Chapter 97 The emotions that were about to burst forth and spread to the depths of my heart could no longer be concealed...
"Have you heard? Just last night, General Xue was arrested."
"With such a commotion last night, how could we not know? The Imperial Guards are still surrounding the Xue residence. I took a look from afar, and it was truly frightening."
"General Xue is a man of unyielding integrity, a veteran of countless battles. I do not believe he would commit such an atrocity."
"It's said that the person who filed the complaint against him was his adjutant, and I think that's pretty much true."
"This person must have ulterior motives and want to frame General Xue!"
......
Over the years, Xue Xiude has protected the region and its people, and has made great contributions in battle. Although he is now old and his sword is broken, and he no longer has the glory of riding a horse and wielding a sword, many people still believe in him.
Therefore, no matter how convincing Liu Yuanhu's accusation was, many people still had doubts after the news spread, and there were quite a few people who felt sorry for Xue Xiude.
Hudong Teahouse, second floor, left wing room.
It had rained all night, and the dampness had not yet dissipated. Residual raindrops dripped from the gray tiles on the eaves. The window in the side room was half open, and a cool breeze rushed in, dispersing the fragrant tea aroma.
The Xue family incident shocked the court and the public. The streets and alleys of Chang'an were filled with discussions about it. The man in black stood by the window, his fingers tapping casually on the windowsill, and he smiled slowly.
He muttered to himself, "Let's make a scene, let's make an even bigger commotion."
"This is His Highness's favorite pre-rain Longjing tea."
Jiang Shiyan walked over with a steaming cup of tea and respectfully placed it beside the man in black. Hearing this, he smiled and said, "Yes, the bigger the commotion, the harder someone will fall."
The man in black lifted his eyelids and gave him a lazy glance: "Last night, Qin Jin used the imperial pardon bestowed by the late emperor to protect Lady Xue. Your plan is probably going to fail."
Jiang Shiyan's face twisted for a moment, but he quickly returned to normal: "It was just a miscalculation. Madam Xue and Prince Qin have been at odds for a long time. With just a little provocation, the rift will be rekindled."
"Is that so?" The man in black picked up his teacup and scoffed. "But I heard that Miss Xue dislikes you very much. You've sent your visiting card several times but haven't been able to see her."
Jiang Shiyan's expression turned completely ugly, his lips were tightly pressed together, and he remained silent.
The man in black laughed and patted Jiang Shiyan on the shoulder: "Jiang Lang, Jiang Lang, in my opinion, you should take advantage of the Xue family's current downfall and kidnap Xue's daughter. That would put an end to your obsession and save you from ruining things by keeping thinking about her."
Jiang Shiyan understood the warning implied in the man in black's words, lowered his eyes, and said solemnly, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will never let Lady Xue ruin our plans."
The man in black smiled and said, "A gentleman's word is as good as his bond. I've spared her time and time again out of respect for you, but if she remains obstinate, she'll be courting death. Don't blame me for not being gentle with her."
Jiang Shiyan lowered his head and replied, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will persuade her to turn back from her wrong path."
The man in black maintained his smile, patted his shoulder again, then turned around, took a leisurely sip of hot tea, and glanced out the window with a gloomy gaze.
Behind him, a cold glint flashed in Jiang Shiyan's lowered eyes as he quietly watched the man in black drink the tea.
Last night's heavy rain swept away the summer heat, and a damp, cool breeze swept through the streets and alleys, gradually unfolding the picture of autumn.
The female official carried a food box as she walked out of the teahouse.
Hearing the endless discussions, she sighed softly. When she got into the carriage and returned to the Princess's residence, she couldn't help but mention it to Princess Yu'an: "Everyone outside is talking about this today, and the gossip is endless. It seems like it won't stop for a while. It's best to keep Xue Niangzi out as little as possible."
Princess Yu'an rubbed her temples: "Go out? I'm only worried that she'll stay inside all the time; that would be a real problem."
Recalling Xue Rongyue's temperament, the female official couldn't help but sigh again: "Indeed, if Madam Xue were willing to go out, then we wouldn't have to worry about her."
Princess Yu'an glanced at the food box: "Pick two kinds of pastries that she likes and send them over, and try to comfort her for me."
The female official said, "Why doesn't Your Highness go in person? Lady Xue listens to you."
Princess Yu'an frowned slightly, sighed slowly, and finally shook her head, saying, "I'm afraid she doesn't want to see me right now."
The female official said, "How could that be? Madam Xue is not such a person who cannot distinguish right from wrong."
Princess Yu'an pondered for a moment, then shook her head and said, "Forget it, I'm not good with words anyway. If I say something wrong, it might backfire. You go instead. She treats you well, and she listens to what you say."
The female official bowed her head in response.
She packed several kinds of pastries that Xue Rongyue always loved, and when she went to Xue Rongyue's residence, she found that all the servants in the courtyard had been sent away, and the doors and windows of the main room were tightly closed. The lady-in-waiting's heart sank.
She had practically watched Xue Rongyue grow up, so how could she not know? Usually, such a situation meant that Madam Xue was in a very bad mood. She would not see anyone, would not go out, and would not eat. She would lock herself in her room, and after two or three days she would lose a lot of weight. After another two days, she would definitely fall seriously ill.
Unexpectedly, when she stepped forward and knocked on the door with a lot of worry, the door opened quickly, and Jingnu bowed to her and said, "Why have you come?"
The female official paused slightly, then shook the food box in her hand and asked with a smile, "Has Madam rested?"
"My wife is practicing calligraphy in the study."
Jingnu took the food box from the female official and led the way.
Upon entering the study, Xue Rongyue was indeed seen standing in front of the desk, with many papers scattered on the floor and the desk.
The female official carefully examined Xue Rongyue and saw that her face was calm, her complexion was still quite good, and she did not look dejected or flustered. She was secretly shocked.
She bent down and picked up a piece of paper that had fallen to the ground. Seeing that the handwriting on it was still neat and orderly, she smiled and asked, "Why did you suddenly start practicing calligraphy, my lady?"
"Calm your mind."
After writing the last character, Xue Rongyue slowly exhaled.
The female official was momentarily at a loss for words; the words of comfort she had prepared beforehand seemed utterly useless at this moment.
Xue Rongyue asked, "Did His Highness send you to see me?"
The lady-in-waiting came to her senses: "His Highness remembered that the lady loved the pastries from the Hudong Tea House, so he specially ordered me to send them over."
Jingnu opened the food box. Xue Rongyue washed her hands, picked up a piece of white jade hibiscus cake, put it in her mouth, chewed it carefully, and only after swallowing did she say, "I'm fine. You can go back now and report to His Highness. There's no need to worry about me."
Seeing this, the lady-in-waiting didn't say anything more and bowed her head in agreement. But as she turned away, she suddenly thought of something and couldn't help but add, "There are a lot of rumors going around lately, so it would be best for you to stay home as much as possible. If you want anything, just send a servant to buy it."
Xue Rongyue paused slightly, a self-deprecating smile appearing on her face, before nodding and replying, "Thank you."
Jingnu escorted the female official out of the courtyard. When she returned, Xue Rongyue had already stepped out of the study and was sitting on the chaise longue by the window.
She said, "I'm a little hungry."
Jingnu was taken aback at first, but then she became happy: "I will go to the kitchen to serve my wife the meal right away."
This morning, my wife went to the study to practice calligraphy as soon as she got up. She didn't eat a bite of breakfast or even lunch, giving it all to the servants. I was worried and anxious, fearing that things would turn out the same as before. I didn't expect my wife to ask to eat at this time, which made me feel relieved.
Xue Rongyue shook her head: "I want to eat the pastries you made, the ones you made on Cenzhou Mountain, and the stir-fried eel and scallion oil noodles you cooked."
Jingnu naturally responded without hesitation: "I will go to the small kitchen to make it for you, Madam."
After saying that, he took the food box that the lady-in-waiting had brought and said, "Madam, please have some to fill your stomach first. I will make what you want to eat soon."
As the door closed again, Xue Rongyue, bathed in the sunlight streaming through the window, had her slender back tinged with gold, making her appear even thinner.
She pulled the original booklet from her sleeve, turning the pages one by one, her fingertips tracing the deep, heavy handwriting, finally landing on the most recently revealed chapter—
[A Twist of Fate]
[Qin Mansion, Main Courtyard]
"During the time she was imprisoned, Jiang Shiyan frequently visited her in the prison. The first two times he was furious, but he gradually calmed down afterward. According to the prison guards we bribed, the two often exchanged letters, and it's hard to say that they weren't plotting something!"
Ji Dian looked at Qin Jin: "I know you feel that you failed to protect Jing Nu and owe her a debt because of her death. But have you ever thought that if it weren't for you, she would have died on Qingheng Mountain long ago? You don't owe her anything at all!"
Qin Jin looked up at the house in front of him, it was unclear whether he had heard what was said.
Ji Dian also looked over, recalling the wounds on Xue Rongyue's body when he brought her out of the prison, and couldn't help but sigh. He softened his tone and said, "Your Majesty's actions were inappropriate, but as you have seen, she has clearly sided with Jiang Shiyan, that wolf in sheep's clothing. You should not fall into his trap again and bring her back."
After a long silence, Qin Jin finally spoke: "There is absolutely no way she would stand with Jiang Shiyan."
Ji Dian frowned: "Why do you say that?"
Qin Jin said firmly, "He is the culprit who killed Jingnu, and Xue Rongyue will never stand with him."
Ji Dian smiled helplessly: "Xue Rongyue is already in dire straits herself, how can she care about the life and death of a servant? When she was imprisoned, you were not in Chang'an, and no one could help her escape danger. At this time, Jiang Shiyan extended an olive branch to her, so she naturally attached herself to him."
Qin Jin shook his head and said, "You don't understand her."
Ji Dian felt that Qin Jin was stubborn and indignant, and said angrily, "You were bewitched by her and lost your sense of proportion! Sooner or later you will fall for her!"
Having said that, he turned and left.
Qin Jin stood in the courtyard, his tall and straight figure motionless. After standing there for an unknown amount of time, he suddenly raised his hand with a tremor, buried his face in his palm, and sighed deeply.
He certainly understood Ji Dian's meaning, but...
Recalling how he rushed back to Chang'an day and night after learning that Xue Rongyue had been imprisoned, and how he saw Xue Rongyue sitting blankly in the dark and damp prison with her hands wrapped around her knees, covered in bruises and a disheveled appearance, an indelible anger and panic rose in his heart.
Only by keeping Xue Rongyue by his side and protecting her could he feel at ease.
After standing in front of the door for an unknown amount of time, Qin Jin pushed it open and stepped inside.
The female doctor had already bandaged Xue Rongyue's wounds, fed her medicine, and changed her into a clean dress. However, even in her sleep, Xue Rongyue's expression was not peaceful as she lay on the bed. It was unclear what she was dreaming about, but suddenly a tear rolled down her cheek.
Qin Jin felt a sudden pang of pain in his heart.
He bent down and gently wiped away the tears streaming from the corners of her eyes.
Xue Rongyue seemed to have suffered a great injustice in her dream, and tears streamed down her face. Qin Jin simply moved a stool over, sat by the bed, stayed with her, and wiped away her tears until she was no longer aggrieved and the tears stopped falling.
But Qin Jin was reluctant to leave.
His fingertips slowly slid down Xue Rongyue's pale cheek. Qin Jin looked at her quietly, his deep eyes losing their usual sharpness. There was suspicion in his eyes, but he was unwilling to let Xue Rongyue walk alone and falter any longer.
Finally, he placed his large hand over Xue Rongyue's hand and they clasped tightly together.
The calming incense burning inside the room gradually went out, and the setting sun outside the window disappeared behind the distant mountains.
When Xue Rongyue woke up, night had already fallen, and the room was shrouded in darkness, with only a lantern hanging outside the window emitting a faint light.
She tried to sit up, only then realizing there was someone else beside the bed, and stared blankly at them—
Perhaps due to traveling day and night, Qin Jin's eyes were covered in dark circles. He lay on the edge of the bed, sleeping soundly but not peacefully.
Xue Rongyue stared for a long time, then suddenly remembered Jiang Shiyan's confident words: "It is His Majesty's decree to imprison you. So what if Qin Jin returns to Chang'an? Can he disobey the decree?! Only I can get you out of prison!"
However, when Qin Jin returned, he immediately rescued her from the prison.
As Xue Rongyue gazed at Qin Jin's peaceful sleeping face, she couldn't help but ask herself: So, what price did you pay this time?
She took a deep breath, trying to pull her hand away from Qin Jin's grasp, but Qin Jin was holding it too tightly. She tried to pull away, but worried about waking Qin Jin, so she gave up and used her other hand to stroke Qin Jin's eyebrows.
Her cold fingertips gently smoothed Qin Jin's furrowed brow, tracing down his sharp eyebrows, inch by inch across his deep brow bone and high nose bridge. A wave of sorrow washed over Xue Rongyue, her fingertips trembling slightly. She murmured, "What should I do..."
I already foresaw what would happen to us.
And I am destined to stand on the opposite side from you.
A tear slid down her cheek. Xue Rongyue felt the warmth beneath her fingertips and whispered, "I'm sorry."
The room was quiet, and no one could answer.
Xue Rongyue closed her eyes, her fingertips gently gliding across Qin Jin's nose before finally pressing against his dry, thin lips.
Looking at the young man so close to her, she realized in a daze that in her short life of just over ten years, whether she was disappointed or triumphant, embarrassed or glorious, he had always been by her side.
But this affection was discovered too late.
Overwhelmed by emotions, Xue Rongyue shed more tears. She knew very well that in the game she had set up, there was no future for her and Qin Jin.
A belated wave of pain swept through her body, and she had no way out.
Then hate me.
Qin Jin, when things come to that, then hate me.
Her fingertips trembled even more violently, and the surging emotions in her heart made Xue Rongyue breathless. She looked at Qin Jin, and finally, her emotions took over.
She bent down, tears streaming down her face, and kissed Qin Jin amidst her overwhelming sorrow.
—He kissed Qin Jin.
Her mind went blank with a "boom," and Xue Rongyue stared at the five words in astonishment, her knuckles clenching tightly.
She suddenly stood up, and the original booklet fell to the ground with a thud.
Amidst the thunderous pounding of her heart, she pressed her cherry lips together, the emotions that had spread to the depths of her heart becoming impossible to conceal.
It's about to emerge.
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Author's note: Xiaoyue understood her feelings for Qin Jin through her past life.
I've discovered a problem: although I only have seven and a half chapters left in my outline, I might not be able to finish writing the content of even one chapter in a single chapter. qaq
However, the main story will definitely be finished in October! [Applause]
Goodnight everyone~
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