The matter concerning Huaiyu was still unresolved, and she persisted in coming to plead with him.
After instructing Frost Tian with a few words, Xu Chuniang rose from her seat in the guest room, circled the corridor to the backyard, and found a secluded corner. Glancing around to ensure no one was nearby, she slowly crouched down, her eyes reddening cautiously.
Her mother had always said that life was full of trials and tribulations, and when faced with adversity, one should not blame the heavens or others but rather try to avoid it. She had followed this advice without complaint, doing her best to steer clear. Yet now, having come this far, why couldn’t she escape from it?
Heaven knew how much effort it took for her to forget someone like Jiang Shen existed in this world. Just as she was making some progress, he appeared before her again, as if it were a cruel joke played by fate, leaving her both angry and powerless.
There were faint footsteps behind her.
Xu Chuniang froze for a moment, quickly dabbed her face with a handkerchief, and pretended to be observing ants on the ground.
“Aren’t you cold?” someone asked her.
Hearing the voice, Chuniang breathed a sigh of relief, turned around, and replied, “I’ll be returning to His Highness’s presence shortly.”
Chijin glanced at her, his eyes sweeping over her slightly reddened eyes, but he asked nothing, only saying, “During today’s patrol, I saw two very attractive soup pots and bought them. His Highness is already admiring them, and Miss Xu should take a look too.”
Soup pots? Xu Chuniang stood up straight, her legs tingling a bit, and nodded, “I’ll go see them.”
She disliked the cold, and her favorite thing in winter was a soup pot. She would hold onto one whenever she had the chance. The previous one had broken a few days ago before she could repair it, but now there was a new one ready.
The gloomy clouds above her head began to disperse slightly, and Chuniang smiled, lifting her skirt and limping forward.
Chijin glanced at her. “Did you hurt your foot?”
“No,” Chuniang replied awkwardly, lowering her head. “I’ve been crouching for too long, so it’s a bit numb.”
Chijin understood and pointed to a stool in the other corner. “There’s a chair over there. Next time, you can sit and watch the ants.”
This person… Xu Chuniang found it amusing. She was also touched.
Huaiyu was right; Chijin was a considerate person. He knew she was trying to avoid sadness but didn’t embarrass her.
“Thank you,” she said.
Chijin looked ahead calmly. “It’s just a soup pot. There’s no need to thank me.”
Chuniang smiled and nodded along with his words. “I’ll go see what it looks like.”
A typical soup pot was oval-shaped and made of bronze. The one Chijin brought back was exquisitely crafted, not only lightweight but also engraved with a pattern of carp with plum blossoms. There were hollowed-out plum blossom motifs on the lid.
After Li Huaiyu held it in her hands for a while, she smiled and said, “Bought for me?”
Chijin nodded without a trace of guilt.
Seeing the delighted Xu Chuniang beside her, Li Huaiyu called Chijin over with a hook of her finger, “Don’t you think this behavior is a bit too obvious? Everyone in Feiyun Palace knows I don’t use soup pots in winter.”
Chijin remained serious. “Your Highness, it’s enough that some people remain unaware.”
True enough, judging by Chuniang’s joyful expression, it was clear she hadn’t noticed anyone else’s thoughts. Otherwise, given her personality, she would have returned the item to Chijin immediately.
Huaiyu pondered for a moment and said, “Chuniang appears gentle on the surface, but she also has the resilience of the Xu family deep inside. If you’re being kind to her out of sympathy, it’s unnecessary. She still has me and General Xu.”
Sympathy? Chijin furrowed his brows in confusion. “Where would she need sympathy?”
“Hmm?” Huaiyu glanced at Chijin and chuckled, “You see things more clearly than I do.”
Chijin nodded respectfully. “Your Highness, when it comes to handling matters, Chijin is always mindful.”
“Good.” Huaiyu clapped her hands. “I trust you.”
Xu Chuniang paid no attention to their murmurs, simply enjoying the warmth of the soup bowl in her hands. She sighed deeply, feeling her frozen fingers slowly thawing and her mind gradually relaxing.
It’s okay. Since they couldn’t avoid it, they had to face it. Life goes on, doesn’t it?
When Jiang Shen woke up, his head felt much clearer. He stared at the unfamiliar bed curtains for a while before turning to look beside the bed.
Xu Chuniang was sitting with her back to him, focusing on embroidering a pattern on a little jacket with needle and thread.
After staring at the jacket for a moment and confirming that no adult could wear it, he hoarsely asked, “Whose child is it, the Third Brother’s or someone else’s?”
Startled, Xu Chuniang pricked her finger with the needle. She took in a sharp breath and turned to look at him.
“You woke up and didn’t say a word. Speaking suddenly like that is quite frightening.”
Jiang Shen furrowed his brow and grabbed her bloody finger to inspect it. Xu Chuniang, however, pulled away from him and sucked on her finger before placing it behind her back.
“I came to discuss this matter with the Second Young Master,” she pursed her lips. “Regarding His Highness’ pregnancy, I hope the Second Young Master won’t inform His Highness.”
Was this why she was sitting here?
His hand, suspended in mid-air, slowly withdrew. Jiang Shen found it amusing. “How close are you to Li Huaiyu that you would protect her like this?”
After thinking for a moment, Xu Chuniang replied, “She took me in when I had nowhere else to go.”
How could she have had nowhere else to go? The Jiang Mansion was so big… Jiang Shen wanted to argue with her, but thinking of certain things, he looked down.
He was indeed quite a nasty person, enjoying bullying others. Knowing she would be upset if she saw him being affectionate with someone else, he deliberately sought to provoke her and see what she looked like when she was genuinely angry.
Yet every time it ended, he couldn’t find her in the Shao Hua Courtyard.
He had been curious before, wondering where she had hidden. Now, however, the truth was clear: she had been hiding in Mo Ju.
After biting his lip, Jiang Shen said, “Tell me whose child she’s carrying, and then I’ll consider whether to inform the Third Brother.”
If it was someone else’s, there would naturally be no need to speak. But if it was of the Jiang bloodline, this matter would be significant.
Glancing at him, Xu Chuniang, after so many years of marriage, could guess some of his thoughts. After thinking for a moment, she hesitantly said, “It’s definitely… not His Highness’s.”
This person couldn’t even lie properly; did he think he could deceive her? Jiang Shen shook his head and instructed Frost Sky, “Go find a servant from the mansion and inquire.”
Frost Sky acknowledged and left. Xu Chuniang became anxious, “Must you do this?”
“When it concerns the Jiang bloodline, we cannot afford to be careless.”
Originally, she thought she could persuade him or even deceive him. Unexpectedly, neither succeeded, leaving Chuniang frustrated with her helplessness. She stood up and prepared to leave.
“Where are you going?” Jiang Shen became anxious and got out of bed without even putting on his shoes, grabbing her wrist.
Xu Chuniang didn’t look back. “I’m going to arrange for a carriage to send the Second Young Master back.”
“Why are you in such a rush for me to leave?”
“What’s the point of the Second Young Master staying here?” she said. “This border town is desolate, without even a lively street. It would be better for the Second Young Master to return to Lord Ziyang earlier and live a more carefree life.”
Jiang Shen choked back a response and gritted his teeth. “How come I never noticed how sharp-tongued you are?”
Xu Chuniang fell silent. Her departing figure appeared stiff and tinged with anger.
Jiang Shen rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. Softening his tone, he said, “Can’t you talk to me properly for a moment?”
Chuniang turned to look at him. “Is there anything else the Second Young Master wishes to say?”
He was always good with words, from seven-year-olds to seventy-year-olds, there was no woman he couldn’t charm. However, now, facing these clear black and white eyes, Jiang Shen found himself stumbling over his words.
“You… Where did you put the farewell letter?”
“Sent it to the main city of Danyang, to my family.”
Jiang Shen felt a sinking feeling and was slightly annoyed, “Are you so eager to let everyone know that we’ve divorced?”
Taking a deep breath, Xu Chuniang found it somewhat amusing, “Second Young Master, was there a knife to your throat when you wrote the divorce letter?”
“…No.”
“Since you wrote it, why can’t I give the letter to my family?” Her throat ached as she spoke, “A woman who is divorced must give her family an explanation, right?”
“I… I didn’t mean that.” He wished he could bite his tongue, “I meant to say, I can take back the divorce letter.”
Xu Chuniang, exasperated and not knowing what to say, looked around and picked up the teacup on the table, handed it to him, and poured half-cooled tea, spilling it over his hand. With red eyes, she asked, “Can you take the water back?”
Jiang Shen was stunned, then, holding her hand, he refilled the cup, “Will this do?”
Xu Chuniang was speechless.
Handing the teapot to him, she said, “I hope the new cup of tea suits your taste, Second Young Master. I must take my leave now.”
“Xu Chuniang!” Jiang Shen called after her.
As if she hadn’t heard, the person in front of him walked away without looking back, leaving his sight as resolutely as she had left Yinping.
Jiang Shen stood blankly at the door, suddenly feeling that women were hard to please. She used to never get angry, but now no matter what he did, he couldn’t calm her down.
“Young Master,” Shuang Tian, who had been gathering information, returned and bowed, “I asked around, and everyone in the mansion says that the child in Her Highness’s belly is the child of Manager Lu.”
“What?” Jiang Shen snapped back to reality, “Are you sure you heard correctly?”
Shuang Tian shook his head, “I asked many people. They all say the same thing, and it doesn’t seem like a lie.”
How could it be Lu Jingxing’s? Such a big belly, it must be five or six months along. Five or six months ago, wasn’t Li Huaiyu still by Xuanjin’s side?
With a grim expression, Jiang Shen fell silent.
He suddenly felt that maybe he wasn’t the most miserable one after all.
“Your Highness,” Jiu Wu returned and reported everything that happened at Lord Changlin’s birthday banquet to Li Huaiyu, adding at the end, “I don’t understand what Lord Ziyang means.”
Submitting a joint petition to reduce harsh taxes? Huaiyu leaned back against the soft pillow, looking quite puzzled, “Is he also opposing Huailin?”
“What do you mean by that?”
Huaiyu whispered, “The taxes from my Danyang land are not controlled by the capital, and neither are those from his Ziyang land. Since he took the Jiang family to Ziyang, he hasn’t interacted with the capital—no taxes submitted, no reports sent, and no court duties performed. It’s a fiefdom entirely independent of imperial authority.”
Given this situation, how would the memorial be written? It would undoubtedly present the request as representing the wishes of various feudal lords, asking the emperor to reduce taxes, which doesn’t affect him since the taxes to be reduced are from other fiefdoms.
Those fools at Lord Changlin’s banquet thought Jiang Xuanjin was kindly speaking on their behalf. Little did they know, that by submitting the memorial, they would appear to the emperor as being in the same boat as Lord Ziyang. In the current political climate, this effectively made them pawns for Jiang Xuanjin to use against the emperor.
The emperor already had thoughts of conflict with Lord Ziyang, even stationing troops at Linjiang Mountain. What if Lord Ziyang was backed by Lords Changlin, Pingling, and Gongyi? Combined, they would control half of Northern Wei. Would the emperor dare to act against them?
Li Huaiyu sighed, “I can already imagine Huailin’s expression when he sees the memorial.”
He thought that eliminating Jiang Xuanjin would secure his throne. Who knew Jiang Xuanjin would escape and turn the tables, presenting him with a gift that shook the very foundations of his reign?
Aren’t you afraid of my ten thousand troops? Not only do I hold them firmly, but I’ve also gained the support of surrounding feudal lords. Are you scared now?
Looking at Jiang Xuanjin’s actions, it seemed he wasn’t as rigidly loyal to the emperor as she had imagined. Even with Old Master Jiang’s pressure, he didn’t appear to be planning to follow a single path to the end.
However, the future remains uncertain. No one can say for sure whether Jiang Xuanjin’s move will be good or bad until the end.
“Why would he do this?” Jiu Wu, now understanding, was very perplexed. “The Jiang family has a reputation for loyalty and honor. They even have an imperial pen certifying their generations of loyalty.”
Huaiyu speculated, “Perhaps it has something to do with the troop deployment at Linjiang Mountain. I heard from Qingsi that the situation there is tense.”
Jiu Wu nodded. “After all, it’s still the territory of Northern Wei. For Lord Ziyang to forbid the imperial forces from approaching within ten miles of the Ziyang border is indeed excessive. No wonder the capital is reacting strongly.”
Forbidding forces from approaching within ten miles of the border is a rule between nations. To enforce this within one country could be seen as a provocation.
Bai Ai, who had been silent until now, spoke up, “We don’t need to worry about this. Danyang is located west of Ziyang. Even if the imperial forces come, Ziyang will be there to shield us.”
This position is quite interesting. Ziyang’s terrain, shaped like a crescent moon, lies between Danyang and the capital. Right now, it looks like a shield in front of Danyang.
The imperial forces can’t even get close to Ziyang, let alone Danyang.
“Since it doesn’t concern us, let’s talk about some good news,” Jiu Wu said. “Your Highness, do you remember Lord Nanping?”
Li Huaiyu replied, “How could I forget him? When the feudal lords were rebelling and gathered in the capital, Li Shan sent me to meet them. If it weren’t for his protection, I wouldn’t have survived to return to the palace.”
Jiu Wu nodded. “Lord Nanping also attended Lord Changlin’s birthday banquet. He had gifts for you, but I couldn’t carry so many things alone, so he entrusted Lord Changlin to deliver them. They should arrive in two or three days.”
Huaiyu smiled, “That’s indeed good news.”
Lord Changlin bore no enmity towards her, though their relationship wasn’t particularly close. Given that their fiefdoms were adjacent, it was beneficial to maintain some friendly relations.
The same news reached Jiang Shen, but it had a different effect.
“What did you say?” Jiang Shen, standing in the room, looked grim. “Third Brother is coming?”
Shuang Tian nodded. “Lord Yufeng just sent word that His Highness and Lord Changlin are on their way to Yixian City, asking if you are well.”
At any other time, Jiang Xuanjin’s visit would only earn him a scolding for being inconsiderate. But now…
Thinking about Li Huaiyu’s pregnancy, Jiang Shen shook his head repeatedly. “No, he’ll be furious.”
Everyone in the Jiang Mansion knew how much Lord Ziyang valued the former consort. If the news reached his ears gradually, there might be a chance to ease things. But if he saw it directly, it would be a disaster.
Jiang Shen got up, intending to leave.
However, guards were stationed at the door. As soon as he stepped out, two swords crossed in front of him.
“Please rest well, Young Master,” the guards said expressionlessly. “Her Highness instructed us to ensure your safety.”
Ensure his safety while pointing swords at him. Jiang Shen gritted his teeth. After thinking for a moment, he sent Shuang Tian out, instructing him to stop his third brother from coming.
Jiang Xuanjin was in a good mood throughout the journey. Even as the landscape became more desolate near Yixian City, his eyes were bright.
“Master, should we find the Second Young Master first?” ChengXu asked.
Jiang Xuanjin looked puzzled. “Why would we look for him?”
Seeing his master’s good mood, ChengXu became bolder and teased, “If we don’t look for the Second Young Master, why are we here in Yixian City?”
Jiang Xuanjin’s lips pressed into a line, his dark eyes gleaming brighter, like freshly polished black pearls with moonlight flowing within.
Longlin Jun stared in stunned silence at Jiang Xuanjin’s unusual demeanor. This wasn’t right. The Lord Ziyang he saw back in Ziyang was stern and authoritative, intimidating even to someone of his age. But now, he seemed unusually gentle. Was that… joy?
Sitting upright, Longlin Jun began to wonder if somehow Lord Ziyang had been switched with someone else without his noticing.
“Your Highness!”
They had reached the outskirts of Yixian City when suddenly, someone blocked their path. ChengXu looked up to see Shuang Tian and Yufeng returning, both looking distressed.
“What’s wrong?” ChengXu asked. “If you have something to say, get on the carriage. Don’t block the road.”
Shuang Tian shook his head. “Longlin Jun may proceed. Third Young Master, please listen to your servant.”
Hearing this, Jiang Xuanjin lifted the curtain. “What is it?”
Running to the carriage, Shuang Tian bowed. “A message from my master: please return to Ziyang and do not proceed further.”
Jiang Xuanjin squinted, his voice turning cold. “Why?”
“My master says Ziyang’s affairs are numerous…”
With a laugh, Jiang Xuanjin interrupted, “Either tell the truth or get out of the way.”
Did they need reminding about Ziyang’s affairs? Especially now, when they were already at Yixian City? Turning back at this point made no sense.
Shuang Tian hesitated. “My master says that unless necessary, the reason cannot be disclosed. But if you must enter the city, it’s better to know in advance to be prepared.”
What could be so serious? Even ChengXu turned his head, curious.
Jiang Xuanjin stared at Shuang Tian, a foreboding sense sinking into him, dimming the light in his eyes.
At the Princess’s residence, everything was prepared to welcome the guests. Hearing that Longlin Jun’s party had entered the city, Huaiyu wrapped herself in a tiger fur cloak and, along with Jiu Wu and others, went out to greet them.
It was sunny in the morning when she woke up, but now, looking up, the sky was filled with dark clouds.
“Could it be about to rain?” Qingxian muttered.
Bai Ai blew warm breath into his hands and said, “If anything, it would snow. In this cold, any rain would freeze.”
Yixian City rarely saw snow, sometimes not for years. If it snowed now, it would be a rare sight. Huaiyu smiled and, seeing Longlin Jun’s banner in the distance, walked over, holding her belly.
“Longlin Jun,” she greeted, “it’s been six years. How have you been?”
All the surrounding attendants knelt before her. Huaiyu fixed her gaze on the leading carriage, waiting for Longlin Jun to respond and exchange pleasantries.
But after a moment, there was no response from inside the carriage.
Puzzled, Huaiyu moved closer. “Longlin Jun?”
A slender hand emerged, lifting the curtain, revealing a pair of pitch-black eyes staring at her from within, as cold and sharp as ice hanging from a winter eave.
Her heart jolted. Huaiyu took two steps back, too late to protect her belly.
“Why… why is it you?” Li Huaiyu stammered.
Jiang Xuanjin gripped the carriage curtain, his gaze sweeping over her swollen belly, his voice low and tense, “Why shouldn’t it be me?”
Pinching herself to confirm she wasn’t dreaming, Huaiyu turned to leave. But the scent of incense reached her swiftly, and she had barely taken two steps before a hand grasped her shoulder.
“I thought you didn’t want to see me, so you avoided Longlin.” He moved closer from behind, his fingers trembling slightly on her shoulder. “Turns out, you were afraid to see me?”
“Your Highness!” Jiu Wu and the others rushed up, trying to protect her but were deterred by the look in Jiang Xuanjin’s eyes.
“You…” Huaiyu’s throat felt dry. Looking around nervously, she grasped for something to say, “You like fox fur cloaks?”
“Li Huaiyu,” his voice trembled with suppressed emotion, “how long do you plan to toy with me?”
Toy with him? Her nose tingled with a sudden ache. Turning back to face him, she pointed to her belly, “This is you toying with me.”
Heaven knew how elated she had been to tell him about the pregnancy, only to be thrown into despair when she was imprisoned in the death cell. From the heights of joy to the depths of hell, it had taken just one day.
Now that he knew, what did he intend to do? This was her child. It had nothing to do with him anymore, even if he wanted to make amends…
“Your Highness,” ChengXu interjected, breaking her train of thought.
Huaiyu turned her head and heard him say, “Even if my master made mistakes when he married you, he was sincere. Don’t you think you’re being unfair?”
What? Huaiyu was baffled. Under the circumstances back then, wasn’t she justified in keeping silent? Who was being unfair?
“Let’s discuss this inside. It’s inappropriate to stay here,” Yufeng said, “Longlin Jun is still waiting.”
Jiang Xuanjin squeezed her shoulder again before releasing her, his eyes downcast, lips pale, “Please, Your Highness.”
His demeanor looked anything but joyful; it seemed more like he was suppressing extreme grief and anger.
In a daze, Li Huaiyu allowed Jiang Xuanjin to lead her into her residence. She glanced down at his steps, noting how unsteady and chaotic they were.