Chapter 22: An He's song of repaying evil with virtue
He Qisheng's father, He Futang, was a renowned dandy in Jiangnan. The military governor, having a son in his old age, doted on him, leading him to become arrogant and domineering, a constant source of trouble. To reassure him, the governor married him off at age sixteen to the well-educated and cultured daughter of the Qian family, a renowned Jiangnan scholar. The couple then bore He Qisheng, their son. He Futang remained content for a few years before his old ways returned, and he began to flirt and cause trouble again.
At that time, Xiao Pingzhou's opera troupe was becoming more and more famous. When He Futang saw Xiao Yuegui, he was stunned by her beauty and began to pursue her madly. He would chase her wherever Xiao Yuegui was performing and pester her relentlessly. Xiao Yuegui and Xiao Pingzhou were in love with each other and naturally disdained to pay attention to such a scoundrel and tried every means to avoid him. He Futang became more and more crazy, and when soft tactics didn't work, he resorted to hard tactics. He repeatedly sent people to smash the opera troupe and try to rob people. Xiao Pingzhou had several martial artists under his command who were good at martial arts, and He Futang didn't get any advantage, which made him more and more eager.
The Sheng family, the wealthiest family in Jiangnan, celebrated their sixtieth birthday. A grand banquet was held, inviting Xiao Pingzhou's opera troupe to perform for three consecutive days. The governor's family was also among the honored guests. He Futang, feeling the sight of the long-missed beauty, fled backstage, intoxicated and attempting to molest Xiao Yuegui. During the struggle, Xiao Pingzhou, armed with a martial artist's club, struck He Futang with a blow, splattering his brains and killing him instantly. He Qisheng, ten years old at the time, accompanied his parents and grandfather to the birthday banquet. His mother, realizing his father's condition, discovered he was missing, and anxiously took him backstage to search for him. Witnessing his father's death, his brains splattered, she went insane. The governor's grandfather issued a citywide warrant for the murderer, Xiao Pingzhou. For over a decade, there was no news of Xiao Pingzhou or Xiao Yuegui.
His father was dead, his mother insane. At fourteen, his grandfather sent him abroad to study. He Qisheng was a brilliant student, diligent, and academically excelled. Ten years later, his grandfather, the military governor, fell seriously ill and urgently summoned him back to inherit the family business. He then took a civil service position in the Executive Yuan. A shrewd and capable man, He Qisheng rose to become Chief Secretary within three years, earning him the high regard of President Kong. Perhaps influenced by a traumatic childhood, He Qisheng possessed a cunning and calculating mindset. Despite his strong professional skills, he possessed a somber, withdrawn, and stubborn personality, remaining single at the age of twenty-seven or twenty-eight.
Xiao Xiangyue's fame was at its peak. He Qisheng had seen his photos in newspapers and magazines. His old house in Yangzhou had an album of photos collected by his father during his fervent pursuit of Xiao Yuegui. Xiao Xiangyue looked about 60% like his mother, and He Qisheng had already researched him thoroughly. He came today well prepared.
The photo of her mother was naturally very precious to Xiao Xiangyue, and she was determined to go to the three-day appointment. Yi Shui said bitterly, "Send someone to turn the He family's house upside down, find the photo, and take it back." Sun Mu said, "How do we know if what that kid said is true? What if there is no photo at all?" Luo Guyun frowned and said, "If Yue'er insists on going, I will accompany you. If the He family can't produce the photo, then their life will come to an end."
Nanjing wasn't far from Yangzhou, a two- to three-hour drive. Yishui dispatched dozens of guards to completely encircle the He residence. They'd originally planned to deploy guards within the inner courtyard as well. Luo Guyun felt that since this concerned Yue'er's parents' privacy, the fewer people who knew, the better. Besides, with him around, the boy wouldn't be able to cause any trouble. So, he accompanied him into the house.
The He family's old house, with its double eaves and overlapping tiles, despite its age, still evokes the grandeur of its former governor's residence. He Qisheng, already waiting in the hall, scoffed upon seeing the two enter. "Commander-in-Chief Luo, you're being rather grand! I just wanted to catch up with an old friend's son. Why have you surrounded my house like an iron barrel?" Luo Guyun remained calm. "There are too many people in this world with ulterior motives towards Yue'er. We must be on guard. Enough of the nonsense. Where's the photo album?" He Qisheng said, half-smiled, "If you want photos, come with me."
Walking through the corridors, they arrived at a carved wooden door. Inside, oil lamps were lit and tablets were placed. It turned out to be the He family ancestral hall. He Qisheng said to Xiao Xiangyue, who had remained silent the entire time, "My father died unjustly at the hands of your father. If you want the photo, please, Master Xiangyue, burn incense and kowtow three times before my father's tablet. Please make amends for your father's sins."
Luo Guyun drew the pistol from his waist, cocked it, and angrily shouted at He Qisheng, "He, don't refuse a toast!" He Qisheng laughed wildly, "General Luo, go ahead and shoot... I, He, am all alone, with no ties. Life is meaningless. If I could die before Master Xiangyue's eyes, it would be a wish come true!"
Xiao Xiangyue's expression was calm. She grabbed Luo Guyun's gun-wielding hand and looked at him with clear eyes, revealing her intention to stop him. Turning to He Qisheng, she said, "Xiangyue is a junior. Coming to the He family, it's my duty to burn incense for the elders." Her voice was clear and crisp, and she knelt gracefully, offering incense and kowtowing respectfully.
He Qisheng, his expression agitated, stroked the spirit tablet, half laughing and half crying, "Father, open your eyes and look! This is your enemy's son, here to apologize..." Xiao Xiangyue finished her kowtow and stood up, looking directly at He Qisheng. "Young Master He keeps asking me to apologize to your father. My mother was murdered by your father, and she only lived a few months longer. Please face southwest, where my mother is buried, and kowtow in respect." His voice was clear and resounding. He Qisheng was stunned at first, then laughed heartily. "Interesting...Interesting! I didn't expect Young Master Xiangyue, though seemingly frail, to have such strong opinions. I admire you." He lifted his skirt, knelt facing southwest, and kowtowed respectfully.
Luo Guyun, not knowing what he was up to, frowned and said, "Stop talking nonsense and hand over the things immediately." He Qisheng said sinisterly, "The photo album is in the inner room. Young Master Xiangyue, please come with me to get it." How could Luo Guyun let Yue'er out of his sight here? He shouted angrily, "He Qisheng, don't push your luck!" He Qisheng stared at Xiao Xiangyue with a half-smile, "What do you mean, Young Master Xiangyue?" Luo Guyun was afraid that he would agree, so he called out urgently, "Yue'er!" Xiao Xiangyue used her eyes to comfort him, and said loudly to He Qisheng, "My mother's photo album is certainly important to Yue'er, but I don't want to worry the people around me. If Young Master He insists on doing this, Xiangyue will leave now. It is up to you to decide how to deal with the photo album."
He Qisheng hadn't expected that he, who had come all the way for the photo album, would suddenly give up. It was completely unexpected. Xiao Xiangyue took Luo Guyun's hand, smiled at him, and whispered, "Brother Yun, let's go." Without any regrets, she turned and walked out of the room.
A dozen servants quickly surrounded the two men, blocking them at the door. He Qisheng shouted, "Master Xiao, Qisheng just wanted to catch up with you. Why are you in such a hurry to leave?" Luo Guoyun turned and stared at him, then laughed in anger, "Just you? You think you can stop us?" He Qisheng said, "I know that going against General Luo is like an ant trying to stop a tree. I just have a few words to say to Master Xiao, so I'll keep you two for a moment." He turned around, took out two booklets from the room, and handed them to Xiao Xiangyue.
Xiao Xiangyue and Luo Guyun exchanged a glance, neither reaching out. Luo Guyun took it suspiciously, opening it. He saw a slightly yellowed album of Xiao Yuegui's photos. One contained photos of Xiao Xiangyue from various newspapers and magazines, neatly edited and organized, a testament to the collector's meticulous attention to detail.
Luo Guyun's face turned pale as he said in a deep voice, "He, what do you want?" He Qisheng glared at Xiao Xiangyue with a sinister look in his eyes. "Qisheng yearns for Young Master Xiao day and night and would die for you. But Young Master Xiao is so heartless, he won't even listen to me. It's so heartbreaking..." Luo Guyun couldn't bear to hear this. A rage burned in his eyes, and he shouted, "Shut up!" He drew the pistol from his waist and fired a shot into the air. The guards at the door heard the gunshot and rushed into the house. One group surrounded the two, protecting them, while another group pointed their guns at He Qisheng and the servants.
Luo Guyun sneered and said, "Since you handed over the photo album obediently, I will let you go today. If you dare to talk nonsense again in the future, don't blame me for being rude! Goodbye!" He pulled Xiao Xiangyue and turned to leave.
He Qisheng suddenly leaped up like a madman, snatched the gun from the nearest servant, and shouted at Xiao Xiangyue, "Master Xiao, I have long since given up on living. Today, I will die with you!" Luo Guyun was shocked and instinctively shielded him with his body. A gunshot rang out, and a guard standing in front of the two men fell to the ground with a bullet in the right shoulder, blood splattering everywhere.
The sudden change caused the other guards to react quickly, rushing forward, snatching the gun from He Qisheng's hand and pinning him to the ground. He struggled desperately, looking like a madman, and still shouted: "Master Xiao, please kill me. Qisheng is willing to die in your hands..."
The fallen guard was bleeding all over the ground. Luo Guyun and Xiao Xiangyue were close to him, and their bodies were also splattered with blood. Xiao Xiangyue's face was pale, and her lips were black and blue. She staggered and tried to say something, but no sound came out, and her body slumped to the ground. Luo Guyun was heartbroken. He hugged the unconscious man, half-knelt on the ground, and called out urgently: "Yue'er! Yue'er!" He Qisheng also stopped struggling, staring blankly at the man with closed eyes and lifeless, wondering why he suddenly became like this.
Luo Guyun deeply regretted his carelessness. Knowing Yue'er was prone to blood phobia, he'd still wielded a sword and a gun in front of him without taking precautions. He also regretted not bringing Sun Mu along. Sun Mu had wanted to accompany them to Yangzhou that morning, but his wife had been feeling unwell, so Xiao Xiangyue had asked him to take good care of her and insisted he not accompany her. Luo Guyun had also assumed the trip would be trouble-free; he and Yishui were sufficient. He hadn't expected such a mishap to happen, and Yue'er would suffer this unforeseen disaster.
Luo Guyun said hatefully, "Lock up this lunatic and wait for your punishment." He picked up Xiao Xiangyue and quickly walked out of the He Mansion.
Yi Shui arranged for his guards and went to visit the mayor of Yangzhou. As soon as he returned to the gate of the Governor's Mansion, he saw a panicked Luo Guyun trotting out, holding a man with his eyes closed. He was shocked: "Third brother...what happened?" Luo Guyun didn't have time to answer, only said: "Which is the largest hospital in Yangzhou? Let's go!"
As soon as he arrived at the hospital, Xiao Xiangyue slowly woke up. Luo Guyun was worried, so he asked the doctor to do a comprehensive examination and called Sun Mu again. Sun Mu learned that his lips were black and blue before he fainted, so he asked the doctor to focus on the condition of his heart. Sure enough, some arrhythmia was found. Luo Guyun was very worried. Sun Mu instructed on the phone: "Yue'er has a problem that she was born with. She is born with this constitution, so she is more likely to faint than ordinary people. With her current physical condition, she is not suitable for bumpy rides. You should rest in Yangzhou for one night today and return to Nanjing tomorrow... This disease cannot be cured, so you have to rest well and don't let him be stimulated again. Let me think about it and come up with a way to slowly regulate him."
After a night's rest, Xiao Xiangyue's complexion had returned to normal. She reclined on the hospital bed, holding her mother's photo album in her hand, and slowly looked at it. The album was a little yellowed, the edges were worn and rough, and there were some damage, obviously someone had often played with it in their hands and flipped through it.
Luo Guyun leaned to the side, gently rubbing his chest, carefully observing his expression, and asked from time to time: "Yue'er, do you feel chest tightness... Do you feel dizzy... Is your breathing smooth... Do you feel anxious..." Xiao Xiangyue was amused by his nervous look and burst out laughing. She put down the photo album, put her arms around his neck, and pouted, "Why are you so frightened, Brother Yun?"
The first thing Xiao Xiangyue asked about his mother's photo album when he woke up. Luo Guyun picked him up and ran away, not caring about the photo album at all. He quickly asked the guards to send him to the hospital. Sun Mu gave a lot of orders, saying that he should not be stimulated anymore. Luo Guyun was in a dilemma, worried that he would be emotional after seeing the photos, and advised him to rest. But he insisted on looking at it, and Luo Guyun had no choice but to go along with him. He was worried, so when Xiao Xiangyue looked at the photo album, he was very worried, afraid that he would be emotional, sad, and something would happen.
Seeing that he was in good spirits, Luo Guyun was happy in his heart, and said aggrievedly: "Yesterday, that madman pointed a gun at you, and I was almost scared to death! Yue'er not only did not comfort me, but also laughed at me..." Xiao Xiangyue frowned and sighed: "Brother Yun only cares about me, but puts himself in danger, using his body to block the muzzle of the gun for Yue'er...Brother Yun, don't you know? What if something happens... How can Yue'er survive alone? So...for Yue'er, please cherish yourself and don't take risks easily...Brother Yun, don't worry, since you and I are one, Yue'er will not only care about her own feelings. No matter what situation we encounter, Yue'er will be strong and take care of herself..."
Hearing him ramble on, Luo Guyun felt a surge of emotion. Yue'er had grown up, matured. Not only was she determined, but she was also thoughtful. He hugged her tightly and said emotionally, "When I saw you didn't want to go into the house alone with that kid surnamed He, I knew you didn't want me to worry in the slightest..."
The two were talking to each other, sharing their innermost feelings. Yi Shui entered the ward and jokingly said, "Oh, it seems that Big Brother came at the wrong time..." Luo Guyun was in a very good mood and stood up and said, "Big Brother, please sit down and talk."
Yi Shui said, "I need to discuss He Qisheng's matter with my third brother. Should we go outside to talk so as not to disturb Yue'er's rest?" Xiao Xiangyue sat up a little: "Brother, let's talk here. Yue'er also wants to hear about Mr. He's affairs." Yi Shui looked at Luo Guyun and saw him nod slightly, so he said with confidence: "The housekeeper of the He Mansion said that He Qisheng often sees a Polish psychiatrist. We found this doctor named Kobe. According to him, He Qisheng has mild schizophrenia, has been taking antidepressants for a long time, and has suicidal tendencies."
Luo Guyun sat down beside the bed, leaning his body, half embracing Xiao Xiangyue, and cursed angrily: "I think that boy doesn't look normal. He is indeed a psychopath."
Yi Shui said guiltily, "It's my fault for not investigating thoroughly beforehand. Yue'er almost got into trouble... That Jewish doctor strictly adhered to his professional ethics and never revealed a single detail about He Qisheng's condition, so no one outside knew about his condition. This time, He Qisheng hurt someone, and we had a police investigation warrant, so Dr. Kobe was forced to confess his condition. He Qisheng witnessed his father's tragic death and his mother's insanity when he was young. He suffered severe psychological trauma and has a gloomy and withdrawn personality. He has also lived alone abroad for a long time, lacking love and care, and his mental state has deteriorated. The doctor has been providing him with psychological counseling."
Xiao Xiangyue asked, "Then...how should we deal with Master He?"
Yi Shui said, "The bullet has been removed from the wounded guard, and he's not in danger of death. Dean Kong called personally to plead for the boy surnamed He, saying he's smart and capable, with strong business skills, and a rare talent. He's willing to vouch for him and implore Commander-in-Chief Luo to release him."
Luo Guyun sneered, "Release him? How is that possible? He dared to shoot at Yue'er, he should know the consequences."
Yi Shui continued, "Dr. Kobe recently discovered while using hypnosis to treat him that he has an extreme admiration and hatred for a certain person... I think that person is... Yue'er. That guy is determined to die and has been plotting everything. We found a suicide note in his bedroom, and he had long planned to die with Yue'er..."
Luo Guyun was furious: "The forest is big, there are really all kinds of birds. This madman must be delusional!"
Xiao Xiangyue lowered her eyes and said after a while: "...Mr. He, you are indeed a little pitiful..." Luo Guyun said: "Yue'er is just soft-hearted. How can such a person be pitiful... He wants to harm you, but that is wishful thinking. You can't even discipline him and let him touch a corner of your clothes..."
The captain of the guards arrived at the door, snapped to attention, and shouted loudly, "Hello, Commander-in-Chief Luo! Hello, Adjutant Yi!" He then said to Yi Shui, "Adjutant Yi, Chief Qiu from the Yangzhou Police Department has arrived. He said he has something important to discuss." Luo Guyun was dissatisfied, "We're not in the barracks. Why are you making so much noise? Can't you see Yue'er is resting?" The captain of the guards was scolded and stuttered, "Your subordinate... Your subordinate was inconsiderate. Please punish me, Commander-in-Chief!" Luo Guyun waved his hand, "Go away." Yi Shui stood up and said, "I'll go and meet someone first. Third brother, you can rest with Yue'er."
The guards brought over lotus seed, lily, and millet porridge, specially prepared by Sun Mu. It was said to be the best way to soothe the mind and calm the spirit. Luo Guyun took it, carefully feeding it spoonful by spoonful to Xiao Xiangyue's lips. The ward was quiet, and neither of them spoke, yet they felt an indescribable warmth and peace.
Yi Shui returned to the ward, his brow furrowed. Luo Guyun asked, "Chief Qiu, are you here for He? What's that guy doing?" Yi Shui continued, "He Qisheng was taken to the police station's temporary detention center. He was screaming and shouting, wanting to see Master Xiao. He screamed all night, but no one paid any attention to this madman, so he banged his head against the wall, attempting suicide. Chief Qiu ordered his men to tie him up tightly, making him unable to move, and even stuffed his mouth with rags to prevent him from biting his tongue. He then hurried over to report the situation."
Luo Guyun sneered: "It's just right that this evildoer is dead, why bother with him?" Yi Shui said: "It's not a pity that the surname He died, but I don't know who leaked the news, saying that the grandson of the former governor, He Qisheng, had an affair with Master Xiao Xiangyue, and there seems to be some hidden secrets. Now a large number of newspaper, magazine, and radio reporters are gathered at the door of the police station, all of them excited and want to find out the slightest information. If He Qisheng really died in prison, Yu Yue'er's reputation might be damaged..."
Luo Guyun stood up suddenly, his face livid with anger. "This brat is cunning and scheming. He must have leaked the news to the media beforehand and then faked suicide in prison, all to force Yue'er to meet him."
Seeing Luo Guyun angry, Xiao Xiangyue quickly grabbed his hand and comforted him, "Brother Yun, don't be angry... Actually... Yue'er also wants to meet Master He and clarify some things with him in person." Luo Guyun was anxious: "That won't work! What if that guy says something rude and makes Yue'er angry?" Yi Shui said, "That kid surnamed He has been tied up like a dumpling, even his mouth is blocked. Only his eyes can move. If Yue'er just wants to talk to him one-sidedly, it's fine."
Xiao Xiangyue said, "Don't worry, Brother Yun. Yue'er will stand far away and say a few words to Master He. As long as he can hear, it's fine... Also, Daddy's jade flute is in the carriage. Please ask the guard to bring it to Yue'er." Yi Shui said, "There are a lot of reporters waiting at the entrance of the police station. If Yue'er insists on going, it's best to wait until after dark to avoid attracting attention."
The night was shrouded in darkness, and a cold crescent moon hung high in the sky. Protected by Luo Guyun and the guards, Xiao Xiangyue quickly entered the police station. Luo Guyun was still a little worried: "Brother Sun said that Yue'er can't be provoked again..." Xiao Xiangyue looked at him with a deep gaze: "Brother Yun, do you think Yue'er would put herself in danger and worry you in vain?"
The prison was dark and damp, but Luo Guyun insisted on accompanying him, refusing to budge. They entered side by side. Xiao Xiangyue, holding a jade flute, stood a few steps from the prison door, his figure elegant and graceful. Luo Guyun, arms folded, leaned against the door. From his vantage point, he could just see Xiao Xiangyue's perfect profile. He truly felt that this filthy prison had been brightened by Yue'er's presence.
He Qisheng, his head bandaged and tightly tied, lay on his side. Seeing Xiao Xiangyue, he twisted his body desperately. His eyes were filled with a complex mixture of resentment and surprise. He seemed to want to say something, but no sound came out.
Xiao Xiangyue looked straight at He Qisheng with a calm gaze. After a moment of silence, she slowly spoke, "Mr. He, Xiangyue knows that you harbor resentment and wish you could die with me. I just want to tell you that if you want to live in the gutter, I can't stop you. However, if you want to drag me down with you into the darkness, Xiangyue will never agree. All men are born equal; no one is nobler than another. It's just that there are people in this world who cherish me. If I'm sad, they'll be sad too. If I die, they won't live alone either. Therefore, Xiangyue's life is more precious than yours, and I will never let anyone trample on it. If you wish to die, I'm sorry I can't accompany you."
He Qisheng stared with his eyes wide open, kicked his legs desperately, and mumbled in his mouth, but could not speak. Xiao Xiangyue remained calm and continued, "Mr. He, Xiangyue heard about your illness and sympathized with you. But the inner demon is ultimately caused by yourself. You live in your own obsession, self-blame, and self-abandonment. No one else can save you. You hate others, but you are actually hurting yourself. A heart full of resentment is like a desert, barren and barren, with no grass growing. How can others love you? Xiangyue lost her mother when she was born and her father when she was ten years old. Her situation is not much better than yours. But Xiangyue is very lucky. She grew up nourished by love. Others love me, and they also taught me how to warm others. Therefore, Xiangyue hopes that Mr. He, you will let go of your anger, let go of yourself, live in the sun, and live more openly." He Qisheng stopped struggling, his eyes blank and empty, and it was unknown what he was thinking.
Luo Guyun was listening at the side, his heart was in turmoil... He had obviously felt that Yue'er had changed a bit during this period, as if he had grown up, but he didn't expect that he was so thoughtful.
Luo Guyun had always considered Yue'er kind, simple, and tenderhearted. He also knew that in his eyes, all people were created equal, without distinction of high or low. He worried that Yue'er might feel guilty and remorseful for sympathizing with He Qisheng. Her words, "Just because there are people in this world who cherish me, my life is more precious than yours," nearly brought him to tears! He understood. Raised in deep love, Yue'er's heart was overflowing with joy, naturally knowing how to love others and herself. How could she ever belittle herself or belittle herself?
Xiao Xiangyue added, "The right tune should have a healing effect on one's emotions. Xiangyue will play a piece for you. Young Master He, listen carefully and feel it. I hope it will help you with your condition." With that, she placed the jade flute to her lips and began to play. The piece Xiao Xiangyue was playing today was the same piece he had played that year in Lizhuang, when Cheng Jin led his men to a fight and he rushed to the scene. He later revised it with a softer tone, perfect for quiet solitary listening.
The lingering sound of the flute echoed through the cramped prison cell, soft and gentle, like a soothing breeze or a whisper. He Qisheng's vacant gaze brightened slightly as he gazed at the cold crescent moon reflected through the narrow window on the high wall, tears streaming down his face. The song paused, and the cell fell silent, with only the sound of He Qisheng's sobs.
Luo Guyun was also hearing this song for the first time. It felt like a pair of gentle hands caressing his softest and most tender parts, bringing an incomparable peace and tranquility to his heart. After a long silence, Fang said, "Yue'er has done her best. Let's leave now." Xiao Xiangyue looked at him with sparkling eyes: "Brother Yun... Young Master He is also a pitiful man. Can you please let him go..." Luo Guyun gently stroked his face and said softly, "If Yue'er feels that this is the only way to feel at ease, then let him go." He summoned two guards to untie the man. He Qisheng lay like a puppet, at the mercy of his master. Even after the ropes on his body were loosened, he remained stunned, not knowing how to move.
Watching him walk away, He Qisheng suddenly called out, "Young Master Xiao!" Xiao Xiangyue stopped and turned around. He Qisheng opened his mouth but said nothing. Xiao Xiangyue looked at him and said, "Young Master He, if you find this song useful, I'll sort it out when I return to Shanghai and record a special record of some music suitable for you. Listening to it regularly may help with your condition."
Luo Guyun took his hand and said, "It's dark and damp here, and the air is turbid. Yue'er shouldn't stay here for long." Xiao Xiangyue said "hmm" meekly, and left quickly with him.
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