CXD - 36

Yuan Ce didn’t stay long at the Yong’en Marquis’s residence. He shouldn’t have come at all—since he had already spread word of his severe injuries, it would be wise to avoid leaving any trace of his movements. However, he still came in the dead of night because he knew this particular troublemaker might rush to the Shen residence on a wheelchair upon hearing the news. So, he decided to visit and let her see him.

Having seen her and even changed her bandages, Yuan Ce returned to the Shen residence silently under the cover of darkness, moving without a trace as if he had never left the eastern courtyard.

Jiang Zhiyi understood the importance of focusing on the bigger picture and was concerned that Yuan Ce’s frequent visits might worsen his injuries. With a female physician attending to her, there was no need for him to personally care for her anymore. Over the next few days, they communicated only through letters.

Every night, she wrote a letter detailing the events of the day and sent it over early the next morning. Knowing that he had injured his right hand, she didn’t expect him to reply but was happy to hear from Qing Song that he read every single one of them.

Thus, they each tended to their own injuries for ten days until a shocking piece of news exploded across the capital—

Marquis Xuande, whose beloved son was severely injured, had taken a ten-day leave from court. Upon his return to the golden hall, he submitted a petition accusing Lord Kang Le of embezzling military funds. He pledged his family’s title as collateral, asserting that every accusation was true and not fabricated.

After reviewing the petition, the emperor flew into a rage and ordered the three judicial departments to investigate rigorously. Lord Kang Le was immediately stripped of his position, and all male members of the Zhong family were arrested overnight.

Now, people everywhere were sighing with emotion, saying that Zhong Boyong, who prided himself on his martial prowess but was actually half-baked, had brought this calamity upon himself. The Zhong family having such a son was truly an unfortunate fate, though it was also a case of evil being punished by heaven. Otherwise, how could this ignorant child have coincidentally crossed paths with someone holding evidence of the Zhong family’s crimes?

When Jiang Zhiyi heard the news, she was writing a letter to Yuan Ce. While others didn’t know who was behind these events, she did. She wanted to ask him: Was this really just a coincidence?

If Marquis Xuande’s accusation against Lord Kang Le was part of his revenge plan, then how could he have uncovered the evidence to bring down the Zhong family within half a day after her accident and cleverly set up this scheme?

Since it was impossible, it meant he had been investigating the Zhong family before she even knew about it.

What had he been doing behind her back? And why?

Questions piled up one after another. As she put pen to paper, she realized that both the Zhong and Zhuo families were currently in the eye of the storm, and the case was far from settled. It was too dangerous to mention this in a letter and risk implicating “Brother Ce.” She decided to save the discussion for when they met in person and continued writing about what she had eaten that day.

________________________________________

Three days later, early in the morning, in the study of the eastern courtyard of the Shen residence.

Mu Xinhong stood before the desk, joyfully reporting to Yuan Ce: “The amount of embezzlement uncovered by the three departments has reached a million taels. After Lord Kang Le retired from the frontlines due to his limp, his years of resentment seem to have driven him to greed. Such an enormous accumulation of wealth will likely result in a death sentence.”

Yuan Ce, however, showed little joy, calmly looking at the letter in his hand. “The investigation is conducted by the three departments, and the final judgment rests with His Majesty. It’s too early to celebrate.”

Mu Xinhong nodded solemnly, regaining his serious demeanor.

Previously, they had kept Gao Shi, the “living corpse,” for half a year, and the mastermind they reeled in turned out to be Lord Kang Le. It seemed that Lord Kang Le had once done Gao Shi a favor during his time on the frontlines, and Gao Shi, in turn, betrayed the Xuan Ce Army and the eldest young master to serve Lord Kang Le as repayment.

But Lord Kang Le, a seasoned politician, wouldn’t leave evidence of such a grave crime as treason. Since the young general hadn’t officially assumed office yet, he couldn’t approach this old fox directly. Thus, he decisively joined Tian Chong Academy, planning to probe the Zhong family through Zhong Boyong.

Later, they discovered the connection between the Zhong and Zhuo families, finding that the sons of both families were close friends and that their fathers had mutual interests. This became the breakthrough.

Originally, the Zhuo family wasn’t part of the young general’s target. His plan was to divide the Zhong and Zhuo families using their conflicting interests. However, after the incident involving the princess, Young Master Zhuo walked right into their trap, allowing them to take down both families in one fell swoop.

Everything was unfolding according to the young general’s plan. But the more critical the situation, the more cautious they needed to be. Mu Xinhong found the young general’s words reasonable. Yet, as he thought this through, he looked up and saw the corner of the young general’s lips curling upward—he was clearly pleased.

He thought, with the vengeance for the eldest young master so close at hand, who wouldn’t rejoice?

Mu Xinhong carefully crafted a fitting remark: “In any case, those who secretly harmed the eldest young master are now imprisoned. This should bring comfort to his spirit in heaven!”

Yuan Ce’s smile abruptly disappeared, and he lifted an eyelid slightly from the letter in his hand.

Mu Xinhong froze. Wasn’t this something he should say? What had he said wrong? Doubtfully scrutinizing the colorful floral stationery in Yuan Ce’s fingers—decorated with beautiful flowers, sprinkled with golden powder, and emitting a fragrant scent—it was clear who had written it.

“Oh…” Mu Xinhong realized his mistake awkwardly and forced a laugh. “You’re actually happy about what’s in this letter.”

Yuan Ce raised an eyebrow coolly. “I just find some things in here rather foolish.”

Mu Xinhong coughed lightly, recalling how Qing Song had sighed to him a few days ago, saying that the young master smiled every time he read the princess’s letters, wondering what the eldest young master in heaven would think…

“It’s alright, General. Laughing is like sneezing—it’s human nature. Who can resist it? If we want to laugh, we laugh; no need to care about others’ opinions!”

“…”

Yuan Ce slowly raised an index finger, pointing at him and gesturing toward the door.

Mu Xinhong followed the direction of the finger, scratched the back of his head, and excused himself.

As the door opened and closed, the study fell silent again. Yuan Ce lowered his gaze, returning to the letter in his hand—

“To Brother Ce,

It’s been nearly half a month since I last wrote to you, and I miss seeing you in person. When will we meet again? Qing Song told me your wound has healed enough to remove the bandages, and my ankle is almost better too. Today, the physician let me try walking. I took a couple of steps, and it didn’t hurt. But it seems I’ve forgotten how to walk properly. Hu Hu was watching me. Every small step I took, it leapt forward twice as far and then meowed at me. You tell me, what’s so proud about a four-legged creature walking faster than a two-legged one? Tomorrow, it won’t get any fish from me.”

Yuan Ce’s eyes scanned downward, continuing to read where Mu Xinhong had interrupted—

“By the way, Elder Sister Baojia came to the mansion today. The last time she visited, I was asleep after taking medicine, but today we finally had a chance to talk. She said that if she had known such an incident would happen to me, she wouldn’t have asked me to inquire about Pei Zisong’s marital status. Now you know—it’s not like I had any improper thoughts about Pei Zisong. Today, I also asked Elder Sister Baojia if she and Li Dafeng were acquaintances. After thinking it over, I feel something is off. Elder Sister Baojia opened her wine house shortly after Li Dafeng entered the capital, and its name is ‘Gentle Breeze.’ There must be some connection. But Elder Sister Baojia refused to tell me, saying children shouldn’t meddle in adults’ affairs. You should ask your military doctor about it later and see if you can get anything out of him—I’m really curious!”

“However, I received some bad news today. In Uncle’s letter, he mentioned that the canal construction on his side isn’t complete yet, so he hasn’t been able to start his journey back to the capital. He probably won’t make it in time for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Does this mean we’ll have to delay our betrothal? Sigh… But from the tone of the letter, it seems Uncle will only miss the New Year’s Eve and should return as soon as possible after the holiday. You don’t need to worry. You’ve already achieved great accomplishments and are more than worthy of matching with me. Besides, everyone outside is talking about us, and for the sake of my reputation, Uncle will surely accept you as his son-in-law. After enduring for over three years, we’re finally going to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m so happy I can’t sleep. What about you? Are you happy?”

Yuan Ce’s hand tightened slightly around the letter in his grasp, his expression dimming slightly.

At that moment, the sound of rolling wheels approached, accompanied by an unhappy female voice nearing the study: “This princess has come all the way here in a wheelchair. How could your master possibly be too busy to see me? Let him tell me this to my face!”

Not long after the voice faded, there was a knock on the door. Outside, Qing Song stood trembling and said, “M-Master, Princess Yongying is here.”

Yuan Ce glanced at the letter in his hand, paused briefly, folded it neatly, and placed it into a sandalwood box beside him. Then he calmly said, “Come in.”

The door opened, and two strong servants carried a wheelchair across the threshold. The person who hadn’t been seen in half a month wore a yellow and green jacket, with a golden hairpin adorned with tassels in her hair and a pearl flower ornament shimmering on her forehead. As soon as she entered, it was as if the lifeless room had been painted with the colors of spring.

“I heard someone was too busy to see me?” Jiang Zhiyi raised her chin while sitting upright in the wheelchair, glaring at the figure by the desk. Even though she was seated lower, her presence was undiminished.

After Yuan Ce’s gaze swept over her, he looked at Qing Song behind her. “You didn’t inform me of her arrival. When did I say I wouldn’t see her?”

Jiang Zhiyi was momentarily stunned. Beside her, Gu Yu angrily addressed Qing Song: “What’s wrong with you? Did you falsely claim that your master refused to see her?”

Qing Song lowered his head nervously, sweating profusely. He simply felt that things were heading in a dangerous direction—his master seemed to truly be getting close to the princess. So, he took matters into his own hands…

“Leave,” Yuan Ce said without pressing further.

Qing Song breathed a sigh of relief and quickly apologized before retreating.

Jiang Zhiyi wanted to say a few more words but, thinking it had been half a month since she last saw Brother Ce, didn’t want to waste time on the servants. She hurriedly signaled Gu Yu to push her wheelchair forward.

Yuan Ce: “Your legs haven’t healed yet, so why are you causing trouble?”

“Didn’t you read my letter today? The physician said I can walk now, just not too much. Let me show you!” Jiang Zhiyi moved as if she was about to stand up and demonstrate.

“No need. Go sit over there so I can take a look.” Yuan Ce gave Gu Yu a subtle signal.

Jiang Zhiyi was wheeled over to the reclining couch, where she sat down and removed her socks.

“Half a month without seeing each other, and the first thing you do is look at my feet. Are my feet prettier than my face?” Jiang Zhiyi muttered, kicking her foot toward him. “Here, look, look all you want!”

Yuan Ce leaned back and grabbed her pale foot, which was heading straight for his face. Kneeling on one knee by the couch, he lowered his eyes to examine her ankle, which no longer showed signs of bruising. With his thumb, he gently pressed along her joints and tendons. Then, lifting his eyelids, he pushed her foot back abruptly.

Jiang Zhiyi let out a small gasp, staring at his rough action in disbelief. “You never treated me like this before!”

Yuan Ce rose to his feet. “Because it’s healed now.”

Jiang Zhiyi pouted and handed her foot to Gu Yu to put her socks back on. Huffing, she glared at him. “What if I got injured somewhere else?”

Yuan Ce raised an eyebrow, expecting her to say her heart had just been hurt. But instead, she suddenly stretched out her hands, revealing ten fingers dotted with fresh and old bloodstains—some scabbed over with dark crusts, others still bright red.

Yuan Ce paused. “What have you been doing?”

Jiang Zhiyi smiled mysteriously and pulled a sachet from her sleeve. “I’ve been making a sachet for you!”

Yuan Ce glanced at the black sachet embroidered with golden tiger stripes, his eyes flickering.

“I originally wanted to mention in my letter how many times I pricked my fingers every day, but I thought mentioning it would ruin the surprise. Aren’t I patient?” Jiang Zhiyi grinned proudly, then sighed, gently blowing on her fingertips. “Embroidery is really difficult. If it weren’t for you, I’d never touch it in my entire life…”

Yuan Ce frowned. “What do I need a sachet for?”

“This isn’t just any ordinary sachet. Remember that jade piece I gave you that you broke? It was unlucky anyway, so it couldn’t be used anymore. Since I couldn’t move around much and was bored lying in bed, I decided to make something new for you. Out with the old, in with the new. This is a fresh start—a new beginning three years later.” Jiang Zhiyi held out the sachet, urging him to take it. “Quick, keep it safe this time. Don’t break it!”

Yuan Ce lowered his eyelids, looking at the sachet and her scarred hands. His hand clenched slightly at his side. Suddenly, he remembered the last question from her letter earlier—

“What about you? Are you happy?”

If one’s joys and sorrows are stolen, perhaps even their happiness is something that will eventually need to be returned.

These days, whenever he picked up those letters, he momentarily forgot about his older brother. But after putting them down, in the longer stretches of time that followed, he repeatedly dreamed of his brother’s face.

The clear, cheerful voice beside him continued to chatter—

“I wasn’t sure what pattern to embroider at first. Seeing Hu Hu jumping around next to me, I decided to embroider tiger stripes. Once you become my prince consort, you’ll revolve around me just like Hu Hu does!”

“Though these tiger stripes are quite intricate, there’s nothing in this world that Jiang Zhiyi can’t accomplish, right? Isn’t the embroidery pretty good?”

“I even embroidered my name inside the lining…”

Yuan Ce lifted his eyes and gazed at her innocent, radiant smile. For the first time, he wondered—if she discovered that this wasn’t a new beginning but a wrongful replacement of something that should have happened—

Would she still smile at him like this, or would she be scared and run away?