It had just rained heavily, leaving clear pools of water on the ground. Huaiyu looked down, seeing the faces of everyone reflected in the small puddles.
Jiuwu was genuinely angry, his brows furrowed, meeting Old Master Jiang’s gaze directly, like a mother hen protecting her chick. Opposite him, the old master’s eyes were as sharp as an eagle’s, his dragon-headed cane creating ripples in the puddle.
“Are you talking about Eldest Princess Danyang?” he asked, “The one who was executed for killing Chancellor Sima?”
“Killing Chancellor Sima?” Bai Ai couldn’t hold back any longer. “Who killed Chancellor Sima is something Lord Ziyang knows best. His Highness was wronged back then, and now you want to accuse her again?”
“The case of Sima Xu has never been fully resolved,” Jiang Chong spoke up from the back. “No one can definitively say Danyang was innocent.”
Bai Ai laughed in exasperation. “Lying through your teeth! Qi Han killed Sima Xu and framed the Eldest Princess. Lord Ziyang, without discerning the truth, delivered the poisoned wine that ended her life! He felt guilty, which is why he reopened the case. The person is right here, you can ask him yourselves!”
Everyone turned to look at Jiang Xuanjin, who stood stiffly in front of his family. After a moment of silence, he nodded. “Sima Xu was indeed killed by Qi Han. The Emperor protected Qi Han, so he was never convicted.”
The old master was at a loss for words. He turned to Li Huaiyu, sneering, “So you married into the Jiang family to seek revenge? My son followed the imperial decree to deliver the poison, yet you don’t resent the one who issued the order. Instead, you hide behind the title of my son’s wife to rebel, dragging our entire Jiang family down with you?”
Li Huaiyu pressed her lips together. “I had no intention of rebelling.”
“Old Master, please get your facts straight before speaking,” Jiuwu said. “As an elder, making accusations based on partial information is hardly becoming. Why was His Highness accused of rebellion? Was it not to save Lord Ziyang? Who would have thought she saved an ungrateful wretch!”
“Who are you calling an ungrateful wretch?” Jiang Yan pushed through the crowd, frowning as he stood in front of Jiang Xuanjin. “Your Highness had a tarnished reputation from the start. She ruined her credibility, so why blame my uncle for not trusting her? What did my uncle know at the time? He only saw you attacking the Imperial Study! Who would believe you were there to save someone?”
“Was it so hard to ask?” Bai Ai retorted. “If he had shown a shred of marital compassion, he wouldn’t have put a sword to her throat!”
“How was my uncle supposed to ask?” Jiang Yan scoffed. “He finally agreed to marry, only to wed a wolf in sheep’s clothing! Over the past six months, has he not treated her well? If she had confessed earlier, would any of this have happened?”
“Confessed?” Qing Xian sneered. “To tell Lord Ziyang she was the reincarnated Eldest Princess? That outcome might have been worse than it is now.”
“So, what were your intentions in approaching Xuanjin?” The old master’s eyes were dark. “Knowing you had an irreconcilable grudge, yet you still married him?”
“Isn’t it obvious? To get close to my uncle and exact revenge!” Jiang Yan said. “We all thought she was the foolish Fourth Miss of the Bai family, but she was probably laughing at us the whole time, easily deceiving us.”
“His Highness was wronged first, and she deceived him later,” Jiuwu said. “Please distinguish cause from effect.”
Jiang Xuanjin’s expression grew grim, and Li Huaiyu lowered her eyes, remaining silent.
The very issue the two had been avoiding was now being laid bare in broad daylight by their closest allies, who were at each other’s throats. Old Master Jiang seemed genuinely furious, while Jiuwu’s anger was also reaching its peak. If it weren’t for the two of them standing in the middle, a physical fight might have already broken out.
“If there is cause and effect, then I beg His Highness to show mercy and let my son go!” Old Master Jiang slammed his dragon-headed cane, splashing water everywhere.
“This is something His Highness should say!” Qing Xian sneered. “If it weren’t for Lord Ziyang’s insistence, His Highness would have left long ago. Who wants to stay with you? Such false pretensions.”
“A true villain naturally thinks a gentleman is hypocritically virtuous,” Jiang Yan retorted sharply. “Our family stands upright and honorable, unlike those who enter the palace as kept men!”
These words were harsh, and Li Huaiyu’s face instantly darkened.
“So what if they’re kept men?” She sneered, nodding at Qing Xian as she addressed Jiang Yan. “When he was fighting corruption and punishing evildoers single-handedly, Young Master Jiang was probably still nursing.”
Jiang Yan was taken aback, turning his face away. “A kept man living off women, fighting corruption? Who would believe that?”
“Believe it or not,” Huaiyu gave him a mocking smile, “Those who pride themselves on their so-called moral superiority always think everyone else is foolish, clinging to outdated rules. All they’re good for is being used as tools and making pointless judgments about others.”
“What do you mean?” Jiang Xuanjin asked coldly.
“Don’t you understand?” Li Huaiyu’s face grew even more mocking. “Your Jiang family, with its noble heritage, naturally disdains associating with people like us.”
She could endure insults directed at herself, as she was used to it. But she couldn’t stand hearing her followers being belittled.
These people, each one of them, were valiant and ambitious. They had made great sacrifices to follow her down this unorthodox path. Their achievements were no less than those of the officials of the previous dynasty. Why should they stand here and be insulted?
Jiang Xuanjin’s jaw tightened, and he was visibly angry.
He had taken many steps forward and reached her door, yet she slammed it shut in his face for the sake of these people.
It made him feel somewhat ridiculous.
She seemed to have many important things in her heart: her imperial brother, her kept men, and Lu Jingxing. Each of them was more important to her than he was. Whenever they conflicted with him, she would unhesitatingly abandon him.
What was this?
His fingers tightened, and Jiang Xuanjin withdrew his hand. “Has Your Highness made up your mind?”
“I dare not trouble His Highness any further.” Huaiyu bowed to him, then to Old Master Jiang behind him. “Let us part ways here.”
“Good riddance!” Old Master Jiang said coldly.
Snapping her fingers, Li Huaiyu turned around with a flourish. “Let’s move out.”
Jiuwu and the others bowed their heads in agreement, stepping aside to let her go first. Bai Ai watched her closely, relieved only when he saw that she showed no signs of sadness.
They all knew that Lord Ziyang was her destined calamity. Parting was better than clinging on; a short pain was better than prolonged suffering.
“Huaiyu!” Not far away, Xu Chunian lifted her skirt and hurried after them.
Li Huaiyu turned back and smiled at her. “Are you coming with us?”
“Yes!” Xu Chunian nodded, then pulled her aside to look back. “Today, it was that Second Miss Bai who brought the old master here. She wants to make trouble for you!”
“That’s normal.” Huaiyu shrugged. “A well-bred young lady being overshadowed by a so-called fool like me—when she got the chance, of course, she wanted revenge.”
“But will you let her succeed?” Xu Chunian looked a bit regretful.
Huaiyu patted her hand and continued walking. “Even without her, Jiang Xuanjin and I would have come to this point eventually.”
She had been avoiding the truth, pretending not to know what had happened, using their cooperation as an excuse to satisfy her pitiful selfishness. However, they could never cooperate forever, nor could they have a perfect relationship. This was destined from the start.
There was a trace of bitterness in her heart, but only a trace.
If only there was another life. In another life, she wouldn’t be the commanding Eldest Princess. She would just be an innocent girl, sitting on a wall waiting for him to pass by, then jumping down to surprise him and letting him take her home. No deceiving, no scheming—just cherishing and pampering him.
Raindrops fell, shattering the pale face reflected in the puddle.
Xu Chunian hurriedly handed her a handkerchief. “Don’t cry, don’t cry! I won’t bring it up again!”
“I’m not crying.” Li Huaiyu wiped her face absentmindedly, then looked up at the sky. “Is it raining?”
Jiuwu silently held his sleeve over her head, pretending it was raining.
Huaiyu laughed heartily, wiping her face with the handkerchief. “Let’s go home!”
Yes, let’s go home.
Someone had once placed their hand in hers, gently promising this. The voice, carrying a faint scent of incense, echoed clearly in her mind over time.
Huaiyu looked down at her hand, smiled, and clenched it into a fist, tucking it into her sleeve as she walked forward.
“Xu Chunian!” Jiang Shen caught up, angrily asking, “Where are you going?”
Chunian turned back, frowning. “I’m going to accompany Huaiyu.”
“Why are you accompanying her?” Jiang Shen was slightly angry. He was injured too, albeit not seriously, but she hadn’t even bothered to ask about him!
Looking at him calmly, Chunian asked, “And what should I stay for?”
To continue watching him entangle with Gu Luan and Cui Xue, or to keep making all kinds of food for him, only to have him indifferently place them aside without a second glance?
Jiang Shen frowned, not knowing how to respond.
Chunian bowed to him, then turned and chased after the others without looking back.
“Young Master.” Gu Luan came up to support Jiang Shen, asking softly, “Are you alright?”
Jiang Shen halted his steps, forcing a smile. “What could be wrong with me? Her leaving is her loss. Without her, I can still live, can’t I?”
That’s right, Xu Chunian had always been dispensable. His reluctance was merely a matter of habit. His pride had already been compromised enough. If she insisted on leaving, why should he force her?
The dashing Second Young Master Jiang couldn’t possibly cling to a woman.
Lightly brushing off his robe, Jiang Shen turned casually. “Go back and report to the old master. I’ve done my best; he can’t blame me.”
Gu Luan nodded with a smile. “I understand.”
Ning Zhendong, who had been watching the drama from behind, smiled faintly, motioning for someone to relay the news back to the capital.
The Eldest Princess and His Highness had completely fallen out—this was excellent news.
Li Huaiyu and her entourage traveled through the night, heading straight for Yixian City. Lu Jingxing, half-reclined on a soft pillow inside the carriage, said, “There’s news from Danyang that Xu Xian and the others have already cleared some minor troubles for you. When you arrive, you can directly take over the main city.”
“They’re always decisive.” Huaiyu laughed lightly, a gleam in her eyes. “I originally planned to take you all to a peaceful life, but now I have a new idea.”
“Oh?” Lu Jingxing raised an eyebrow, glancing at her. “Whatever your idea is, just do it. We’re all here.”
“Good.” Clapping her hands lightly, Huaiyu grinned. “Let’s show them what ‘the way of the devil surpasses the way of the righteous’ really means!”
The news of the Eldest Princess of Danyang’s resurrection spread from Ziyang across the land, eventually reaching the capital. The court remained silent, but public discussions grew increasingly lively.
“Hey, did you hear? That troublemaker from Danyang is still alive.”
“Nonsense! How could someone already dead come back to life?”
“Don’t say that. It’s possible. My distant aunt’s cousin’s niece also came back to life after dying…”
“Forget that. If the Eldest Princess of Danyang came back, wouldn’t that mean chaos for Northern Wei?”
An official sedan chair passed by, the wind lifting the curtain to reveal Liu Yunlie’s face, full of scorn.
“Seeking her doom.”
If she had kept quiet, the Emperor might not have had an excuse to act against Danyang. By publicly announcing her return, she handed the Emperor the perfect pretext.
The Eldest Princess of Danyang was someone the entire world knew deserved to die. Even if she returned to Danyang after her fallout with His Highness, she would still face enemies on all sides.
Peeking out of the curtain, Liu Yunlie noticed the sky darkening, the oppressive black clouds making him uneasy. He felt something was amiss but couldn’t quite place it.
Yinping City.
Jiang Xuanjin had been kneeling before the Buddha for three days.
Unable to bear it any longer, Jiang Chong pleaded with the old master, “This truly isn’t Third Brother’s fault. He was deceived…”
“Deceived?” The old master sneered, “He was deceived before, but what about after she was released from prison? Was he also deceived when he brought her along?”
Jiang Chong choked on his words and replied helplessly, “People are not made of stone; who can be devoid of feelings? Even if it’s Danyang, she has been married to Third Brother for half a year…”
“The Jiang family has always been clear about right and wrong and will not be burdened by emotions,” the old master said angrily. “Yet he, being deceived once wasn’t enough, remains stubbornly infatuated! You need not plead further. Unless he swears never to associate with that Eldest Princess Danyang again, he should remain kneeling!”
Jiang Chong, feeling helpless, entered the room and half-squatted beside Jiang Xuanjin, attempting to persuade him, “It’s not that hard to agree to Father’s request, is it?”
Jiang Xuanjin knelt upright, not responding.
“Don’t be so stubborn. What good comes from being angry with the old master?” Jiang Chong said. “Moreover, when the Eldest Princess left, she meant to sever all ties with you.”
He had stood there for so long, and she had not looked back even once.
Jiang Xuanjin replied coldly, “If it’s a severing of ties, then so be it. But Ziyang and Danyang will inevitably cross paths again in the future. I cannot make that oath.”
Jiang Chong was surprised, then delighted. “So that’s what’s troubling you? You should have said so earlier. Father is only worried about lingering emotions. If it’s official business, he won’t blame you. I’ll go explain it to him right away!”
With a gust of wind, Jiang Chong rushed out, and Jiang Xuanjin slowly raised his head, looking at the compassionate eyes of the Buddha statue before him.
If the Buddha could truly relieve suffering, why had He not relieved him? Was it because his past twenty-odd years had been so smooth, with everything he wanted at his fingertips, that he must now repay it for the rest of his life?
But the price of repayment was too high.
“Master?” Chengxu came in to support him, concerned. “Please take a rest. Yufeng has made some porridge.”
As he slowly stood up, Jiang Xuanjin pressed his lips together and softly said, “I want to eat an orange.”
An orange? Where could one find an orange in this place? Chengxu hesitated, “The grapefruits in Yinping are delicious. Would you like to try one?”
Jiang Xuanjin shook his head. “I only want an orange.”
His tone was determined yet childish, like a child throwing a tantrum.
Chengxu froze in place, his throat suddenly tightening.
He remembered long ago, when his master was unhappy, how the lady would peel an orange and gently coax him.
“Try this, is it sweet? If it’s sweet, don’t be mad. Look at you, your beautiful brows are all furrowed.”
“Oh, this one is so sour! Quick, kiss me to chase away the sourness!”
“When the orange tree in the backyard bears fruit next year, I’ll peel them all for you, alright?”
The slightly bitter and sour scent of oranges filled the main building of Moju. His master sat there with a sullen face, disdainfully watching the lady bounce around. But when the orange was brought to his lips, he still opened his mouth and bit into it.
The lady surely didn’t know that his master initially didn’t like fruits, especially oranges. Most of the oranges sent to Moju ended up in the stomachs of him and Yufeng.
Ever since she arrived, not a single orange in the main building was left untouched.
“Should I send someone to inquire about his whereabouts?” Cheng Xu suggested casually, “Considering the timing, he should have arrived in Yinping by now.”
“No need,” Jiang Xuanjin replied, turning to leave, “I’m not interested.”
The year he was granted the title, Lord Ziyang, someone gifted him a snow fox. It was a beautiful creature but wild, and wary of people. He found it hard to tame, but the sender assured him, “This creature is easily domesticated. Your Highness, just keep the room warm, provide good food and drink, and in time, it will grow accustomed and not wish to leave.”
Reflecting now, it made sense. Humans, like animals, yearned for warmth and comfort deep down. Once someone figured out how to tame them, they willingly stayed in their cages.
He couldn’t escape, but those who tamed him were gone without a trace.
“Your Highness,” Yu Feng entered from outside, bowing respectfully, “The County Governor of Ning sends word. Several key officials from the capital have arrived in Yinping. If you’re free, they wish to meet this afternoon.”
Jiang Xuanjin snapped back to attention. “Who has arrived?”
Yu Feng replied, “Tang Zhong, the County Governor, along with Liu Gong and Qian Wenshu.”
“What about Lu Qing?”
Yu Feng pondered for a moment. “County Governor Ning didn’t mention him.”
Lu Qing had been sent by the Jiang family and had been working diligently in the Ziyang region for him. Since everyone from the Jiang family had arrived, he should have been there to welcome them. Why hadn’t he come?
Upon closer consideration, it had been almost half a month since he last received any news from him.
His gaze turned cold. “Cheng Xu, attend to something for me.”
…
As they approached Yinping, the landscape turned desolate. Li Huaiyu surveyed the area and remarked, “We’ve left Ziyang behind. We can stay here for a while and wait for Qing Si.”
Jiu Wu murmured, “After causing such a commotion with the Jiang family, will His Highness bring Qing Si back?”
“Others might hesitate, but he certainly will,” Huaiyu affirmed. “Dealing with an honest man has its advantages. No need to worry about him breaking his word or doing anything dishonorable.”
Lu Jingxing’s injuries had improved enough for him to walk. Leaning against the side of the carriage, he rolled his eyes at her. “I say, Madame, we could stop anywhere else. Yinping? Look around, can this place even accommodate people?”
After walking two miles, they hadn’t found a decent inn. It was already autumn, yet this place hadn’t seen rain for months, leaving the ground parched and cracked.
“Do you know why Jiang Xuanjin wants me to help with this place?” Huaiyu asked, crossing her arms.
Lu Jingxing pulled out a folding fan made of Nanyang jade and waved it before him. “I don’t know what you can do, but he insists on managing this area that isn’t even part of Ziyang. He has ulterior motives.”
Waving her hand dismissively, Huaiyu explained, “This time, he’s misunderstood. The only river in this area stopped flowing three years ago because the river channel in Danyang was redirected. If the border town of Danyang agreed to clear the blocked channel, it would alleviate the drought in Yinping considerably.”
Lu Jingxing was taken aback. “Redirected river channels? Who did that?”
Huaiyu shrugged nonchalantly. “It wasn’t entirely my doing. The decision was made five years ago. Back then, the county governor of Yinping was displeased with me, so he turned a blind eye to the people of Yinping raiding and pillaging neighboring Danyang. With Danyang left unguarded, and me busy with Pingling Jun, the border town suffered. The locals took matters into their own hands and blocked the river. When the county governor of Yinping reported this to the court, I tore up the papers he sent.”
Huaiyu sighed, “If I had had the time, I wouldn’t have chosen such an aggressive approach. It ended up affecting many innocent villagers.”
Lu Jingxing was relieved to see Huaiyu had become more composed, acknowledging her own mistakes. Just as he was about to compliment her, she added, “We could simply bring people here and give that county governor a good thrashing!”
Lu Jingxing: “…”
Jiu Wu nodded in approval, “The feud between the two towns began with that county governor. He should be held accountable.”
“It’s a shame he’s gone now,” sighed Huaiyu, surveying the surroundings, “leaving us with this deserted city.”
Everywhere they looked, all they saw was yellow earth, occasionally dotted with figures scrabbling at the dry, cracked ground, searching for anything edible.
“How much silver did we find in that shady inn?” Huaiyu asked Jiu Wu.
“Not much, not too little. Over three hundred taels in silver coins and over six hundred taels in silver bills,” Jiu Wu replied.
Nodding, Huaiyu turned to Lu Jingxing. “Are we selling grains?”
Lu Jingxing swiftly pulled out a small, compact abacus and clacked away. “I’ve never been fond of business in Yinping, but there’s still a grain shop open in the market. Prices are high here, one tael for a dou of rice, no deceiving.”
In normal places, rice would cost thirty copper coins per dou. Due to severe drought in Yinping, local lands produced nothing, and officials stationed here were ruthlessly profiteering, causing grain prices to skyrocket. Those who remained either could not afford to leave or were staunchly defending their hometowns, subsisting on wild vegetables.
“Let’s make a deal,” Li Huaiyu smiled as she brushed dust off his shoulder. “I handle the officials, you handle the grains, let’s settle at fifty copper coins per dou, agreed?”
Lu Jingxing closed his abacus. “Good brothers still need clear calculations; business at fifty coins isn’t profitable.”
“Pah!” Huaiyu cursed him. “Have you no shame? Most of the silver you sell is probably going straight to the officials. I’ll take the pressure off you, no taxes, plus quick turnover. Worried about not making a profit?”
With a sly grin, Lu Jingxing waved his fan. “If you grant me a request, I’ll assist you.”
“Speak.”
Pointing at her belly, Lu Jingxing said, “Let it call me father.”
Though she was only two months pregnant and still flat-bellied, Li Huaiyu felt a pang of unease at his words and instinctively reached to touch her abdomen.
“Are you insane?” She frowned. “Calling you ‘godfather’ might be more suitable.”
Shaking his head, Lu Jingxing said, “You know I detest Jiang Xuanjin the most. I can’t deal with him, but taking his son wouldn’t be a bad move.”
Huaiyu knew it was just an excuse; Lu Jingxing was concerned that her bearing a child alone might draw unwanted attention and further entangle her with the Jiang family.
But… with a sneer, she said, “Whoever’s it is, it’s mine to bear alone.”
Her words were resolute, leaving Lu Jingxing to ask, “Have you thought about the consequences?”
“I have,” Huaiyu said, hands on her hips, unflinchingly. “Compared to others, I think your happiness matters more.”
“For years, I’ve caused you trouble countless times. Even if I once owed you, I’ve long since repaid it. There’s no reason for me to drag you down with a child, especially when he’s with Bai Xuanji,” she said, her voice trailing off.
Bitterly, Huaiyu looked down. “His father is him. No matter how we feel, he’ll never be more than a grave to him.”
Lu Jingxing fell silent.
“Don’t worry about this matter. Let’s focus on moving the grain. I’ll go visit the governor’s mansion.” With Qing Xian Bai Ai in tow, she got into the carriage and left.
Lu Jingxing stood stiffly in place, fingers gripping the fan handle until they turned pale. After a long pause, he opened the fan to shield his eyes and muttered, “Why is she so tactless?”
He didn’t give him the slightest chance.
Jiu Wu looked at him sympathetically and said, “Your Highness is doing this for your own good.”
“Who cares?” Lu Jingxing muttered, “I want to marry her.”
“But Your Highness already has Lord Ziyang in your heart,” Jiu Wu remarked, “Even if you can’t be together, no one else can step in.”
“Don’t be so absolute,” Lu Jingxing scoffed lightly. “Until the day I’m in my grave, who knows how things will turn out?”
Human emotions are ever-changing; no feeling can endure a lifetime, especially between two people separated by distance.
There was a stir in Ziyang City.
The Lord Ziyang, who was supposed to be welcomed back by several officials from the capital, suddenly changed his mind and deployed ten thousand troops to camp in Yinping. Outsiders were puzzled—why would he move troops without reason? Jiang Yan also didn’t understand and dared not ask Jiang Xuanjin. Instead, he went to Jiang Shen.
Jiang Shen had been punished and stayed indoors, lying still and lost in thought. Hearing Jiang Yan’s commotion, he impatiently said, “What’s so strange about this? Ziyang is his territory; he can do as he pleases.”
Jiang Yan trembled, feeling unfairly treated. “What’s been going on with you lately? Eldest Uncle won’t talk to anyone, and even Second Uncle is so irritable.”
Jiang Shen paused and reflected, “I’ve been a bit bothered lately, perhaps because the weather has turned chilly.”
In previous autumns, Xu Chuniang would bring newly embroidered cloaks to him because she was afraid of the cold. Her care made him feel warm too. She would cautiously advise him, “Please wear more clothes.”
She was truly gentle, even though he didn’t pay her much attention. Each cloak was warm.
But not this year. There were no cloaks, nor was there anyone.
“Is Eldest Uncle missing Second Aunt?” Jiang Yan asked.
Jiang Shen snapped angrily, as if a cat had stepped on his tail. “Why would I miss her? Did the lark not obey enough, or was the snow not pretty enough?”
“But…” Jiang Yan glanced at him, “Neither of them can read.”
Only Second Aunt appreciated his writings, proudly telling others how talented the Second Young Master was. She understood him but never flattered him openly, only praising him behind his back.
“I heard that man called Chi Jin, before entering Feiyun Palace, was a young master of Jiangnan Zhuang,” Jiang Yan said. “Father said you didn’t like him.”
Not just dislike? Jiang Shen sneered coldly, “What kind of place is Jiangnan Zhuang?”
“You don’t know?” Jiang Yan said. “It’s a well-known martial arts family with considerable influence in the Jianghu.”
Even if they have influence, aren’t they just Jianghu roughnecks? Jiang Shen scoffed, thinking to himself. Given Xu Chuniang’s timid nature, she wouldn’t be able to associate with such people.
But… what if she lost her mind?
“Should I write a divorce letter?” Jiang Shen mocked. “To prevent her from following Li Huaiyu’s example and writing one to me instead.”
Jiang Yan glanced at him. “Are you really willing to?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? A wife like her could find another man anywhere,” Jiang Shen said bitterly, his face darkening. “Does she really think I can’t live without her?”
“Then you should talk to Eldest Uncle,” Jiang Yan suggested. “It just so happens that Yu Feng is going to One-line City. Maybe he can take the divorce letter for you.”
Jiang Shen froze momentarily, then changed the subject. “I’ll take a nap first.”
“Hey, don’t sleep now,” Jiang Yan urged. “Yu Feng is about to leave. If you don’t speak now, it’ll be too late.”
“…My back hurts,” Jiang Shen muttered, looking down. “Father’s punishment was too harsh.”
“It’s been so long, and it still hurts?” Jiang Yan sighed, getting up. “I’ll go talk to him for you. Wait here.”
With that, he ran out and called, “Yu Feng! Yu Feng!”
Yu Feng was currently with Jiang Xuanjin, receiving orders. Upon hearing Jiang Yan’s voice, he turned around and saw the young master peering in at the door, then quickly retracting.
“Speak if you have something to say,” Jiang Xuanjin said in a calm voice.
“Yes.” Jiang Yan forced himself inside, stealing a glance at his own young uncle and noticing he seemed thinner again, his complexion poorer.
Clearly, with the momentum of suppressing Lord Ziyang, he should have been a spirited person. Yet his current appearance was more like someone recovering from a serious illness.
“Speak,” Jiang Xuanjin prompted impatiently after a long silence.
Jiang Yan snapped out of his thoughts and said quickly, “Uncle wants Yu Feng to take a divorce letter to One-line City. He asks Uncle to wait for him.”
“A divorce letter? Did he say that himself?” Jiang Xuanjin raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, just now.”
His somber mood lightening inexplicably, Jiang Xuanjin replied leisurely, “Let’s go then, and watch him write it.”