The others’ weeping abruptly ceased. The Marquis Weiyuan’s words had undoubtedly slapped every one of them across the face.
As officials holding high positions, they weren’t advocating for the common people’s grievances but were instead tearfully pleading for the son of a high-ranking official who had killed indiscriminately. This truly violated the principles of being an official. To put it more radically, they were utterly unworthy of their posts.
The slight softness the Emperor had just felt in his heart vanished instantly upon hearing the Old Marquis’s words, replaced by regret. If people were to learn that he had actually shown leniency toward Wang Xingyun, it would likely lead everyone in the realm to doubt his ability to distinguish right from wrong.
Hearing his father’s words, Jiang Yucheng secretly cheered for him. His father’s skill at indirectly insulting others was as sharp as ever. As long as it wasn’t directed at him, watching others get scolded was quite satisfying!
Duke Anguo inwardly cursed Marquis Weiyuan from head to toe, wishing he could rush over and beat him up. He had worked so hard to move the Emperor to some compassion with his tears, only for that man to ruin everything with just a few words!
But Marquis Weiyuan clearly had no intention of letting him off. He continued tearfully, “Those who died unjustly weren’t even properly buried after death and have been wronged for many years. No one could endure such injustice. Therefore, I beg Your Majesty, after investigating this case, to order Wang Xingyun’s family not only to compensate the victims’ families with gold and silver and arrange proper burials for the deceased but also to conduct a religious ceremony to dispel their resentment and comfort their wronged souls. In the future, during the Qingming Festival and the anniversaries of their deaths, they should burn ample paper money so these souls may live better in the underworld. Only then can it be considered atonement for Wang Xingyun’s crimes.”
The Old Marquis, his eyes filled with tears and wearing a compassionate expression, deeply moved the Emperor. He had never expected that Marquis Weiyuan, a god of war forged on the battlefield, would hold such reverence for death and respect for the deceased.
Touched, the Emperor nodded and said, “Your proposal is excellent.”
Duke Anguo couldn’t help but tremble, his body swaying unsteadily.
This time, it wasn’t an act—he was genuinely enraged.
Holding a religious ceremony, under the guise of dispelling resentment, was essentially a public announcement to the world that the Anguo Duke Residence had produced such a ruthless murderer.
That old scoundrel, Marquis Weiyuan, was truly vicious!
Thinking about the future reputation of the Anguo Duke Residence being trampled into the mud, how he would be looked down upon in official circles whenever his son’s crimes were mentioned, and how this incident would severely damage his official standing, pushing him further from the position of Chief Minister—Duke Anguo felt a choke in his heart, his vision went dark, and he fainted.
The Old Marquis immediately shouted, “Duke Anguo has fainted from shame! Quickly, summon the Imperial Physician!”
The court session could no longer continue. After ordering someone to fetch the Imperial Physician, the Emperor promptly declared the session adjourned.
The news that Wang Xingyun had been arrested by the Crown Prince leading the Imperial Guards and directly taken to the Xing Bu prison soon spread throughout Fuking.
People had originally been “concerned” about whether Wang Xingyun’s manhood could be reattached, but before the Imperial Physicians could even find a treatment method, he was already confined to a cold prison cell.
To prevent Wang Xingyun’s arrest from tarnishing his wife and daughter’s reputation, Jiang Yucheng had long made preparations, swiftly spreading news of Wang Xingyun’s murders throughout Fuking, causing another wave of shock across the capital.
As Wang Xingyun was thrown into prison, countless skeletal remains were excavated from the lotus pond, dried wells, and beneath flowering trees of the Anguo Duke Residence, all sent to Xing Bu for examination. Numerous pieces of evidence and witnesses were also delivered to Xing Bu. Many families were notified to identify bodies, with countless individuals collapsing from grief upon departure.
As relatives and witnesses came forward, the tally of Wang Xingyun’s victims grew from one to three, then four or five… These continuously escalating reports shattered public perception repeatedly.
By evening, rumors claimed Wang Xingyun had killed over ten people, leaving Fuking’s citizens numb with horror.
When the Old Madam in the Marquis Manor heard the external reports, she was so terrified she tumbled from her couch—how could Wang Xingyun commit murder?!
Yet Qiao Shi and Jiang Qiaonian felt relieved upon hearing the news. With Wang Xingyun captured, they and other potential victims were now safe.
Deliberately discussing the matter in Jiang Xianian’s presence, mother and daughter allowed the anxious child to understand the villain had been caught, eliminating her fear of Wang Xingyun threatening their family.
Jiang Xianian indeed sighed in relief: [Father is truly remarkable! To expose this matter in just days—I thought it would take at least ten days or a fortnight!]
Qiao Shi and Jiang Qiaonian exchanged smiles, thinking: This is all thanks to you, little one, and that… System of yours.
[But… this isn’t over yet. Duke Anguo is scheming to secretly purchase a youth resembling Wang Xingyun in height and appearance to substitute his execution. Meanwhile, Zheng Shi has already returned weeping to her maternal home, begging Zheng Shoufu to plead with the Emperor for mercy. Zheng Shoufu is already swayed—with his silver tongue and knack for exploiting the Emperor’s softheartedness, Wang Xingyun might truly escape death. This Wang Xingyun is frustratingly hard to kill! Truly, the vilest weeds survive the longest!]
Could Wang Xingyun actually evade this calamity?
Qiao Shi and Jiang Qiaonian’s relief instantly evaporated, replaced by heaviness and apprehension.
Though Jiang Yucheng had busied himself with Wang Xingyun’s affairs all day without fatigue, he returned home still exhilarated. Cheerfully, he told Qiao Shi, “You’ve heard about Wang Xingyun’s capture, right? This time the evidence is irrefutable—he can’t escape!”
Yet Qiao Shi’s face held no smile. Glancing at their sleeping youngest daughter, she dismissed the servants before lowering her voice to relay Jiang Xianian’s inner thoughts.
Jiang Yucheng also furrowed his brow: “So you mean… His Majesty would tacitly allow the Anguo Duke Residence to swap and rescue Wang Xingyun?”
Qiao Shi replied, “I cannot say for certain, but Niannian implies Wang Xingyun won’t be easily eliminated. I fear that if he escapes this disaster, he may later seek revenge against Qiao’er! He is a filthy rat, but our Qiao’er is a precious jade vase—I refuse to let her live in perpetual fear of him.”
Jiang Yucheng tightly grasped Qiao Shi’s hand. If anyone bore Wang Xingyun’s deepest hatred, it was undoubtedly Qiao Shi—who had personally castrated him—rather than Jiang Qiaonian. Yet Qiao Shi worried solely for Jiang Qiaonian, never considering her own peril.
“I will discuss this matter with Father. Moreover, His Highness the Crown Prince is also involved in this affair. He is quite aware of Wang Xingyun’s actions, and I suspect he has been secretly investigating Wang Xingyun’s deeds all along. The Crown Prince will not easily let the Anguo Duke Residence succeed either,” Jiang Yucheng reassured Qiao Shi.
Qiao Shi nodded somewhat perfunctorily, then let out a deep sigh and said to Jiang Yucheng, “Yucheng, I previously had doubts about what I told Niannian—that our Marquis Manor would be raided, and we would be executed or exiled—but now…” She gave a bitter smile, suppressing the fear in her heart from speaking recklessly about the monarch, and continued, “His Majesty has been suppressing the Marquis Manor for over a decade, yet he shows leniency and tolerance toward the lawless Anguo Duke Residence. How can anyone endure this?”
Jiang Yucheng’s face darkened, and he silently drew his wife into his arms to comfort her.
Were Qiao Shi’s words not his own deepest, most hidden worry?
He understood the Emperor’s intentions, and thus he also understood his own father’s forbearance—this was the survival strategy of the entire Marquis Manor.
But if his father had endured, and he had endured, must their children continue to endure as well?
In the following days, Xing Bu, relying on ample evidence, investigated Wang Xingyun’s murder case with remarkable speed.
While Jiang Yucheng was busy with this matter, he also kept an eye on the movements of the Anguo Duke Residence and Zheng Shoufu. He noticed that not only had the Duke of Anguo quickly calmed down, but even Zheng Shi had ceased making much of a fuss.
On the first day, Zheng Shi had caused two disturbances at Xing Bu, and it was expected she would return. Yet, afterward, she remained quiet.
Outsiders assumed it was because Wang Xingyun’s evidence of guilt was too solid, so the Anguo Duke Residence had wisely chosen not to stir up trouble. But Jiang Yucheng knew better: the Anguo Duke Residence had already settled on a plan to rescue him, hence the calm.
Given Zheng Shi’s unreasonable nature, even if her son had committed regicide, she would believe he did not deserve death. Moreover, since Wang Xingyun had killed only commoners and low-status servants, Zheng Shi viewed their lives as no more than ants, not worth one of her son’s fingers, let alone demanding her son pay with his life.
Seven days later, Wang Xingyun’s case was finally sorted out. Some of the deceased, whose origins were unknown and whose relatives could not be found, could not be included in the charges.
During the court assembly, the Minister of Xing Bu presented the entire case file to the Emperor. The Emperor dared only a hurried glance before he could not bear to read further.
The file meticulously recorded how Wang Xingyun had tortured each victim, how they had struggled and begged for mercy, and how they had ultimately died—either from beatings or starvation. After death, many of the corpses had been dismembered… It was far more brutal and bloody than the Crown Prince’s memorial.
Just as the Emperor was applying the vermillion endorsement approving the execution and affixing the imperial seal, the Old Marquis secretly observed the Duke of Anguo. Seeing no significant reaction from him, he knew that the scheme they had been plotting behind the scenes had once again been accurately predicted by his little granddaughter.
As the Minister of Xing Bu retrieved the case file, a young eunuch suddenly announced, “Your Majesty, Prince Huai requests an audience!”
The Emperor was startled. “Prince Huai is here? Quickly, invite him into the hall!”
With that, the Emperor hurriedly rose from the dragon throne and descended the dais to welcome him.
This Prince Huai was a wangye from the Emperor’s grandfather’s generation, a blood brother of the Emperor’s own grandfather. Now over eighty years old, he had not appeared in public for a long time, having been living in retirement at his residence.
Now he was the highest-ranking elder in the entire imperial clan, and even the Emperor had to treat him with utmost respect.
The aged Prince Huai, supported by two young eunuchs, trembled as he entered the grand hall. When he attempted to kneel before the Emperor, the sovereign hurriedly stepped forward to stop him.
Prince Huai’s voice quivered as he said, “The rites between sovereign and subject must not be abandoned.”
Thus, the Emperor could only watch as Prince Huai, leaning heavily on the two eunuchs, swayed unsteadily to his knees. The moment his knees barely touched the ground, the Emperor personally helped him up: “Granduncle, if you have any matter, you need only send someone to inform me. There was no need for you to make such a strenuous journey.”
The court officials stood in solemn silence, equally curious about why Prince Huai—who already had one foot in the grave—had suddenly come to the throne hall to see the Emperor.
The Old Marquis and Jiang Yucheng exchanged a glance, already forming suspicions in their hearts. Meanwhile, Duke Anguo grew increasingly uneasy, his intuition telling him that Prince Huai’s purpose was related to him!
Prince Huai swayed as though his body might fall apart at any moment. Finally steadying himself, he lifted his head, tears streaming through the deep wrinkles on his face, startling the Emperor.
“Your Majesty… this old subject has come to beg for one thing only… cough, cough…”
The Emperor grew anxious, fearing Prince Huai might collapse right before him, and patiently urged, “Granduncle, please speak freely.”
The officials also held their breath. Whatever Prince Huai requested, the Emperor would surely grant it without hesitation. The only question was what exactly the Prince had come to ask.
Duke Anguo felt his panic mounting and unconsciously pressed a hand to his chest.
“This old subject begs Your Majesty to sentence Wang Xingyun to death by a thousand cuts!” Prince Huai’s voice was weak, but everyone could hear the deep-seated hatred in his words.
Startled, the Emperor quickly asked, “Why so?”
After speaking those words, Prince Huai seemed to struggle for breath. His right hand twitched slightly, and the eunuch supporting his right arm promptly explained, “Your Majesty, a few days ago, officials from Xing Bu discovered during an investigation that the young Junzhu, who was lost years ago, had married and borne a child. That child had a daughter named Xiao Chahua. When she was sixteen, she was abducted by Wang Xingyun’s men while out and ultimately met a tragic death at his hands.”
As the eunuch finished, Prince Huai’s tears fell even more heavily. “I… have only this one wish… I beg Your Majesty to grant it…”
Just as the Emperor was about to respond, Prince Huai’s eyes rolled back, and he collapsed backward, fainting.
The two eunuchs swiftly caught him, and the Emperor immediately summoned the imperial physicians.
The court officials were thrown into chaos, terrified that Prince Huai might die right there in the hall.
If Prince Huai were to die here, every one of them present would bear responsibility.
While everyone’s attention was fixed on the unconscious Prince Huai, no one noticed Duke Anguo’s face turn deathly pale, with beads of sweat as large as beans forming on his forehead.
It was widely known in Fuking that Prince Huai, having suffered physical injuries in his youth, had difficulty producing heirs. After great effort, he and his Wangfei had a Junzhu, whom they cherished like a rare treasure. However, when the Junzhu was just five years old, she was kidnapped. The incident devastated the Wangfei, who remained bedridden for years before passing away, still murmuring her daughter’s name on her deathbed.
Throughout the years, Prince Huai had never stopped searching for his biological daughter and had no other children. That lost Junzhu was his only bloodline.
I had thought that little Junzhu had long since passed away, never expecting she had married before her death and left behind descendants.
To avenge the descendants of the daughter he had missed for years, Prince Huai’s demand to have Wang Xingyun executed by a thousand cuts was not excessive in the slightest.
Soon after the imperial physician arrived and examined Prince Huai, confirming he wouldn’t die immediately, everyone present, including the Emperor, breathed a long sigh of relief, feeling their inner garments soaked with sweat.
After Prince Huai was taken away to rest, the Emperor finally summoned the Xing Bu Minister and asked, “What exactly happened? How was it verified that the victim, Miss Little Camellia, was Prince Huai’s descendant?”
The Xing Bu Minister was also bewildered and could only reply, “Your Majesty, this matter was handled by subordinate officials in Xing Bu. I don’t know the details either.”
“Then who does know about this? Step forward and report!”
Just as other officials were glancing around at the Xing Bu staff, and the Xing Bu officials were looking at each other uncertainly, Jiang Yucheng stepped forward and bowed, “Your Majesty, I was responsible for this matter.”
The reason Jiang Yucheng discovered this was, of course, because he heard Jiang Xianian gossiping about it. But he couldn’t reveal the truth, so he used the excuse that Little Camellia’s portrait looked familiar, which reminded him of how Prince Huai and Niannian had persistently updated the little Junzhu’s portraits over the years, leading him to suspect a connection between the two. Adhering to the principle of not missing any clues, he specifically traced the lineage of Little Camellia’s blind father and thus uncovered the truth.
Hearing the twists and turns of the story, the Emperor sighed deeply, “It seems Heaven still has pity on my granduncle. After worrying about this for most of his life, he finally has some closure.”
Jiang Yucheng thought to himself, rather than thanking Heaven, better thank my little daughter.
The Emperor sent people to further investigate the matter. The Anguo Duke Residence tried every possible excuse to deny involvement, but ultimately evidence was found among Wang Xingyun’s “trophies” – a red jade piece carved with an imperial workshop mark. The blind father confirmed that the red jade was something he had received from his mother and later given to his daughter. Checking the imperial workshop records from many years ago confirmed that it was an item crafted by imperial artisans over fifty years ago and bestowed upon Prince Huai Manor by the then-emperor.
This red jade piece wasn’t particularly valuable, but because it was small and easy to conceal, it had been well preserved through three generations.
After confirming that Little Camellia was Prince Huai’s lost great-granddaughter, Wang Xingyun’s crime of murdering imperial bloodline was firmly established. Even if Zheng Shoufu wanted to exploit the Emperor’s soft-hearted nature to plead for leniency, the imperial clan members would never agree.
Thus, Wang Xingyun, who had originally been sentenced to execution after autumn, had his punishment upgraded to dismemberment by five horses due to his cruel murder of imperial descendants. The execution was scheduled for half a month after the case was closed.
Upon hearing this news, Jiang Qiaonian asked Jiang Yucheng expectantly, “Father, there won’t be any problems this time, right? Wang Xingyun can’t escape punishment by having someone else take his place, can he?”
Jiang Yucheng said gently, “Don’t worry, Qiao’er. This time he truly can’t escape. After learning of this matter, the imperial clan members were so furious they specially petitioned the Emperor to entrust Wang Xingyun’s custody to the Crown Prince.”
Jiang Qiaonian finally felt relieved, “That’s good. I wouldn’t dare go out as long as Wang Xingyun remains alive.”
“Don’t be afraid. With your father and mother here, no one would dare bully you.”
Even the Xu Family, upon learning that Wang Xingyun had been sentenced to death by dismemberment, discreetly returned the remaining silver through Lord Xu. It was likely that Qiao Shi’s act of castrating Wang Xingyun to protect her daughter, followed by Jiang Yucheng solidifying his murder conviction, had intimidated many—even the Xu Family was frightened.
Jiang Qiaonian nodded: “And there’s also Niannian. At White Horse Temple, Niannian said she wanted to tear whoever plotted against me into pieces. Now that Wang Xingyun has been sentenced to dismemberment, it’s like Niannian’s wish came true!”
Thinking this, Jiang Qiaonian felt her little sister possessed a certain spiritual insight, almost like a celestial being.
After Jiang Xunnian and Jiang Danian learned the whole story, they wailed in regret: “If only we had known, we would have gone to White Horse Temple too!”
Qiao Shi smiled cheerfully: “What would you do at White Horse Temple? You always found it boring before and never wanted to go. Instead of thinking about the temple, focus on the Spring Tail Banquet. Your new clothes are ready—go try them on and see if any adjustments are needed.”
As she spoke, several maids brought out sets of clothing. The extra set of accessories belonged to Jiang Qiaonian.
The siblings were immediately distracted and happily went to try on their new clothes.
Jiang Xianian was left bewildered: [Spring Tail Banquet? What’s that? Let me see… Oh, it’s a banquet held every late spring for young gentlemen and ladies? Isn’t that just a large matchmaking event?! I want to go! I want to go! I want to go watch the drama!]
Hearing Jiang Xianian’s inner thoughts, Jiang Xunnian and the other two lit up and immediately asked Qiao Shi and Jiang Yucheng: “Father, Mother, can we bring our little sister along?”
Jiang Xianian was touched: [My brothers and sisters are so kind, always thinking of me when something good happens. It must be because I’m so adorable that everyone likes me!]
The three felt somewhat ashamed—Niannian was truly too innocent.
Though Qiao Shi and Jiang Yucheng had also heard Jiang Xianian’s inner thoughts, they had many concerns.
“Niannian is only two months old. She can’t be in the sun for too long, and she mustn’t catch a chill. She’s not as sturdy as you rough-and-tumble monkeys.”
“Besides, you’re going to have fun. How could you enjoy yourselves properly while taking care of Niannian?”
The three immediately insisted that having Niannian along would make it more fun and promised to take good care of their sister. Jiang Xianian also tried hard to vocalize, expressing her strong desire to go.
Yet the couple remained firm and refused to relent.
Jiang Xianian sulked: [Fine, if I can’t go, then I won’t. Hmph, I can still watch the drama from home! But right now, I only know that the eldest son of the second branch, Jiang Zhenyu, will have an accident—and it seems related to our main branch. How can I get the full story if I don’t go?!]
Clenching her tiny fists in frustration, Jiang Xianian vowed to grow up quickly so she could go watch drama on her own!
Unbeknownst to her, Jiang Yucheng and Qiao Shi exchanged surprised looks: Was something going to happen to the second branch’s eldest son? And was their family involved?
Jiang Danian was about to throw another tantrum when Jiang Xunnian pulled him back, saying: “Since Father and Mother have matters to attend to, let’s go for now!”
Jiang Danian was still reluctant. He had only gotten to enjoy drama with his sister twice! Missing out on the Wang Xingyun incident really bothered him.
After stepping out of the courtyard gate, Jiang Qiaonian said with a beaming smile, “Second Brother and Third Brother need not worry anymore. Younger Sister should be able to attend the Spring Tail Banquet this time.”
Jiang Xunnian gave an acknowledging hum, while Jiang Danian looked utterly bewildered: “What does Eldest Sister mean? Why can Younger Sister go again?”
Jiang Xunnian looked at his younger brother with some disdain: “If you don’t know, then think carefully for yourself. Father said he’s bringing Younger Cousin from the Qiao Family to the manor for training. When the time comes, Father will have even less time for you. You’d better focus on taking care of yourself! I’m going back to study.”
Jiang Danian: …
Mom and Dad would never dislike me for being slow! Hmph!
After resolving the toxic threat of Wang Xingyun, Jiang Yucheng and his wife and children were enjoying harmonious happiness. Meanwhile, the Old Marquis entered Ruian Hall with an oppressive aura hanging over him.
Seeing the Old Marquis’s face as dark as stormy waters, the servants in Ruian Hall skillfully fell silent, even walking with much lighter steps.
During this period, the Old Madam had been filled with constant anxiety. The bigger the Wang Xingyun incident grew, the more terrified she became—especially after learning that her eldest son’s Xing Bu was handling the case. She was terribly afraid that her own misdeeds would be discovered.
Kneeling on the cushion before the Buddha statue, she clasped her hands together devoutly, murmuring prayers and begging the Bodhisattva for protection.
Hearing footsteps, the Old Madam trembled all over and opened her eyes in panic.
“If you have to seek divine intervention and worship Buddha to ease your conscience after committing those shameful acts, why do them in the first place?” the Old Marquis asked with a heavy gaze and calm tone.
The Old Madam forced a smile: “Marquis, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
The Old Marquis threw a red document in front of the Old Madam: “At this point, are you still going to deny it? So afraid to face the evil deeds you’ve done?”
The Old Madam glanced at the document and immediately averted her gaze as if it burned her eyes.
It contained Jiang Qiaonian’s birth date and the eight characters of the time of birth, naturally obtained from the Duke’s manor during the investigation of Wang Xingyun’s case.
Qiao Shi had never given out Jiang Qiaonian’s birth details. The only one who could have done this was the Old Madam.
Seeing the Old Madam remain silent, refusing to utter a single word of regret or apology, the Old Marquis was deeply disappointed.
He had overestimated his old wife, thinking she at least had the courage to take responsibility for her actions.
“Zhang Zhihe, you schemed to harm the descendants of the Marquis Manor and now stubbornly refuse to admit your wrongdoing, compounding your offense. According to the manor’s rules, your housekeeping authority is revoked. From now on, housekeeping matters will be handled by Chief Steward Jiang Xin. For matters beyond the steward’s jurisdiction, the eldest daughter-in-law Qiao Shi will take charge. You will remain here in Ruian Hall to reflect carefully before Buddha. For the next month, the children and grandchildren need not come to Ruian Hall to pay respects.”
After speaking, the Old Marquis turned and walked out. Reaching the courtyard, he instructed as he walked: “Jiang Xin, relay my order: All staff in Ruian Hall will have half their monthly allowance deducted for the next three months. The Old Madam has committed errors and must reflect behind closed doors. For the next month, her meals shall consist only of plain congee and simple vegetables—all snacks, fruits, and meat provisions are canceled. Keep a close watch on the kitchen.”
“Yes, Marquis,” Old Steward Jiang Xin promptly responded.
The Old Marquis made no effort to conceal the Old Madam’s actions, and soon the entire manor learned that Qiao Shi’s castration of Wang Xingyun was due to the Old Madam’s collusion with Wang Xingyun in scheming against the eldest young lady of the main branch.
This shocked everyone in the Marquis Manor. Everyone knew how difficult it was for stepmothers and stepchildren to get along harmoniously, especially when there was a noble title waiting to be inherited in the manor. But no one expected the Old Madam to be so cruel as to send her eldest granddaughter to someone like Wang Xingyun—a man who killed without batting an eye. Her heart was truly as black as pitch!
Even though the eldest young lady was not related to her by blood, she was still her granddaughter in name! An ordinary person wouldn’t do such a thing even to a stranger, let alone to a family member.
The gossip circulating throughout the manor was dutifully relayed to the Old Madam by Hua Momo. The Old Madam was so enraged that she vomited blood, yet there was nothing she could do about it.
In the end, the Old Madam could only grit her teeth and say, “Let the eldest branch gloat for a while. After the Spring Tail Banquet, we’ll see if they can still laugh, hmph!”
By then, the eldest and second branches would be at each other’s throats, and she would be the one sitting back to reap the benefits and enjoy the show.
After Wang Xingyun’s verdict was announced, the Crown Prince followed the clues provided by the two monks and investigated White Horse Temple. He arrested several fake monks who had bullied men and women, swindled money, and robbed passersby, sentencing all of them to beheading.
As a result, White Horse Temple’s reputation suffered a significant blow. Ordinary people, recalling how they had confided their family secrets to those bald-headed impostors, felt a lingering fear and no longer dared to visit the temple to offer incense.
Jiang Xianian was munching on metaphorical melon seeds in her System: [Why do I feel like the ones the Crown Prince caught are just small fry, pushed out to take the fall? The real culprits must still be hiding in White Horse Temple. Yikes… whoever could find scapegoats so quickly must hold a high position, right? The more I think about it, the more terrifying it becomes. It just makes me even more curious about the drama at White Horse Temple!]
Nearby, Qiao Shi was preparing gifts of gratitude for Huimin Princess. If the princess hadn’t appeared in time at White Horse Temple that day, who knew how Zheng Shi might have bullied them!
Hearing Jiang Xianian’s murmurs, she tapped her little nose helplessly—this child’s curiosity was simply too overwhelming.
[Sigh… how can I remind my mother that Uncle is about to face a major disaster?] Jiang Xianian remembered this matter again.
Her little cousin had been brought to the Marquis Manor for training. The daily drills and hardships exhausted his energy, leaving him with no strength to climb trees, so he likely wouldn’t fall and break his arm, ruining his future. But there was no avoiding the trouble with her eldest uncle. The supervision of the Dragon Boat construction was already underway, and even if he resigned and fled now, he could still be caught and made the scapegoat.
Although Qiao Shi had reminded her elder brother a few times, she hadn’t spoken to him face-to-face and remained uneasy. So, she considered returning to her family home after the Spring Tail Banquet to properly warn her brother?
But Niannian hadn’t specified what would go wrong with the Dragon Boat, so she couldn’t give a precise warning.
In the blink of an eye, it was the day of Wang Xingyun’s public execution, and many people went to watch.
The only mercy the Emperor showed was permitting the Duke Residence to retrieve the body.
Even this sparked widespread dissatisfaction. How could someone like Wang Xingyun, who had taken so many lives, be allowed to have his body sewn up and buried peacefully? He should have been chopped up and fed to dogs.
The Anguo Duke Residence didn’t dare hold a funeral. They simply carried him out of the city in a thin coffin for burial. Zheng Shi wanted Wang Xingyun to be buried honorably in the ancestral grave, but this not only angered the entire Wang Family but also infuriated the usually submissive Duke Anguo. He furiously cursed both Wang Xingyun and Zheng Shi, then buried Wang Xingyun in a random spot.
However, the crimes Wang Xingyun had committed were truly despicable. Moreover, unidentified individuals spread rumors that the Guogong Furen had buried many valuable items with her beloved son, even using golden thread to suture the corpse, which stirred greedy thoughts in many people.
Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Wang Xingyun’s grave was dug up, his body torn apart and scattered. When they later gathered what remained, they discovered his legs and arms were missing, likely carried off by wild dogs.
Thus, Wang Xingyun was ultimately buried wrapped in a straw mat, in the form of a human pig.
Upon learning this, Zheng Shi fainted from weeping multiple times and eventually fell seriously ill.
After she fell ill, Jiang Xianian’s family felt that Fuking had become much more peaceful.
Just a few days after Wang Xingyun’s death, the Spring Tail Banquet arrived. Although Wang Xingyun’s affairs had caused quite a stir, they did not dampen the nobility’s enthusiasm for hosting the banquet.
Early in the morning, while Qiao Shi was still arranging the children’s preparations for the banquet, a maid came to report: “Madam! The Twelfth Prince has arrived!”
“Quickly invite him in!” Qiao Shi said.
No sooner had she spoken than Xiao Bingxi appeared at the doorway, and everyone hurried to pay their respects.
Xiao Bingxi waved his hand and said, “There’s no need for such formalities. I’ve come to pick up my younger sister to go to the Spring Tail Banquet together.”
Qiao Shi and her children were somewhat surprised. Although princes and even imperial daughters attended the Spring Tail Banquet every year, most were of a youthful age. It was rare to see a little bean like Xiao Bingxi, who was only four years old.
Jiang Xunnian reacted the quickest and said, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. My younger sister will indeed be attending. If you don’t mind, you may accompany us.”
The Jiang family could not possibly hand over their two-month-old younger sister to someone else, so they made it clear that they would all go together, not that Xiao Bingxi would take the younger sister away.
Xiao Bingxi didn’t overthink it and casually nodded, “That’s fine. May I see my younger sister first?”
Qiao Shi led him to the crib. Seeing that Jiang Xianian was still asleep, Xiao Bingxi understood why he hadn’t heard her inner thoughts.
So he quietly stood guard nearby.
Not long after, another maid came to report: “Madam, Huimin Princess’s Phoenix Carriage has stopped at the mansion’s entrance. She says she’s here to pick up the young miss to go to the Spring Tail Banquet!”
The maid’s tone was filled with astonishment. It was one thing for a prince to come, but even a princess had arrived. How did the young miss manage to win their favor?
Qiao Shi and the others were startled: “Her Highness the Princess is here too? Then let’s hurry!”
Huimin Princess did not enter the mansion, clearly to avoid complications.
After everyone finished their preparations, they carried Jiang Xianian and brought her crib, heading together toward the mansion’s entrance.
As soon as they reached the entrance, they saw Fourth Aunt Zhang Shi pulling Jiang Caiping and standing at the intersection, looking around.
As soon as Jiang Qiaonian saw them, she remembered how, last time at Ruian Hall, Zhang Shi had desperately pushed her daughter toward the Twelfth Prince.
Before Jiang Qiaonian could think of a solution, she saw Li Fuhai send a young eunuch to intercept them.
Zhang Shi couldn’t help but shout: “Qiaonian! Xunnian! As her older siblings, take your younger sister with you!”
Jiang Xunnian inwardly scoffed. His younger sisters were only Jiang Qiaonian and Jiang Xianian—since when did he have another younger sister?
Just as Jiang Qiaonian was about to stop and respond, to avoid her siblings gaining a reputation for disrespecting their elders, she heard a mammy at the entrance urging: “Young masters and misses, please hurry! Her Highness the Princess is waiting!”
With the princess’s summons, they dared not delay. Even though Zhang Shi was an elder, she could not surpass the princess.
Jiang Qiaonian felt a weight lift from her heart and replied cheerfully, “We’ve kept Her Highness waiting, how impolite of us.”
The siblings exited the manor gate and went to pay respects before the princess’s phoenix carriage. Zhang Shi watched from behind, her eyes nearly turning red with envy. The eldest branch of the family was truly selfish—having connected with the imperial family themselves, they didn’t know to help their own relatives!
Then, she immediately saw Jiang Qiaonian receive an invitation from Huimin Princess and directly board the princess’s carriage! Jiang Xianian was also carried aboard! Followed closely by the eagerly trailing Twelfth Prince!
Zhang Shi was so jealous she could spit blood, when suddenly her daughter’s startled cry snapped her back to reality: “Mother, you’re pinching me painfully!”
Furious, Zhang Shi shoved her away: “What’s a little pain? If you have the ability, go curry favor with the Twelfth Prince and the princess yourself!”
Caught off guard, Jiang Caiping was pushed directly to the ground, immediately crying out in pain. Startled, Zhang Shi hurried forward to comfort her.
Jiang Qiaonian glimpsed this scene through the carriage curtain but showed little reaction.
Huimin Princess held Jiang Xianian, utterly delighted. Xiao Bingxi leaned close to her and vowed earnestly, “Aunt, when I grow a bit bigger, I’ll be able to carry my sister too!”
Huimin Princess smiled and said, “Then Little Twelve must grow quickly, because Niannian will keep growing too!”
Xiao Bingxi nodded firmly, “I will! Later I can carry my sister like Big Brother carries his wife!”
Huimin Princess paused, suddenly realizing—was this silly child referring to how the First Prince carried the prince consort into their bridal chamber during the wedding?
At this thought, Huimin Princess couldn’t help chuckling, poking Xiao Bingxi’s cheek: “You’ve got quite the ambition, nephew! Your aunt will be waiting!”
For someone as unique as Niannian, marrying into the imperial family might indeed be a good choice…
Huimin Princess’s thoughts drifted for a moment before she quickly reined them in. Imperial matters were unpredictable—future affairs could be dealt with later!
Noticing Jiang Xianian was sound asleep and unlikely to wake soon, Huimin Princess asked Jiang Qiaonian how she and Qiao Shi had been faring recently.
The Wang Xingyun incident ultimately stemmed from his scheme against Jiang Qiaonian at White Horse Temple. Although most attention focused on Wang Xingyun’s cruelty and bloodthirst, Qiao Shi and Jiang Qiaonian still inevitably became subjects of gossip.
Jiang Qiaonian replied obediently, “Thank you for Your Highness’s concern. Mother and I are both well. While confined to our courtyard, no one dared disturb us—it was very peaceful.”
They chatted intermittently, making the journey pass swiftly. Almost before they knew it, they had arrived at the suburban estate.
Upon reaching the entrance, many people came to welcome Huimin Princess and Prince Xiao Bingxi. Even Consort Yi, who was hosting this Spring Tail Banquet, came personally to greet them.
The chorus of greetings finally roused Jiang Xianian, who drowsily opened her eyes.
After exchanging pleasantries, Consort Yi looked at Jiang Qiaonian following behind Huimin Princess and asked in surprise, “Is this… a young lady from the Weiyuan Marquis Estate?”
Huimin Princess smiled and replied, “Yes, I specially went to bring them here.”
Many who had been casting strange looks at Jiang Qiaonian due to the White Horse Temple incident immediately changed their expressions upon hearing Huimin Princess’s words. After being schemed against by Wang Xingyun, she had now become a guest of honor at the princess’s table?
Jiang Qiaonian remained composed. When she and Qiao Shi decided to attend the Spring Tail Banquet, they had anticipated some hostile gazes. But the more this happened, the more she needed to show everyone she had a clear conscience.
Jiang Xianian lazily skimmed the System’s messages: [“These people are so tedious. My sister is clearly the victim, yet they gossip behind her back—completely unable to distinguish right from wrong. They’d only learn their lesson if they encountered a Wang Xingyun themselves.”]
Hearing Jiang Xianian’s voice, many felt a surge of delight—the younger sister had finally woken up! Now the gossip could truly begin!
However, Jiang Xianian had more pressing matters on her mind. As soon as she arrived, she began investigating matters related to the second branch’s Jiang Zhenyu.
[“What’s with this melon (drama)? Unlocking the plot is like dealing with constipation—why can’t it just explain everything at once? ‘Jiang Zhenyu of the second branch will encounter an accident and be framed by the main branch, making the second branch believe our main branch orchestrated it’? What nonsense! What kind of accident will Jiang Zhenyu face? How will the blame be shifted to us? Could you be any clearer?!” ] Jiang Xianian was utterly exasperated. Even the damn System had turned into a riddler!
Jiang Qiaonian and Jiang Xunnian exchanged glances. They hadn’t expected Niannian’s System to be so stingy this time, withholding crucial information and leaving them at a loss.
At the Spring Tail Banquet, beyond dining, there were various activities: Pitch-pot, Object Guessing Game, horse racing, couplet composing, poetry writing… Who could possibly predict where Jiang Zhenyu might meet with misfortune!