Shang Mijun's expression shifted slightly. [My adoptive parents.]
Over at the ancestral hall…
Xiao Jing was both pained and exasperated, and at the same time puzzled as to how Shang Mijun knew such a tricky way to strike someone. He didn't remember ever teaching her that, did he?
He was annoyed at himself for forgetting the important matter at hand, too busy lecturing Shang Mijun that he forgot to have her go door to door tomorrow to clear up the misunderstanding.
He was no Huan-ren; this had to be explained clearly.
"Brother Jing, you're bleeding! Mother, hurry and send for a physician!"
Xie Zhaoqing said with urgent concern.
That wretch Shang Mijun actually laid hands on Jing-lang! If she weren't severely injured and weak, she'd take a whip to her to vent her fury!
Madam Qu couldn't be bothered to respond. Let that wanton woman bleed out all her blood, for all she cared.
It was true that Shang Mijun had exposed this scandal, but if Xiao Jing hadn't coaxed Zhaoqing into doing such indecent things, how could things have spiraled into this irredeemable mess?
Xiao Jing waved his hand. "I'm fine…"
But before he could finish his words, he caught sight of the two figures at the doorway, and his pupils abruptly contracted. His mouth opened and closed in panic.
"F-Father… when did you two arrive? Mother… please, let me explain…"
The next second, Xiao Jing was kicked flying, sent several meters through the air before crashing heavily to the ground, coughing up a mouthful of blood.
"Wretched son!"
General Xiao's face was ashen. Though his temples were streaked with gray, the moment he stood there, he exuded the killing aura of one who had long weathered the battlefield, inspiring involuntary awe in all who saw him.
Xiao Jing scrambled backward in terror.
"Father, I truly am not a Huan-ren, and Zhaoqing is even less a Xiao-huan. She's actually…"
"Shut up!"
Madam Qu cut him off with a sharp cry, pointing at Xiao Jing with a trembling voice:
"You've ruined my son, and now you want to cost her her life too?!"
The matter of Xie Zhaoqing disguising herself as a man absolutely could not be leaked!
Xiao Jing's face changed color, and he forcibly swallowed his words back down. He had a vague, terrifying premonition that this misunderstanding would be very difficult to untangle…
Meanwhile, Shang Mijun had already walked a great distance away.
[Why don't you want to see your adoptive parents?]
Huo Chuan was curious.
Shang Mijun slowly let out a turbid breath. She had cursed up a storm today and struck those two as well, and her mood was considerably lighter.
[Because I don't want to argue with them.]
Mindful of their life-saving kindness, General Xiao and his wife had treated her fairly well, never stinting on material comforts for their adopted daughter.
But one thing was another. In her previous life, Xiao Jing had harmed her so grievously—she was determined to take her revenge.
If she saw her adoptive parents, she would inevitably have to listen to their words.
They were Xiao Jing's parents after all; even if they were angry, they would still make excuses for him. Shang Mijun didn't want to hear it, so she wouldn't see them.
Huo Chuan seemed to think of something. [A-Ti is your childhood name?]
Shang Mijun was momentarily startled. [Mm.]
[It's lovely. The character Ti is beautiful—your parents must have loved you very much. Their spirits in heaven will be proud of you for your brave defiance.]
He said in a gentle voice.
Shang Mijun was silent for a long moment before she spoke.
[Thank you. One who has died once is indeed much braver than in their former life.]
Huo Chuan hesitated slightly, but asked anyway.
[What did you endure in your previous life?]
[It doesn't matter anymore. Since I've been reborn, this life is what matters most.] Shang Mijun said.
Huo Chuan gave a wry smile. [Indeed.]
He should think the same way too—if he still had the chance…
[You know they aren't actually a pair of Huan-ren. What if they reveal the truth?]
Huo Chuan's voice had returned to its lazy, languid tone.
[They won't. Xie Zhaoqing has sat for the imperial examinations. If her identity as a woman were exposed, it would be a crime warranting the execution of nine generations.]
Shang Mijun narrowed her slightly dimmed eyes. That was why she only said Xie Zhaoqing was a Xiao-huan, not that she was a woman—she had no desire to be dragged down with them.
Moreover, the identity of "Huan-ren" was more than enough to destroy them. It might even work better.
How repulsive it would sound once it spread.
And Xie Zhaoqing was like a mute swallowing bitter medicine—unable to voice her suffering.
Even if she wanted to burn everything down and reveal the truth, the Xie family had plenty of ways to shut her mouth.
Huo Chuan couldn't help but click his tongue in admiration. This woman—she thought of everything.
[By the way…]
Shang Mijun rubbed her hand that was faintly aching. [What kind of technique was that you used just now? It looked quite formidable. Do you have martial skills?]
Xiao Jing's nose had sprayed blood, and the corner of his mouth was split open. How could a delicate woman like Shang Mijun have that much strength?
Clearly, Huo Chuan had used some clever trick.
[Of course. This humble one may not be much, but I can barely hold my own against a hundred.]
Suddenly praised by her, Huo Chuan couldn't help but show off.
Shang Mijun: […]
One against a hundred—that was too exaggerated. This man really knew how to boast.
[Wow, you're so amazing, Chuan Chuan~]
Still, she truly should thank him for his chivalrous "intervention," so she'd indulge him with a bit of flattery.
Hearing the words "Chuan Chuan," even Huo Chuan with his thick skin found it a bit hard to take.
[Uh… it's… it's alright…]
Ch-Chuan Chuan?
That nickname was rather interesting.
"Seventh Madam, this is Qixia Pavilion beside Lingfeng Yuan. You'll be staying here from now on, so it'll be convenient for you to care for Seventh Lord. As for your dowry belongings, this servant will have someone bring them over tomorrow."
Before she knew it, Qingzhi had already led Shang Mijun to the side of Qixia Pavilion.
Shang Mijun knew that Lingfeng Yuan was Seventh Master Xie's courtyard, located on the south side of the Xie estate. The position was excellent—close to the main branch and far from the third branch.
Since she was already here, shouldn't she go see her future husband?
"I'd like to pay a visit to Seventh Master. Please show me the way."
Shang Mijun put on a worried expression and dabbed at the corner of her eye with her handkerchief.
Huo Chuan saw her putting on such a convincing act and couldn't help but chuckle, teasing her:
【You truly are deeply devoted to your husband, aren't you?】
He deliberately emphasized the word "husband."
Shang Mijun ignored his attempt to expose her and followed Qingzhi into Lingfeng Yuan. The courtyard was extremely spacious, broad and bright, with a small martial arts training ground in the middle—though the weapon rack there was already empty.
"So Seventh Master is a martial artist," Shang Mijun murmured.
For a scion of a civil official family to enjoy practicing martial arts was indeed surprising.
Qingzhi spoke up, "Yes, Seventh Master was highly skilled in martial arts in the past. The imperial physician said that if not for his strong physique, he might not have…"
Might not have survived until now.
Qingzhi didn't finish her sentence, but Shang Mijun already understood her meaning.
The interior of the room was simply but elegantly decorated, without an excess of luxurious items, yet every piece was carefully chosen. Two calligraphy scrolls hung on the wall—Shang Mijun recognized them as works from the hands of famous masters of the previous dynasty, worth a considerable fortune.
The incense burning in the purple-gold censer carried a faint medicinal scent, its wisps of smoke curling upward toward the dark cyan bed curtains, where a slender man lay.
The man's features were exceptionally handsome—a face like polished jade, unmatched in refined beauty. He lay there quietly, his eyelashes remarkably long.
Qingzhi thought it would be good to let the lady and Seventh Master spend some time together, so she called the young servant attending the room and left with him.
Shang Mijun found a round stool with eight legs and sat down, quietly gazing at the unconscious Xie Yan'an. This man would be her support for the rest of her life—
More precisely, this man's identity.
【I actually guessed right…】
Shang Mijun couldn't help but think to herself.
【What?】Huo Chuan asked.
Shang Mijun slowly uttered four words: "Refined, noble, handsome, and fair."