HomeSpring BanquetChapter 67: The Bottle Has Fallen

Chapter 67: The Bottle Has Fallen

Jiu Wu nodded, “I understand the shopkeeper’s concerns, but I fear if Her Highness…”

“If she does what?” Lord Jingxing’s phoenix eyes narrowed, “If she dares to still recklessly involve herself with Jiang Xuanjin, I’ll break her legs myself!”

…Today, Manager Wu seemed particularly irritable. Jiu Wu shook his head, sighing softly, “That’s true, but if she becomes stubborn, who can stop her?”

Lord Jingxing pondered for a moment, then closed his eyes in anguish, “This is truly pushing it!”

“You should rest well for now,” Jiu Wu bowed, “We’ll take care of Her Highness; there’s no need to worry too much.”

Even if he worried, there was nothing he could do! His wounds were still bleeding where they had been stitched, and he couldn’t even sit up, only stew in his frustration.

Li Huaiyu was good in many ways, except for her poor judgment of men. She hadn’t chosen from so many eligible suitors, not even him, a man of unrivaled beauty and grace. Instead, she chose that cold and unfeeling Lord Ziyang.

Honestly, Lord Jingxing still couldn’t understand what Jiang Xuanjin had to offer besides his face. He was someone who lacked consideration for others. If it were him, how could he not know his wife was pregnant?

Jiang Xuanjin sat in the carriage, silently watching the trees outside retreat.

“Everything is arranged,” Cheng Xu reported upon returning to the carriage, “The yamen’s men will collect the bodies from the foot of the mountain half an hour from now.”

The eunuch who issued the decree, along with twenty guards, all died at the hands of “mountain bandits” and never reached Hanshan Temple. This way, Lord Ziyang could technically avoid defying the decree.

Lost in thought, Jiang Xuanjin lightly tapped the edge of the small window beside him, “Don’t let the old man find out.”

“I understand,” Cheng Xu replied.

The wheels of the carriage rolled quickly, causing the interior to bump severely. Cheng Xu glanced at him several times, finally unable to resist asking, “Master, why the rush?”

Jiang Xuanjin replied calmly, “The sooner we reach the border city, the safer it will be.”

“For safety?” Cheng Xu shook his head, “Are you… still worried about your wife?”

“No,” Jiang Xuanjin answered decisively, his tone cold, “She chose to leave on her own. Why should I worry about her?”

Half a year together with his wife, and he hadn’t learned anything except how to lie without blushing. Cheng Xu sighed quietly, fearing his lord might take offense, and said no more. He spurred his horse to check where the other Jiang family members had gone.

However, as soon as the horse’s head turned, a cold gleam shot through the air, its shrill whistle chilling the scalp.

“Careful!” Yufeng shouted from the carriage shaft, immediately pulling the reins.

“Clang!” Cheng Xu leaned back on the horse’s back, narrowly avoiding the short arrow. His gaze suddenly turned sharp as he drew his long sword from his waist and looked towards the source.

Deep in the forest, the leaves rustled like waves in the wind, a chilling presence seeping through.

The hidden guards around them all became alert. Yufeng got off the carriage and held onto the curtain, saying, “You’re injured; don’t get out.”

The Emperor’s response was quicker than they expected. Two days without the eunuch’s return, and assassins were already on their heels. Jiang Xuanjin pinched his fingers, smiling faintly.

To be so shrewd at fifteen, Li Huailin was truly fit to be an emperor. Unfortunately, this time, as the Prime Minister, he might not necessarily yield to his disciple.

In the cool, damp autumn breeze, the scent of blood suddenly tainted the air. Jiang’s mansion’s carriage was increasingly surrounded by more assassins, guards gripping their knives ready for a bloody battle.

Jiang Xuanjin pulled back the curtain and glanced out, suddenly feeling uneasy.

This place resembled that stretch of woods on the way to Bailong Temple.

“Kill!” someone shouted.

Cheng Xu and Yufeng’s eyes reddened as they rushed forward to confront the thieves. Knowing their side had fewer people, they used efficient and deadly techniques, conserving energy.

However, the situation caught them off guard. Despite their excellent coordination, they were overwhelmed by numerous assassins and each fell into a different part of the melee.

“Yufeng!” Cheng Xu frowned, warding off a large blade thrust at him, then glanced towards the carriage behind him.

Someone broke through the imperial guard’s line and was now close to the carriage, about to lift the curtain—

Yufeng couldn’t protect himself and couldn’t stop it, only shouting, “Protect His Highness!”

As the curtain lifted, the person inside acted swiftly, parrying his big blade and grabbing the carriage door, kicking him off the carriage shaft with one foot.

The assassin lay on the ground, dumbfounded, watching the figure emerge from the carriage. Amidst the cacophony of screams and bloodshed, before he stood Lord Ziyang, exceptionally handsome, tall, and graceful as he stepped onto the carriage shaft. Even in this life-and-death moment, he made people unable to resist pausing to admire him for a moment longer.

How did it go in “Ode to the Beautiful Lord Ziyang”?

“His rage is like a dragon in the sea, terrifying yet more beautiful in form.”

The assassin was stunned. When did the knife end up in this person’s hand without him noticing? He just stared blankly, thinking, is it a pity for someone like Lord Ziyang to die?

Before he could make sense of it, his throat suddenly felt cold.

Without hesitation, Jiang Xuanjin wiped the assassin’s neck mercilessly. He glanced towards Cheng Xu, then stepped forward to meet him.

“Your Highness?” Cheng Xu jumped, seeing the murderous intent in his eyes, both relieved and worried.

He was relieved that His Highness had indeed acted with lethal intent, freeing them from the need to protect him and allowing them to protect him instead. But he worried because, out of nowhere, why was he suddenly so angry?

He rarely personally killed anyone, only doing so when necessary, and always subconsciously leaving people an escape route. But now, His Highness was more ruthless than them, each stroke precise and deadly, like the judge of the underworld returned, unsettling to behold.

The assassin’s blood splattered on his cheek, wrinkling his brow in disgust. He thought about using his sleeve to wipe it off but glanced at his sleeve for some reason and refrained. Abandoning the dagger with its rolled edge, he turned and seized a sword, growling softly, “Fall back!”

Fall back? But wouldn’t there be more assassins behind them?

Cheng Xu pondered briefly, saying, “If you’re concerned about the safety of the Jiang family members behind us, we can split up. You go forward, and we’ll go back to check on the old master…”

He stopped midway, seeing the look in His Highness’s eyes, and fell silent.

“Fall back!”

Neither side gained an advantage in this skirmish, but the best opportunity for assassination had been lost. Not only did Lord Ziyang fail to be killed, but it was also possible he could have caused their deaths. Seeing the situation was unfavorable, the assassins also had no intention of pursuing further, silently retreating into the surrounding woods.

The carriage behind them moved slowly, some distance away, but fortunately, with enough guards, Jiang Xuanjin rushed over. Both sides were deadlocked, but the people in the carriage were well protected.

“What’s going on?” The old master was utterly bewildered, sitting in the carriage without moving, looking tense.

Jiang Shen was beside him, lips pursed. “Madam Jiang’s words might have been true. His Majesty had long wanted to remove Third Brother. Returning to the capital according to the decree, his end wouldn’t have been good. But defying the decree and not going, Jiang Mansion was also under attack. It’s truly giving no way out.”

The old master frowned, “What nonsense are you talking about?”

“It’s not nonsense,” Jiang Shen sighed, “It’s the truth. Otherwise, why would Third Brother, such a disciplined person, commit such a rebellious act?”

The old master looked utterly bewildered, clearly not understanding. Jiang Shen, however, understood the meaning behind Li Huaiyu’s words before she left, feeling deeply sorry in his heart.

Just as he was thinking, the curtain of the carriage was lifted.

“Father, Second Brother.” Jiang Xuanjin stood outside the carriage, speaking lightly, “Hold steady; we need to hurry.”

Splashes of bright red blood adorned his emerald green robe in all directions. The old master was startled at first sight, asking urgently, “Are you injured?”

Jiang Xuanjin hesitated slightly, shaking his head, “Someone else’s.”

Realizing his reaction was excessive, the old master cleared his throat lightly, gripping the dragon’s head with a dark expression.

What use was there to worry about such an unworthy son? Even if he died, it was his fate!

Jiang Xuanjin didn’t expect forgiveness. Seeing they were all unharmed, he let go of the curtain and mounted his horse, leading his men to break through the encirclement.

The battle raged on without end. Bodies of assassins and Jiang mansion guards lay on the ground. However, half an hour later, all the Jiang mansion carriages had finally left the woods.

As the sun rose, in the court, Qi Han stepped forward and reported, “Your Majesty, the late Emperor decreed that Lord Ziyang should assist in governing the capital. However, Your Highness did not follow the imperial decree and took the entire Jiang family back to Ziyang. I believe such actions raise suspicions of disloyalty.”

“Lord Ziyang returned to Ziyang without reporting to His Majesty,” Liu Yunlie added, “As far as I know, Your Highness made significant contributions in suppressing the rebellion, and His Majesty even issued a decree for your marriage. But it seems Your Highness did not receive the decree.”

His words were tactful, but everyone present knew what he meant.

Lord Ziyang defied the decree and took his entire family back to his fiefdom, clearly defying the imperial will and harboring ulterior motives!

Li Huailin sighed deeply, “Why has it come to this…”

“Your Majesty, I have a report.” Ba Dezhong stepped forward and bowed, “News from the outskirts of the capital: there have been two incidents near the foot of Mount Linjiang. One involved the murder of the imperial decree eunuch and twenty guards, all slain by mountain bandits. The other was an attack by unidentified assassins, resulting in casualties among the Jiang Mansion guards.”

“The imperial decree eunuch died at the foot of the mountain, and Lord Ziyang didn’t even receive the decree, so it can’t be considered defiance. After the attack on Jiang Mansion, they didn’t return to the capital but headed for Ziyang. Anyone with a little wit can understand the reasons behind this.”

“Is Lord Ziyang planning rebellion? Perhaps he learned the origin of the assassin and dared not return to the capital.”

“Of course, these are just thoughts in the minds of the courtiers, not to be spoken openly,” Qi Han and Liu Yunlie maintained their advantage, “If Jiang Mansion is attacked, can Lord Ziyang simply leave for Ziyang without returning to the capital? What kind of logic is this?”

“No matter the reasons, Your Majesty’s absence from the capital is a fact, that truly disappoints Your Majesty’s trust.”

Once Han Xiao and others left, and Lord Ziyang departed again, the court would be dominated by these people. Ba Dezhong knew that a lone voice couldn’t compete with popular opinion, so he remained silent.

Therefore, Li Huailin naturally said, “Although many of you ministers fear Lord Ziyang so, I still tend to trust him more. To show my trust, the decree for the marriage will be issued again.”

“Your Majesty is benevolent and just.”

“Your Majesty is magnanimous!”

Qi Han and Liu Yunlie complimented in unison, while Ba Dezhong listened and quietly cursed to himself.

Issuing the imperial decree twice may seem like a favor, but it forces Lord Ziyang into a corner. If he defies it, the Emperor can label him a rebel, rallying the princes to suppress him.

What should be done?

When Li Huaiyu heard the news, she was sipping on old chicken soup, expertly brewed by Chijin. The soup was fragrant and rich, and she hesitated to put down her bowl, “What do you think Lord Ziyang’s reaction will be?”

Jiuwu said, “Since he has come to Ziyang, there’s no reason for him to return.”

“But not returning will only confirm the accusation of rebellion,” Bai Ai shook his head, “After all, Your Majesty is of the Jiang family. If he wants to take a chance, those from the Jiang family won’t agree.”

“Should we all go back to the capital and face death?” Qingxian scoffed. “That would be a loyal joke.”

Indeed, in the eyes of the world, the Jiang family was seen as loyal to the point of foolishness. If such a thing happened, no one would find it strange.

Huaiyu listened with her chin in her hand, sipping her soup in small sips. She interrupted their discussion about what the Emperor would do after the Jiang family returned to the capital with a smile, “How long has Lord Ziyang been at the border town?”

Jiuwu calculated and replied, “A little over a day.”

“What has he done?”

“He’s settling the people of Jiang Mansion and discussing matters with the border town governor,” Jiuwu raised an eyebrow, “It seems he’s also prepared a lot of provisions and money.”

With that said, it didn’t seem like he was preparing to return to the capital to face death. Qingxian chuckled and stroked his chin, “Looks like we might have a good show to watch.”

The situation seemed to be escalating towards conflict. As she finished her bowl of chicken soup, Huaiyu wiped her mouth and said with lowered eyes, “Northern Wei is about to be in chaos. Let’s hurry back to our old nest and enjoy a few days of peace.”

Jiuwu nodded but frowned, “We don’t have a carriage anymore, and there are wanted posters at all four city gates. Master Lu is still recovering from serious injuries, so it might be difficult for us to leave now.”

Huaiyu asked, “Did the doctor say Lu Jingxing must lie down because of his injury?”

“Yes,” Jiuwu nodded, “So if we want him to sit in a carriage to leave the city, it might…”

“No worries, I have a solution!” Li Huaiyu clapped her hands and stood up, “I guarantee he can leave comfortably!”

The people in the room looked at her with admiration. Truly, she was the clever princess who could find a way even in such a predicament!

However, an hour later, they found themselves faced with a coffin.

“How’s this?” Li Huaiyu proudly patted the coffin lid. “It’s lined with quilts inside, warm and comfortable. He can lie down and leave the city!”

Everyone: “…”

Jiuwu suddenly felt that Lu Jingxing had a really good temper. After all these years, he hadn’t strangled their princess out of sheer compassion.

“Li Huaiyu, do you think because of my injury I can’t move, so you’re already planning my funeral?”

“I’m not planning a real funeral, just a temporary measure! Who let you get so badly injured?”

“You’re the ones wanted, not me!” Lu Jingxing gritted his teeth. “I can leave the city on my own. Worst case, I’ll meet you outside!”

“How do you plan to leave?” Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, squatting by the bed to demonstrate, “If you don’t lie in the coffin, you’ll need two people to carry you. A charming man like Manager Lu being carried out—wouldn’t that be a sight?”

Considering the scene, Lu Jingxing fell silent.

A man may not be handsome, but he must have dignity! As the distinguished playboy of Northern Wei, how could he let himself appear half-dead in public?

“In that case, I’ll lie in the coffin.” After thinking for a while, he relented, “Make sure you prepare it properly.”

“I’ll handle it, don’t worry!” Huaiyu grinned widely, adjusting the white cloth on her sleeve, “We’ve planned it out. You’ll be a certain shopkeeper from the south of the city, Jiuwu and the others will dress as funeral attendants, and the guards will be outside. We can leave immediately!”

Giving her a look, Lu Jingxing asked, “And what will you be disguised as?”

His widow? Then she should change into mourning clothes. With just this white cloth on her sleeve…

Untying her hair, Huaiyu casually tied it up in a man’s bun, adjusting it with a headband, and answered gruffly, “Your father.”

“…!”

Jiuwu and the others were waiting outside the door when suddenly they heard a furious shout from inside, “Li Huaiyu!”

“Oh dear.” Dodging a pillow thrown at her, Huaiyu grinned mischievously, “My portrait is hanging at the city gates. If I don’t stick on a beard and call myself your father, how can I deceive them? Ah don’t get so worked up! If not your father, how about an uncle?”

There was a loud commotion inside, and Jiuwu hesitated before asking, “Should we go in and calm them down?”

Everyone nodded in agreement. After all, the princess was still pregnant. As mischievous as she was, they couldn’t let her get hurt.

So, while Li Huaiyu dodged and weaved, suddenly the door was pushed open. The four people closest to her all stepped over the threshold in unison, bowing respectfully towards Lu Jingxing, “Shopkeeper, please calm down.”

“See, they’re always good to me!” Hiding behind the chair, Huaiyu was deeply moved.

Lu Jingxing narrowed his phoenix eyes slightly, propped up half of his body, and looked at them, “Why should I calm down?”

Four people glanced at each other and replied in unison, “Accumulating virtue and doing good deeds!”

Li Huaiyu: “…”

There was no funeral atmosphere in the courtyard, just playfulness. If one didn’t know better, they’d think it was a festival. Princess Danyang finally reverted to her former self and slammed the table, shouting, “I don’t mind preparing a few more coffins for you all to lie in!”

Lu Jingxing sneered, “Jiuwu, prepare one for her too. Her health isn’t great, she should lie down.”

“You dare!” Huaiyu pinched a beard and stuck it to her face, “I’ll change into a white beard later and call myself your grandfather!”

“You’d better dye your hair white too, and call yourself my ancestor,” Lu Jingxing retorted, pursing his lips.

Jiuwu and the others chuckled, covering their mouths to prevent the princess from noticing, but Huaiyu, sharp-eyed as ever, saw through them and stood with her hands on her hips, “You’re all birds of a feather!”

Her voice carried seven parts feigned anger and three parts amusement, like a child pretending to be angry while playing. Beyond the towering walls, carried away by the autumn breeze, she disappeared into the sky.

Outside the walls, Jiang Xuanjin stood in silence, listening to the sounds inside with a mocking smile.

Everything was prepared, and Huaiyu was properly disguised. Finally, the group left the house, the long funeral procession heading straight for the west city gate.

“Don’t worry. When we reach the city gate, I’ll start crying,” Huaiyu stood by the coffin and whispered to Jiuwu, “Normally, they don’t stop funerals at the city gate. But if they do, you guys need to bribe them with money and sweet-talk them. We should be able to get through.”

Jiuwu nodded, and everyone wasn’t particularly nervous. After all, this plan was rarely thought of and shouldn’t go wrong.

However, when they reached the city gate, they were stopped by guards.

“Officer, please be kind,” Qingxian stepped forward, handing over a bag of silver, “Our master is in a hurry to be buried. If you inspect us one by one, how much time will it waste?”

The guard’s eyes lit up as he weighed the silver, but suddenly another officer walked over.

“There’s an order from above. Everyone entering or leaving the city gate must be inspected,” the officer said to Qingxian.

The guard hesitated, then quickly threw the silver back to Qingxian, as if it were burning his hands.

Qingxian looked bewildered and glanced back.

So strict? He thought Lord Ziyang might confront the Emperor, but the imperial orders in Ziyang were unlikely to be strictly enforced. If they were inspected, they might recognize several people from the wanted posters.

Huaiyu was fake crying. Seeing this, she tremblingly approached, hoarsely using an old man’s voice, “Do you even have any humanity left? My son died so tragically, and you still want to inspect us?”

With a fake beard stuck to her face and a pale complexion, she stooped over, looking exactly like an old man.

The officer looked at her with a complicated expression, about to say something, when a mocking laugh sounded from above.

The voice was so familiar that as soon as she heard it, Li Huaiyu froze.

Qingxian looked up and saw Jiang Xuanjin standing tall on the high city tower, hands behind his back as if admiring the distant scenery. His imposing presence made it clear he had spotted them but chose not to intervene directly.

Li Huaiyu realized they couldn’t proceed. She squinted, feeling somewhat puzzled. If they wouldn’t help her, she’d find a way herself. But why was he now blocking their path?

“It seems today isn’t a good day,” she turned her head and said, “Let’s go back and keep watch over the body.”

It was better to retreat than risk being exposed on the spot.

The funeral procession turned around and started heading back. But before they could take a few steps, someone came up behind them and gently pressed down on the coffin.

“Aren’t you supposed to be on schedule?” Jiang Xuanjin’s face was full of mockery. “Shall I accompany you all on your journey?”

Jiuwu and the others instinctively protected Huaiyu in front of them. Huaiyu’s face darkened, “No need.”

“What? Not going to bury him?” Jiang Xuanjin’s gaze fell on the coffin, “Isn’t it time to rest in peace?”

“You should be resting in peace!” Knowing he was deliberately provoking them, Li Huaiyu was no longer in the mood to pretend. She stood straight and spoke in her original voice, “Instead of finding ways to handle the Emperor, His Majesty, you have time to make trouble for me?”

The officer standing at the city gate looked over with a puzzled expression.

Jiang Xuanjin glanced at him, his eyes darkened slightly. Without explaining further, he simply said, “If you’re not leaving, then you’ll have to come with me.”

Go with him? Wasn’t that the same as entering the lion’s den? Even Lu Jingxing inside the coffin couldn’t bear it anymore, pushing against the coffin lid.

Sensing trouble, Jiang Xuanjin reached out and firmly pressed down the lid.

“Are you coming or not?” he sounded impatient.

This was Ziyang, his territory. If he said to go, would Huaiyu’s refusal be effective? Li Huaiyu chuckled, flicked her sleeve casually, and said, “Make way.”

She wanted to see what this man was up to.

As the procession started moving again, Jiang Xuanjin nodded to a man behind him, “That one at the city gate.”

“Understood!” The man nodded and went against the flow of the procession, back towards the city gate. He respectfully bowed to the officer there, “Sir, the county magistrate requests your presence.”

Under his jurisdiction in Ziyang, although Jiang Xuanjin had never visited, all local matters were reported to him annually by the county magistrates for his disposal. Hence, when he arrived, the county magistrate promptly surrendered and informed him of the presence of imperial spies in the city.

Li Huaiyu had stirred up quite a scene. Their identities were now exposed, and it was a perfect opportunity for him to capture them.

Glancing at her profile, Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips. She probably thought he had ordered the interception of the funeral procession, hence the slight annoyance.

He didn’t explain further. The misunderstanding was convenient, and if he had said that they could freely enter and exit the city gate, she would have surely left with Lu Jingxing and the others.

The residence of Lord Ziyang was in the county magistrate’s mansion, with a vast courtyard all to himself. Li Huaiyu removed the fake beard from her face upon entering and instructed Jiuwu and the others to bring Lu Jingxing out for some fresh air.

“What does Your Majesty intend to do?” Li Huaiyu asked straightforwardly.

Jiang Xuanjin replied calmly, “It wouldn’t hurt for everyone to rest in the border town for a while.”

“Rest?” Huaiyu glanced at him, “Haven’t you received the news from the capital?”

If the Emperor was really against him, could this border town be a safe place to rest?

Pouring himself a cup of tea, Jiang Xuanjin calmly replied, “No need to worry.”

Who was worried about him? They were all worried about their own lives, weren’t they? Huaiyu wanted to say more, but looking behind him, she suddenly felt something wasn’t right, “Where’s Yufeng?”

In the past, Yufeng was always with Jiuwu. They had come from the city gate, but she hadn’t seen Yufeng’s shadow.

“He’s gone to handle some business,” Jiuwu answered, “Madam, you can rest assured here.”

Li Huaiyu watched them with suspicion, rubbing her chin in contemplation.

The Emperor’s decree came swiftly, personally written and sealed, and delivered to the newly appointed Tiger Guard General. He led two hundred guards to the border town of Ziyang. The arrangement was meticulous—Wu Fu issued the decree, accompanied by just enough guards to be imposing and intimidating.

However, they had not anticipated that this group would be ambushed near Mount Linjiang. Out of over two hundred men, only three or four managed to escape back to the capital, trembling as they reported the dire situation.

“Ambushed again?” Li Huailin’s brow furrowed deeply. “Over two hundred elite guards couldn’t resist?”

“The bandits were numerous; we couldn’t escape,” gasped one injured guard, barely hanging on. “Please, Your Majesty, send troops to retrieve our brothers’ bodies…”

Li Huailin’s expression darkened. If these men had died within Ziyang’s borders, he could justify his actions. But dying under Mount Linjiang?

Ziyang Jun must be behind this. He knew that no one else would dare intercept the imperial decree. Yet, he left no evidence; even if he accused Ziyang Jun of rebellion in court, no one would believe him.

What a silent loss!

Driven by anger, Li Huailin still refused to give up. He sent several more teams to issue the decree. Yet, whether it was three hundred or five hundred men, upon reaching Mount Linjiang, none returned.

The court was in an uproar; everyone believed there must be a massive bandit stronghold beneath Mount Linjiang. How else could no one pass through?

Some suggested sealing off Mount Linjiang temporarily to reduce casualties. Others proposed sending troops to eradicate the bandit stronghold.

Li Huailin ground his teeth on the dragon throne. What bandit stronghold? If he sent a large army, it would surely be a wild goose chase! Not only a waste of military strength but also a humiliating display.

Just as he fumed, his gaze fell on Bai Dezhong standing quietly below.

Li Huailin’s eyes brightened slightly, and he suddenly asked, “Miss Bai from the Bai family, have you not yet been married?”

Bai Dezhong was daydreaming and startled by the question. Bowing respectfully, she replied, “Your Majesty, I apologize.”

Bai Xuanji was almost nineteen years old. The Jiang family had never mentioned marriage proposals, nor had any other families come forward. She could only wait in seclusion.

Li Huailin nodded knowingly, then smiled, “Mr. Bai has served the country faithfully for so many years; he should be entitled to some privileges.”

If he could order the death of elite guards so decisively, what about the Bai family? Would he kill them?

Bai Dezhong looked straight into the emperor’s eyes and suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

In the border town, everything was calm, and there was no sign of the imperial decree. Li Huaiyu and the others stayed in the county magistrate’s mansion, and none of them looked particularly good.

“Do you have a problem?” Lu Jingxing supported himself as he sat in front of Jiang Xuanjin, frowning, “We’re not on the same side, so why force us together?”

Jiang Xuanjin calmly laid out a map on the table, “I intend to go to the main city of Ziyang. You’re heading to Danyang, departing from the border town. It’s all in the same direction.”

How were they not on the same side?

Lu Jingxing squinted, “You know that’s not what I mean.”

One was Ziyang Jun, loyal to the emperor, and the other was the Grand Princess, pushed to desperation by the emperor. These two could easily turn against each other again at any moment. So why mix them up now?

Jiang Xuanjin turned indifferently, looking out the window at the group huddled together whispering.

Li Huaiyu and Qingxian were crouched together, forming a circle. Their backs looked thin and small, and it wasn’t clear what they were talking about. Suddenly, Qingxian placed a hand on her shoulder.

Jiang Xuanjin’s eyes darkened, and he stood up abruptly.

“What are you doing?” Lu Jingxing followed his gaze and smirked. “They were already close. Can you stop them?”

Li Huaiyu’s temperament tended to be more stubborn the more one tried to restrain her.

Jiang Xuanjin remained silent. He walked over to the floor vase in the room and raised his hand—

A loud crash ensued as the fine porcelain crashed to the ground, shattering into pieces.

The commotion startled those outside. Huaiyu stood up and glanced toward the window, and Qing Xian had to lower his hands.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

“It’s nothing,” Jiang Xuanjin replied indifferently. “Just accidentally knocked over a vase.”

Lu Jingxing was both infuriated and amused. “A vase? That was a jar!”

The kind used for vinegar!

Jiang Xuanjin was such an enigmatic person. Capable of plotting against emperors and handling great affairs, yet when it came to such trivial matters, he acted like a petulant child, simultaneously amusing and exasperating.

Possessiveness in men was truly a deeply rooted instinct unrelated to emotions.

Huaiyu glanced strangely at Jiang Xuanjin, then at Lu Jingxing’s peculiar expression. After hesitating for a moment, she advised, “Let’s talk calmly and avoid quarrels.”

Who was quarreling? Why did she sound like she was mediating between a couple? Lu Jingxing rolled his eyes and pondered for a moment. Suddenly, he perked up and waved at her. “Come over here and help me up.”

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