Chapter 37 The Truth of What Happened! The Crown Prince is Enraged! ...
Jiang Yinyue looked down at the hand pressed against her chest. Her long eyelashes trembled slightly with her racing heartbeat, and her toes, which were tucked tightly inward, made her look tense and awkward.
Your hand...
Wei Qin lowered his hands, staring at her intently, his desire undisguised.
Even the most reserved person, when they meet someone they like in the prime of their youth, might break through their restraint and find it hard to control themselves.
The emotions stirred within Wei Qin were gripped tightly at his fingertips, causing them to turn bloodshot.
But can the snow lotus on the cliff top withstand the intense direct sunlight, which it yearns for?
In the inn where the curtains danced lightly in the wind, Wei Xichen was awakened by the black dragon in his dream.
The black dragon stirred up clouds and rain, coiling in the sky with a ferocious expression. Its tail was wrapped around a woman who was wearing a nightgown. Her skin was as white as snow, and a suspicious blush spread across her face.
After seeing the woman's face clearly, Wei Xichen wanted to help her, but the distance between them made him feel powerless for the first time. It was in this powerlessness that he slowly opened his eyes.
Before his consciousness returned, he vaguely remembered the black dragon plunging down from the clouds and attacking him.
Meow~
The little tabby cat, lying on the brocade quilt, snuggled up to him and sought warmth in his neck.
Summer nights are warm, but loneliness can feel cold.
Wei Xichen placed one hand on his forehead, feeling inexplicably irritated.
In the early morning, the rain slanted and intertwined, and a misty fog shrouded the long street. Jiang Yinyue led Qibao to the Huaijin County Princess's Mansion.
The moment Jiang Yinyue "snatched" Qibao back, she knew clearly that from now on, rain or shine, she would have to take Qibao everywhere she went. The county princess's mansion was so large and spacious that it would be enough for Qibao to expend her energy.
A thunderous roar erupted outside the window of the county magistrate's mansion.
This is the first thunderstorm since the beginning of summer.
While chatting privately with Jiang Yinyue, Cui Shihan took a sip of hot tea and jokingly asked, "Would you like some wine?"
"I had a fever yesterday."
"Just kidding. If you get drunk again, Wei Qin will come after me."
Mentioning Wei Qin, Cui Shihan asked with a smile, "When are you planning to have a child?"
Jiang Yinyue took a sip of tea and mumbled, "It's still early."
We've been married for three years.
"That's still a long way off."
Cui Shihan rubbed her chin. "He's not impotent, is he?"
Jiang Yinyue almost choked on her tea, and instinctively defended herself, saying, "Fine!"
She then pursed her lips.
She wasn't sure if it would work.
Cui Shihan couldn't help but burst out laughing, "Wait, you two haven't even had sex yet, have you?"
That's why she was choked with embarrassment; a woman married for three years shouldn't react like that.
The girl seemed to have discovered a great secret, clutching her stomach and laughing so hard that Jiang Yinyue's face turned pale and then red.
"Stop laughing."
"No, we really didn't have sex?"
Cui Shihan bent her knees and stepped onto the bench, unsure which of the young couple was not getting along, which was why they were affectionate in public but distant in private.
"Tell me about it?"
Jiang Yinyue considered Cui Shihan a close friend and confidante, so she didn't hide anything and frankly revealed the changes in her feelings along the way.
Cui Shihan, who rarely remained quiet, listened attentively, a deep smile mixed with a hint of unease.
As noon approached, the thunder stopped and the rain ceased. Cui Shihan pulled Jiang Yinyue along, "Come on, let's go try something different."
What would you like to eat?
"And you?"
Jiang Yinyue took the initiative and led Cui Shihan to the noodle shop owned by the three Han siblings.
Continue to support.
Qi Bao was tired from playing and fell fast asleep in the yard.
**
In the small shop where business wasn't booming, the two sisters, Han Yan and Han Xun, worked together seamlessly, with one in charge of the kitchen and the other serving customers.
Where is Han Jian?
Han Xun led the two women to a table in the corner. "Brother went to buy ingredients."
Two steamers of shumai.
The steaming hot shumai was served. Jiang Yinyue took a bite, savored it carefully, and gave a thumbs-up to Hanxun, who was full of anticipation.
"That's it!"
Han Xun was overjoyed. The three siblings studied the old shop owner's secret recipe day and night, and after repeated improvements, they finally made a breakthrough.
As long as the taste is authentic, there's no need to worry about business.
"Boss lady, six steamers of shumai, please."
"They're here."
Han Xun hurriedly went to the kitchen to serve the four new diners shumai.
Among the four, a young man in a floral robe looked Han Xun up and down and joked with his companion, "This is the younger sister, she's more charming than the older sister."
His companions stared at him unabashedly, and as Han Xun approached the table, they teased, "The table is a bit dirty."
Han Xun looked at the clean tabletop, didn't mind, took out a rag and bent down to wipe it, apologizing as she did so.
Business is tough, but we still need to try our best to meet the customers' needs.
But the next moment, her eyes widened, "You!"
The two spoiled brats, feigning nonchalance, asked in unison, "What happened to us?"
Han Xun flicked the rag and splashed the free tea on someone's face.
The spoiled brat flew into a rage, raising his hand and shouting, "You little bitch, you've got some nerve!"
"You're too kind!"
Before the纨绔 (playboy) could slap him, a silver whip lashed out and struck his palm.
"ah!"
The playboy stepped back, accidentally knocking over a bench.
The other three stood up one after another and looked at the girl in the tight-fitting clothes who had lashed out with a silver whip.
One of them recognized the girl's identity, and his anger suddenly subsided.
"It is Princess Huaijin."
Cui Shihan came to Han Xun's side, coldly glaring at the four spoiled young masters. She wanted to say something intimidating to prevent them from causing trouble later, but she was at a loss for words because she didn't know the three Han siblings and didn't know how to use words to boost their morale.
Jiang Yinyue whispered a few words in her ear.
Cui Shih-han snorted, "Listen up, you four! Don't think these two sisters are helpless. Their brother once served in the Eastern Palace. He's incredibly strong and powerful, one of His Highness's close bodyguards. He accompanied His Highness back to his hometown of Yangzhou, and thanks to His Highness's kindness, he and his two sisters retired to their hometown and opened this noodle shop. Even I, the county princess, have to look after them. If you four dare to misbehave again..."
"I understand!"
"I wouldn't dare!"
One person took out a silver ingot and carefully placed it on the table, just to settle the matter peacefully.
Cui Shihan angrily shouted, "Get out!"
The four of them slipped away as fast as they could and made a hasty escape.
Han Xun and Han Yan, who came out of the kitchen after hearing the noise, thanked Cui Shihan and Jiang Yinyue repeatedly.
When Han Jian returned later and heard about this, he looked toward the Wei residence with a complicated expression.
After the reclusive swordsman thought everything had settled down, his heart was stirred again.
Gratitude for the ripples it caused.
In the evening, Qi Bao excitedly approached Wei Qin, who had just returned from work, carrying a new toy in her mouth.
Wei Qin looked at his wife, who was sitting in the courtyard enjoying the cool air, and asked, "Did Miss sew this?"
"It was sent by Han Jian."
Jiang Yinyue pointed to the cured meat that Du Juan was drying on the bamboo pole, "Those were also sent by Han Jian. I asked Aunt Cheng to make cured meat rice."
Aunt Cheng, the cook for the Wei family, was busy at the stove.
Smoke curls from the chimneys, and the aroma of food fills the air.
Wei Qin sat down next to Jiang Yinyue and said indifferently, "I have no appetite."
"You don't like cured meat?"
I don't like it.
Jiang Yinyue, who had no idea that Wei Qin was a picky eater, tilted her head to look at his face and said, "What ingredients does he not like? I need to write them down."
Wei Qin, who is never a picky eater, listed several items without expression.
Jiang Yinyue nodded seriously and called Du Juan over, "Tell Aunt Cheng to try to buy less of these ingredients in the future."
"Understood, Second Young Madam!"
Wei Qin's expression was not pleasant.
Jiang Yinyue's makeup and hair were also different today. Her lip rouge was brighter, and she had a hand-woven flower in her hair.
It was the heartfelt gift from the two Han sisters.
Wei Qin saw this and knew that the three siblings wouldn't be so attentive for no reason. After asking why, he stood up, supporting himself on his knees, and walked towards the bedroom. "The cured meat rice is quite good."
"ah?"
What's wrong with this person?
Jiang Yinyue was completely lost.
The next morning, Wei Qin went to work as usual and saw Cui Shihan leaning against a tree trunk again on the long street where there were few passersby.
Cui Shihan changed into women's clothing and wore a hand-woven flower in her hair.
The girl smiled knowingly, "I will never forget your life-saving grace. Please feel free to ask if you need anything."
Sensing the sarcasm, Wei Qin, oblivious to the implication, ignored it and, as he walked past the girl, heard a mocking voice...
"My benefactor is so full of vigor, it must be very painful that he can't win the heart of his beloved. Would you like me to help him matchmake?"
Wei Qin stopped and turned to look at the mischievous girl. "Mind your own business."
Cui Shihan gathered her sleeves and ran forward, trotting along beside the man. Her petite frame barely reached his shoulder. "I'm younger than you, but more experienced. I guarantee..."
"Experienced?" Wei Qin frowned slightly, his tone like an elder questioning a junior. "Cui, Shi, Han."
The crisp morning breeze dispelled the summer heat, and Wei Qin's cold and austere demeanor actually made the unruly and rebellious girl cower. She stepped aside, lifted her skirt, and ran into a nearby alley, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
On the other side, Jiang Yinyue couldn't help but chuckle as she looked at Han Jian, who had come to thank her once again.
Han Jian handed over a bag. "These are some new pastries I made."
Jiang Yinyue said helplessly, "It was the county princess who made the move; I feel unworthy to accept it."
"The county princess is your friend."
Jiang Yinyue chuckled, "Your sentiments are enough, no need to be so polite. Don't make a special trip next time."
Han Jian nodded listlessly, but the words he wanted to say were swallowed back down.
Qi Bao stayed close to Jiang Yin Yue's leg, glancing up at her master every now and then, full of dependence and joy.
The swordsman, whose heart was ashen, suddenly felt a warm light shining into his heart.
Would a woman like that really abandon her beloved in the face of life and death?
Won't.
Han Jian recalled the scene from that day. The moment he found Yan Zhuyi, the moment he saw a young man in brocade being helped up by his young mistress, he vaguely sensed that the fate of him and his servant was about to change.
There was no other reason than that the young man in brocade robes exuded an aura of wealth and nobility, and based on his understanding of his young mistress, he would not easily help others, let alone in a critical moment of swords and shadows.
It was as if she was making a desperate gamble, betting on a chance to turn things around.
He became her support, a gust of wind that could come and go at any time, helping her soar to new heights.
He helped others without complaint or regret, like a puppet on a string, without his own consciousness or conscience, until he met Jiang Yinyue.
A woman who repeatedly negotiated with him for the sake of the stubborn pony, becoming more courageous despite setbacks; a woman who would bravely rush into a sea of fire to save her husband; a woman who would jokingly say that he looked good in white; a woman who didn't speak coldly to him when he was down on his luck...
Let him know that people's hearts are warm.
Now that things have come to this, he should prove Jiang Yinyue's innocence, at least to refute those who have insulted and questioned her. But if he reveals the truth, even if he was just covering up the truth for Yan Zhuyi, he will still face certain death in the Crown Prince's eyes.
Their lies constitute the crime of deceiving the emperor.
The silent swordsman clenched his fists, caught in a dilemma.
"They're gone."
"Take care." Jiang Yinyue watched him go, feeling that something was off. "Hanjian, is something on your mind?"
The swordsman didn't stop; he waved his hand with his back to the woman.
When she returned to the noodle shop, it started to drizzle again. After washing her hands, Han Jian went into the kitchen to continue kneading the dough, feeling weak and listless. As she kneaded, she called over her two younger sisters and gave them some instructions, including who to ask for help if she had been wronged.
Han Yan and Han Xun were completely confused.
"Brother, what are you going to do?"
"To make amends for a mistake." Han Jian finished preparing a steamer of shumai, washed the flour off her hands, and stepped into the rain with an umbrella.
Actually, in the chaos, he inadvertently witnessed another scene.
Afterwards, he did not mention it to anyone, including Yan Zhuyi.
A large group of assassins, wielding knives, were chasing after a young girl.
He hid in the bushes, offering no help, and afterwards did not testify for the girl who was unable to defend herself, simply because at that time his heart was with Yan Zhuyi, and he was willing to be a heartless puppet.
The attempt to make amends at this moment was too late, but it was a decision he had made after careful consideration. From the moment he was completely disappointed in Yan Zhuyi, he had been weighing the pros and cons, and for him, the disadvantages far outweighed the advantages.
But you should be kind at least once in your life.
As for the consequences...
When the Crown Prince searched the Yan family mansion, he spared all the Yan family servants. Presumably, he would not hold the Yan family members accountable for this matter.
The swordsman tossed aside his oil-paper umbrella and strode toward the post station. While the prince was still in Yangzhou and before his courage waned, he wanted to prove Jiang Yinyue's innocence.
Upon arriving at the inn, the swordsman, who had not revealed his purpose, was stopped at the door.
Fu Zhongcai smiled and said, "If there's anything, I can report it on your behalf."
The Crown Prince's face is not something one can easily see.
The already taciturn Han Jian was also extremely stubborn, “I trouble Steward Fu to convey my message, as I have an important matter to report.”
"I said that I can report anything on your behalf."
How could Han Jian dare to easily mention the matter of losing his head? He retreated to a short distance away, waiting in the rain for the Crown Prince to appear.
From dawn to dusk, and then to the moon high in the sky.
Fu Zhongcai shook his head and walked out of the post station again. "Come here, His Highness invites you."
Han Jian suddenly stood up, staggered, then shook his head and followed Fu Zhongcai up to the second floor.
Just a door away, a handsome figure could be vaguely seen.
"What is it?"
Having confirmed that it was the Crown Prince's voice, Han Jian bowed and said, "This humble subject has a secret that cannot be revealed to Your Highness."
"Oh?" The person inside chuckled softly, accompanied by the delicate meow of a tabby cat. "Confess, I'm listening."
Han Jian clenched her icy hands, her heart pounding as she recounted the scene she had witnessed three years ago.
A hush fell over the surroundings. Fu Zhongcai, the only third person present, swallowed hard. "You can't make this up!"
"I, a humble citizen, guarantee with my life that I will speak the truth."
Fu Zhongcai looked nervously at the closed door, "Your Highness..."
"Bang!"
A volley of gunfire rang out, causing ringing in the ears of those who heard it.
An extra hole appeared in the door.
Han Jian collapsed to the ground, blood flowing continuously from his left chest.
"Your Highness... Your Highness, please calm down..." Fu Zhongcai was so frightened that he immediately knelt down and trembled as he checked Han Jian's injuries. Fortunately, no vital organs were injured.
Just a door away, Wei Xichen, who had been holding the little tabby cat with a gentle expression, suddenly had a sharp, unusually fierce look in his eyes.
It turned into emptiness.
Han Jian said that three years ago, Jiang Yinyue was chased by a group of assassins.
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Author's Note: 100 small red envelopes will be randomly distributed. [Heart emoji]
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