jiang Xuanjin’s earlier gaze. She only witnessed him enduring the family law, and helping him was her own choice. How could she blame others for having ill intentions?
Realizing Qing Xuan’s competitive nature, Huaiyu helplessly said, “Just open the door first.”
Seeing her completely disbelieving attitude, Qing Xuan was infuriated. He pushed the door open forcefully and said, “I’ll go find Bai Ai and Chi Jin first.”
“Okay.” With his explosive temper, Huaiyu didn’t want to stay, so she directly helped Jiang Xuanjin into the room and said to Cheng Xu, “Get some medicine.”
Cheng Xu nodded in a daze and went to find the monks in the temple. Yu Feng stood by the bed, glancing at Jiang Xuanjin, and quietly said to Li Huaiyu, “Your Highness, he needs to change out of these clothes.”
“You do it,” Huaiyu replied. “You’re here; do you want me to do it?”
Yu Feng said seriously, “Your Highness usually doesn’t let us assist with changing clothes.”
It felt a bit strange for a man to change clothes in front of another man, and since there were no maidservants around Jiang Xuanjin, he often had to do it himself.
But now…
Li Huaiyu thought for a moment and decided to do a good deed for the little one in her belly.
Yu Feng said, “I’ll go fetch some water” and left the side room. Huaiyu stood in front of Jiang Xuanjin, slowly untying the fastenings on his outer robe, feeling a bit awkward as she said, “Just bear with it for a moment.”
Jiang Xuanjin sat on the edge of the bed, half-closing his eyes, allowing her to remove his outer robe and then unfasten his inner garment. When her fingers brushed against the collar of his inner garment, she felt a bit uncomfortable and lightly coughed.
In the past, undressing together had been a time of romance and passion, but now, looking back, it felt quite different, as if it were a matter of unrequited feelings.
Her cool fingers touched his slightly warm skin, and Huaiyu bit her lip, softly saying, “Turn your body to the side.”
Jiang Xuanjin obediently turned his head, presenting his back to her.
Seeing his back, Li Huaiyu couldn’t care about feeling awkward anymore. Her expression darkened as she said, “You really can be ruthless.”
How long had it been? His back was already bruised and swollen like this. If she hadn’t intervened earlier, would he have ended up like her, suffering under the family law?
Hearing her tone, Jiang Xuanjin’s back stiffened slightly, and he asked slowly, “Do you feel sorry for me?”
Huaiyu: “…”
In the past, no matter how she teased him, it was hard for her to say such words. Now, it felt so natural. Li Huaiyu chuckled, wiping her face. “Why would I feel sorry for you? I’m just a bit angry. If you’re beaten to death, who will save Qing Si?”
So it was because of Qing Si. Jiang Xuanjin lowered his gaze, his expression cold as he stared at the bedding.
“However, Your Highness, if you defy the decree, the consequences will indeed be quite serious.” She turned her head away. “Have you thought about how to arrange for your family?”
The topic shift was as abrupt as a stone grinding beans. Jiang Xuanjin coldly snorted, “No need for Your Highness to worry.”
“That’s true.” Feeling a bit disheartened, Huaiyu rubbed her chin and stood up. “Then I’ll take my leave first. Once we reach Danyang, I will fulfill my promise to you, and I hope you will send Qing Si as agreed.”
Leaving again?
His jaw tightened, and Jiang Xuanjin spoke with a stern face, “With the sea capture document issued, do you think you can smoothly pass through the various cities of Ziyang and reach Danyang?”
Taking a step back, Li Huaiyu turned around, chuckling dryly. “It’s precisely because I can’t that I asked you earlier if you could make things easier.”
“You can’t.”
If you can’t, what else is there to say? Huaiyu felt a bit angry, waving her sleeve. “Then we’ll just cross the mountains ourselves…”
“But I will send people from the Jiang family to Ziyang’s main city.” Before he finished speaking, Jiang Xuanjin continued, “If Your Highness behaves honestly and doesn’t resort to any underhanded tactics, traveling together wouldn’t be a problem.”
Huaiyu was stunned, and after her surprise, her eyes brightened. “You… you’re still willing to take me along?”
“If Your Highness doesn’t return to Danyang, who will fulfill the promise regarding the first-line city?”
So that was the reason. Huaiyu blinked, realizing that even though their relationship had soured, they still had business to attend to. She was concerned about Qing Si’s life and death and needed to return to Danyang to plan for the future. The grievances with Prince Ziyang could be set aside for now.
On Jiang Xuanjin’s side, he had already been forced into a corner by the Emperor. Right now, the lives of the Jiang family were the priority, and he wouldn’t continue to hold her past grievances against her.
They could truly pretend that nothing had happened and mutually benefit from each other.
After sharing a silly smile, Huaiyu pressed her hand against her belly, feeling a tinge of sadness.
How had it come to this?
“Your Highness!” Just as she was lost in thought, Bai Ai’s voice suddenly rang out from outside, hurried and flustered, as he directly entered the side room.
Jiang Xuanjin immediately adjusted his inner garment, frowning as he looked at him.
“What’s wrong?” Huaiyu asked. “Why are you in such a hurry?”
Bai Ai glanced at Jiang Xuanjin, pouted, and then said, “I just received news that Manager Lu has been waiting at the post station. When he didn’t see you, he returned to the capital. As a result, he fell into an ambush. Right now, he and the others are being protected and have retreated to the border city of Ziyang.”
A slight shock ran through Huaiyu, and she widened her eyes. “Manager Lu was ambushed?!”
“Yes, and it’s said he was injured.”
Taking a deep breath, Huaiyu stomped her foot. “How could I forget to send him a message!”
Jiang Xuanjin’s thin lips pressed together as he looked at her, his gaze sweeping over her genuinely anxious expression, unable to suppress a cold sneer.
She cared a lot.