"My lord." There was a gentle knock on Old Pear Blossom's door.
Then came the rustling sound of clothes being put on inside the room. A moment later, the door opened, and two figures walked into the study.
"What's wrong?" The study door closed behind him.
"Something's happened in Pinghu." The man lit a candle, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, his expression slightly grave. "Ge Zhentang somehow got wind of it, and our men have been arrested."
"Is it about the river?"
"Not only that," the man said, wiping away his sweat, "there was also the old grain incident that happened a couple of years ago."
"What a coincidence at this juncture," he said, stroking the green branch on the table. "And there's more."
“Our men intercepted the letters between Ge Zhentang and Marquis Anguo.”
Snap—the sound of a branch breaking.
The next day, at the crack of dawn, when Song Yansi opened his eyes, Jiang Yuan was holding his arm, her brows furrowed, as if she were filled with endless worries in her dream. He moved, and the person in his arms opened her eyes.
"Go back to sleep." Song Yansi kissed her temple. "You went to bed late last night, it's still early."
"How can I possibly sleep?" Jiang Yuan sat up and nestled in Song Yansi's arms, resting her chin on his shoulder. "Are you really alright?"
"It's alright." He patted her back. If he were to fall this time, no one would escape.
The atmosphere in the main hall was extremely tense. Li Sheng felt a sharp pain in his chest as he looked at the kneeling officials.
"Your Majesty, I believe there are many suspicious points in this matter!" the Grand Chancellor spoke first, "I hope Your Majesty will investigate thoroughly."
"I agree," the physician replied hastily after he finished speaking.
"I believe that what Lord Duan said is absolutely right."
"Your Majesty, I would like to reconsider your opinion."
Jiang Zhongsi knelt on the ground and said, "Marquis Anguo has guarded the vast land of Southern Liang for us. He must not be judged based on unfounded words."
The atmosphere in the imperial court was tense, with both sides deadlocked. At first, Grand Tutor Xie watched coldly from the sidelines, but in the end, he had to step in to smooth things over. "Lord Jiang is right. There are still doubts about the matter of Zhang Sizhi. Your Majesty would be better to entrust this old minister with a thorough investigation, so as to avoid any mistakes that could discourage the hearts of thousands of soldiers."
"Well, yesterday you were all hiding like cowards, and this morning it's turned into this situation." Li Sheng squinted at Song Yanji kneeling in the center, his teeth clenched so tightly that his voice was almost squeezed out of his throat, "Fine, as you all agree."
"Your Majesty is wise."
Outside the imperial court, a chilly wind blew in the air. Jiang Zhongsi raised his hand and looked up at the sky, where fine rain began to fall.
“Lord Jiang.” Grand Tutor Xie’s voice sounded from behind him. His hair and beard were slightly gray. He was led to his side by hand, and his eyes followed his gaze to the gloomy sky. “These days must have been difficult for you, my lord. Fortunately, they are all over now.”
"I never expected Lord Xie to lend a helping hand." Jiang Zhongsi withdrew his gaze and said calmly, "I have other matters to attend to, so I will not disturb the Grand Tutor any longer."
"Minister Jiang, please take care." Watching Jiang Zhongsi hurry away down the steps, Grand Tutor Xie kindly reminded him, "The road is slippery from the rain, Lord Jiang, please don't fall."
“Father.” Xie Jiali hurried over, glanced at Jiang Zhongsi’s back, then turned back and whispered, “Just now, I saw that His Majesty was quite unhappy.”
"A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has been lost; anyone would be in a bad mood." Grand Tutor Xie turned to look at the imperial palace. The palace was solemn and majestic, and the emperor, above all others, did not even have the ability to eliminate a major threat. It was truly pathetic.
“Zhongli.” Feng Xiuyuan remained in the hall. Seeing that most people had left, he stepped forward to help him up, seemingly relieved, and comforted him, “If this matter is handed over to the Grand Tutor, it will most likely be over.”
Song Yansi raised his head, which had been buried for a long time. At this moment, his eyes were full of smiles, showing no trace of having just come out of the gates of hell.
“You…” Feng Xiuyuan hurriedly looked around before tugging at his sleeve, “We’re still in the palace.”
"I understand." Song Yansi gestured that he didn't need to say anything more and made a gesture of invitation, "Lord Feng, please."
Back in his bedchamber, Li Sheng finally lost his temper and smashed a pile of Ru ware cups on the floor. The shards of porcelain shattered on the ground, stained with water, creating a pattern of flowers. "Get out of here, all of you!"
The palace maids and eunuchs were so terrified by the emperor's rage that they scrambled out of the inner palace.
"Cough cough cough—" Li Sheng covered his mouth, suppressing his coughs very low. He looked down, and there were specks of crimson on his palm as he covered his lips.
Chapter 55 A Prophecy Come True
"Song Yanji managed to escape even with all that; what incredible luck!" Xie Jiayan listened to the news brought by Baoyun that the troops of the Marquis of Anguo's mansion had withdrawn. For some reason, she thought of Jiang Yuan again, with her haughty attitude, and then snorted coldly, "However, just thinking about that woman's appearance makes me feel uncomfortable."
Bao Yun and Jin Xiu stood quietly to one side. Xie Jiayan rested her chin on her hand, seemingly deep in thought. After a moment, she chuckled, her laughter like the sound of silver bells in the autumn breeze. "Have Li Fushan keep a close eye on Marquis Anguo. Tell me when he leaves the manor."
"Miss," Bao Yun asked, puzzled.
"She made me uncomfortable, so naturally I won't make her comfortable either." Xie Jiayan rested her chin on her hand, revealing a charming and innocent look.
A gentle breeze blew, and withered leaves swirled down from the trees. Jiang Yuan was anxiously waiting for Song Yansi at home, holding Cheng Yu in her arms. When she saw that pale figure stepping into the courtyard, she went to greet him.
"Daddy, hug me." Chengyu stretched out her little hands, about to throw herself at Song Yansi.
"Father can't hold you today." Jiang Yuan didn't care about his son at this moment and handed him to Bi Fan. "Take Yu'er to play in the yard for a while."
Seeing his son's shocked face, Song Yansi felt a rare sense of presence. He smiled, patted his son's head, and said, "Go ahead."
As soon as he left, before the door was even properly closed, Jiang Yuan rolled up his sleeves to unfasten Song Yanji's belt.
"Ah...Ah Yuan." Song Yansi was unusually at a loss. He held Jiang Yuan's hand, staring at her in surprise. When he came to his senses, he stroked her small, fair hand again. "In broad daylight, under the clear sky..."
"Nonsense." Jiang Yuan finally understood what he had been thinking. She quickly slapped his hand away and continued, "I'll have Zhu Chuan take this outfit out and fumigate it with mugwort. I'll go to the temple in a couple of days to get you a peace charm."
“Ah Yuan still believes in these things.” Taking the opportunity, Song Yansi hugged her and pulled her into his arms. Her fair skin was right in front of him, and as he looked at it, he couldn’t help but kiss her.
"I'd rather believe...it's...it's not...it's not." Jiang Yuan was kissed intermittently by him, and it was only with great difficulty that she managed to push him away. "If you do a lot of things like burning incense and praying to Buddha, Buddha will naturally bless you."
"Alright, alright, I'll do whatever you say, burn incense and pray to Buddha." Song Yansi casually replied, taking the opportunity to slip his hand inside Jiang Yuan's clothes; her skin was delicate and smooth to the touch.
"Under the clear sky and bright earth..."
"Most suitable for daytime debauchery."
The matter of Song Yanji naturally fell into Xie Shengping's hands. Grand Tutor Xie was working on his dossier. The father was alive and the mother was dead. He was the fourth child. He was very intelligent from a young age and had outstanding literary talent. He was the last disciple of the famous scholar Han Daru.
Why not pursue a proper literary path? Why insist on entering the martial arts world? Grand Tutor Xie frowned slightly.
"Master." A servant's voice came from the doorway.
"Come in." Seeing that the man had closed the door, Lord Xie waved his hand before he could even bow, "Speak."
"Miss has left the manor." The servant bowed and said, "The Marquis of Anguo and his wife went to Baoge Temple to offer incense today. Would you like to...?"
"Let her be." Grand Tutor Xie shook his head, indicating that there was no need to say more.
Inside the carriage, Cheng Yu slept peacefully, while Jiang Yuan leaned against Song Yansi's chest, one arm around her waist and the other turning the pages of a book.
Jiang Yuan glanced at the articles occasionally; they were all extremely profound. She yawned, snuggled closer to Song Yansi, and found a comfortable position to close her eyes.
The carriage swayed slightly, and a set of celadon tea set was placed on a small table with carved yellow chrysanthemum wood. Night-chilled soothing tea was burning inside the carriage, spreading a pleasant fragrance.
Song Yansi looked at the sleeping girl in his arms, carefully closed the book. She looked extremely beautiful when she was asleep, her lips were naturally red and slightly upturned. He looked at her with his eyes down, his fingertips gliding across Jiang Yuan's face.
For some reason, I started thinking about those days.
The first time he saw her was in the eighth year of the Zheng'an era. The peach blossoms in March were in full bloom, and amidst the rain of petals, she asked curiously, "Are you going to die?" Then she reached out and gave him new life. The second time they met was at the triennial Xinglin Poetry Gathering. As a disciple of the great scholar Han, he set one of the questions, while she, dressed in a green robe and brocade, stole the show, humiliating the young master of the Gao family so much that he couldn't lift his head, all to avenge the humiliation her brother had suffered a few days earlier. The third time they met was on Sifang Street during the Ghost Festival. That day, the streets were dimly lit, and she bumped into him carrying a small rabbit lantern. The lantern fell to the ground, extinguishing the candle inside. At that moment, she seemed to have just been wronged, her eyes still brimming with tears. She glared at him fiercely, wiped away her tears, and ran past him. He looked at her, and behind him came the sounds of several maids chasing and shouting.
Over the years, he had worked tirelessly to earn merit and climb the ranks with all his might. Back then, his emotions were pure; he was single-mindedly focused on avenging his mother and crushing all those who had bullied and humiliated him. He never dreamed that this path would ultimately be so difficult. On the day he returned from suppressing the bandits, riding his steed, filled with glory and pride, he looked up and met Jiang Yuan's gaze. She stood high in the pavilion, vibrant, lively, and dazzlingly beautiful.
Later, during a nighttime banquet at the palace, she followed Madam Jiang into the palace. The weather was still cold, so she wore a thin shirt, shivering from the cold, yet feigning indifference. He unconsciously walked over and offered her a warm hand warmer. He watched her look up in surprise, then blush, revealing a shy, girlish demeanor, and he didn't know why, but he laughed along with her.
It seemed that from that day on, she began to appear frequently by his side, like a little tail.
"General Song."
"Brother Song."
“Brother Zhongli.”
Then, she married him. On their wedding night, he suddenly remembered that many years ago, when Rong'an and Fu Zhengyan had a falling out, she had secretly taken him to have their marriage fortune told.
The fortune teller said that he was hesitant and indecisive, and that his marriage prospects were shallow.
He looked at his beautiful wife in his arms and didn't believe it, but little did he know that his words would later come true.
Pulled back to reality, Song Yanji looked at the peacefully sleeping Jiang Yuan and gently pressed his lips to hers, sucking on her tenderly as if he had found a lost treasure.
Sensing a gaze upon him, Song Yansi looked up and met Cheng Yu's wide-eyed stare. He reluctantly stood up, put his index finger to his lips in a shushing gesture, and whispered, "It's a secret."
Song Chengyu quickly covered his mouth and nodded rapidly, his lively little face resembling Jiang Yuan's. Song Yansi couldn't help but reach out his arms, and the little dumpling giggled, rolled twice, and ended up in his embrace.
When Jiang Yuan woke up, he saw Cheng Yu being held in his arms, looking intently at the document in Song Yansi's hand with a stern little face.
“You wouldn’t understand anyway.” Jiang Yuan quietly leaned over and tapped her son’s little nose.
“Father said I’ll understand when I’m a little older.” Cheng Yu glanced at her and said solemnly. He looked at Jiang Yuan’s face and suddenly smiled with his eyes narrowed, like a little fat fox.
Jiang Yuan was taken aback. "What are you laughing at?"
"I won't tell you." Cheng Yu looked up and hugged Song Yansi's neck. "This is a secret between my father and me."
"What a little brat! A man?" Jiang Yuan pouted and looked at Song Yansi with disdain. "Did you teach Yu'er something again?"
"I never expected A-Yuan to be so curious about her husband!" Song Yansi sighed with a smile.
Jiang Yuan was first stopped by Cheng Yu, then stopped by him again, so she simply waved her hand, "Fine, don't tell me then, I'm not listening anyway." Saying that, she got up and lifted the curtain on the window. Surrounded by mountains and water, dense trees and clear streams, there were few people around. What happened to going to Baoge Temple? Jiang Yuan couldn't help but ask, "Where is this?"
"Didn't A-Yuan want to pray to Buddha?" Song Yansi pointed ahead for her to see. "We're almost there."
She looked in the direction he was pointing, and there seemed to be a temple hidden deep in the dense forest and bamboo grove.
As the carriage came to a stop, the sound of water being poured came from outside the carriage wall. "Master, Madam, we've arrived."
The alleyway was dilapidated, and the walls were slightly decayed. Jiang Yuan was helped down from the carriage by Zhu Chuan. She looked up curiously at the plaque above, which read "Huian Temple".
Beside the door was another old, tattered couplet, which Jiang Yuan slowly read aloud: "A thousand sorrows remain behind me, yet there is no way forward to turn back."
The group entered the temple, where only a few novices were brewing medicine. They went in without even looking up. Jiang Yuan felt inexplicably uneasy and tugged at Song Yansi's arm, saying, "I feel like this is strange."
"The Buddha here is the most efficacious." Meeting Jiang Yuan's somewhat uneasy gaze, Song Yansi patted her shoulder to reassure her, and then said to the few novices, "I came to see Master Chen."
“The master is chanting sutras in the right wing, so why don’t you wait a moment, benefactor?” one of the young novice monks replied without looking up.
"Let's go." Song Yansi reached out and put his arm around Jiang Yuan, showing no restraint in this serene Buddhist temple. Jiang Yuan didn't care about his actions at the moment; this temple always made her feel uneasy, so she quickly took Cheng Yu's hand and followed Song Yansi's footsteps.
Rumble— Rumble—
A few claps of thunder echoed in the sky. Jiang Yuan looked up at the somewhat gloomy sky and frowned, saying, "The weather has been really strange these days. It was fine just now, but now it's turned gloomy again."
"Lin'an is alright, but some places have already been flooded." Song Yansi straightened his back. "I'm afraid there won't be a good harvest next year."
The thunder grew louder and louder, but the novice monks in the courtyard remained motionless. Jiang Yuan couldn't help but ask, "Why haven't these monks put away their incense burners yet? Do they want to get soaked in the rain?"
"Xu An." As soon as Song Yansi spoke, Xu An received the order. He rushed into the courtyard, first patting someone on the shoulder, then pointing to the sky.