Liu Wu and his companions did not linger for long. Since Huo Xian did not seem very welcoming, they made their report about the recent changes in the capital and then tactfully took their leave.
During their entire visit, no one mentioned the shackles on Huo Xian’s hands.
It wasn’t until they had left the courtyard and were sure that their words would not reach Huo Xian’s ears that they began to gossip fervently.
“Who do you think locked up the master?” someone asked.
“Who else could it be but his wife? Those shackles couldn’t hold him; he could easily pick the lock. He must have willingly allowed himself to be shackled. Who else could confine him?” another replied.
“That makes sense.”
“To think our lady also has her moments.”
“There have been many unexpected things lately. Every time I open my eyes, I feel like I’m dreaming.”
“But the lady you’re talking about is…”
Just as the words fell, a familiar woman approached.
She was carrying a tray with medicinal soup, dressed in a light pink gown, walking slowly. Just as Liu Wu and the others were about to greet her, Li Yang stepped aside and bowed, saying, “Miss Yuyao.”
Ji Yuyao paused, nodded at her, and then walked past.
The group stared at her back, only then realizing that she was the real Miss Ji.
But what surprised them even more was that the rumors were true.
After the imperial physicians who had gone to Dongxiang County returned to the capital, rumors about the Ji family’s old scandal spread. It was said that the high-minded Master Ji had abandoned his wife and daughter years ago, and that the eldest daughter of the Ji family, who was one of the twin sisters, was not born to Lady Lin but had been abused since childhood.
Such rumors were too outrageous to believe without evidence, so no one took them seriously.
That was until recently, when his concubine-born daughter was embarrassed at a family banquet. When asked about it, she suddenly went mad.
She started babbling incoherently and inadvertently confirmed the rumor!
Well, that did it. The censors, like tenacious leeches, wouldn’t let go of Ji Chongwang. They accused him of moral corruption and even brought the case to the Taihe Hall. How could the emperor not investigate? But the events of those years left no trace, so the case was dropped. However, this did not mean Ji Chongwang was innocent.
On the contrary, the existence of the twin sisters proved his guilt. Even if the law could not punish him further, the students of the Imperial Academy would not let him off.
The Ji household has fallen into decline, and it’s uncertain whether Ji Chongwang will remain relevant in the capital for much longer.
Under the intense and scrutinizing gazes from behind her, Ji Yuyao remained composed, having long grown accustomed to such attention. She brought the medicine to the eastern courtyard and said to Nanyue, “This is today’s dosage.”
Since Ji Yuyao needed to adjust the prescription according to Huo Xian’s condition, she usually avoided delivering the medicine herself to avoid suspicion. However, her presence today indicated something urgent.
Nanyue, understanding the situation, did not take the bowl from her hand but stepped aside to let her pass.
Ji Yuyao expressed her gratitude with a bow and then entered the room.
Huo Xian looked up and said, “Miss Ji.”
Ji Yuyao placed the medicine on the table and said, “Your health is improving faster than I expected. After taking this herbal medicine for a while longer to expel the remaining toxins, you should be fine. I’ve written the prescription for Pingxi, who knows some medical principles. I’ve also explained the subsequent dosage to her. Any ordinary doctor can handle the rest, so I don’t think I need to stay any longer. Thus, I have fulfilled Master Jingchen’s last wish, and I… must leave now.”
Huo Xian took the bowl and slowly stirred the soup with a spoon. He didn’t ask further questions and simply said, “Thank you. The incident at Chengyuan Temple was unavoidable, and I apologize for any offense.”
Ji Yuyao shook her head and turned to leave, a frown inadvertently appearing on her face.
After taking two steps, she turned back and said gently, “Lord Huo, before Master Jingchen died, the medicine had not yet been tested for the final ingredient. Many rare and precious herbs were destroyed in the fire that consumed the pharmacy. It was difficult to find them again. Although I was fortunate to escape, my injuries were severe. Alone, I could not have made the medicine before your poison took effect. It was the new emperor who ordered the interrogation of the Eastern Depot agents and learned of this matter. He then sent people to investigate Chengyuan Temple. He saved me and did everything he could to help me make the medicine. Only then did I succeed.”
Huo Xian paused, holding the spoon, and after a while, asked, “Is he well?”
Ji Yuyao shook her head, said nothing more, and left to board the carriage bound for the imperial palace.
Despite the drizzling spring rain, the streets were bustling with people.
The imperial city, revitalized after the turmoil, exuded a new vitality, and Ji Yuyao felt as though she had been reborn.
Biwu, now by her side again, asked, “Did you leave something at the palace?”
Ji Yuyao turned to her and, with a faint smile, shook her head. “I want to save someone, though my medical skills are not refined, and I don’t know how much I can achieve. But… as long as I have a clear conscience, it’s enough.”
After speaking, she lifted the curtain.
Amidst the various pedestrians, she saw a familiar face in a pale yellow dress.
Ji Yuyao was momentarily stunned.
Biwu hesitantly looked over and saw Ji Xianyu standing on the opposite street. She no longer had her usual innocent and lively demeanor. Instead of jumping and waving from afar, she stood upright and bowed solemnly.
Raindrops fell on her face, resembling a stream of tears.
Biwu murmured, “Miss…”
Ji Yuyao softly said, “She has grown up.”
…
Ten years ago, the case of the Shen family stockpiling private soldiers finally saw progress as mid-spring approached, becoming the hottest topic of conversation. As a result, Huo Xian was able to temporarily withdraw from the heated debates.
However, peace remained elusive.
Within the past half month, the Marquis of Xuanping had already visited for the third time.
Standing with his hands behind his back in front of the bed, he expressed his disdain, “You just lie here shackled to the bed every day without resisting? A man should stand tall and proud; you’re disgracing the Huo family!”
Huo Xian spat out a grape skin and retorted, “Disgrace? I was expelled from the family registry long ago. No matter how much disgrace, it won’t affect you, Marquis. Why are you so concerned?”
“But she can’t treat people like this!” The Marquis of Xuanping’s beard bristled as he scolded, “What’s the meaning of this, forcing an honest man into degradation?!”
“What does it matter to you, Marquis? A distinguished lord like you coming to make a scene in front of me, the former Chief Inspector—do you find it amusing? If you have something to ask of me, just say it. I won’t laugh at you.”
Huo Xian gave him a mocking look, which infuriated the Marquis of Xuanping, rendering him speechless and red-faced with anger.
He couldn’t believe that this rascal didn’t understand his intentions!
It’s not enough to offer him a way out; he has to be begged to take it.
But neither father nor son would ever yield. After a long silence, the Marquis of Xuanping left in a huff once again.
Huo Xian sneered, feeling pleased, and stretched his legs on the bed.
He glanced at the sky and said, “Why isn’t she here yet?”
Although Huo Xian needed bed rest, he also required daily exercise. In the cool spring evenings, Ji Yuluo would usually come to “unbind” him and accompany him for a walk.
But the time had come, and she was nowhere to be seen.
Nanyue said, “Young Master Shen just arrived; they’re talking in the front hall.”
Upon hearing this, Huo Xian frowned, “What is he here for?”
Shen Qingli sneezed and said, “Are you in such a hurry to deal with affairs in the capital because you’re eager to leave? Why the rush?”
Shen Lanxin, standing nearby, also looked curiously at Ji Yuluo, “Are you planning to return to Jiangnan?”
Ji Yuluo nodded and succinctly said, “I am worried about unrest in Jiangnan after the sudden change of ownership at Cuixue Tower.”
Shen Qingli asked, “What about Huo Xian? Is he willing to go with you?”
Ji Yuluo gave him a sidelong glance, “Why wouldn’t he be willing?”
“…”
Shen Qingli was speechless. Indeed, she had shackled him to the bed. If Huo Xian truly didn’t want to go, knocking him out and taking him along was not out of the question.
For some reason, Shen Qingli suddenly felt a bit of sympathy for Huo Zhe’an.
However, following this sympathy, Shen Qingli’s heart was filled with a sense of glee. Perhaps this was a case of “evil begets evil”!
Watching Ji Yuluo leave, Shen Qingli remarked, “Sister, it’s better to be kind to others in this world.”
After saying this, there was no response.
He turned to see Shen Lanxin staring intently towards the eastern courtyard, lost in thought.
Shen Qingli asked, “Are you worried? Do you want to go in and take a look?”
Shen Lanxin snapped out of her reverie and shook her head, “No, I’m just happy for him. Brother, I’m happier than anyone about his current situation.”
When Ji Yuluo returned to the courtyard, the sky had already turned completely dark, with a half-moon hanging high in the sky.
As she approached, she saw Nanyue gesture to her.
Raising an eyebrow, she listened and heard voices inside the room.
She initially thought it was the Marquis of Xuanping again, but upon closer listening, she realized it was Lou Panshun.
Lou Panshun was saying, “Your father has added your name back into the family registry. I know you’ve never been close to him, but regardless, you are a Huo by blood. Huo Cong will have to pursue an official career in the future. The Marquis hopes for a successor. If you don’t speak up, he won’t know what you’re thinking. I believe this is a good path. In the future, if you want to protect your brothers in the Jinyiwei, using the name of the second son of the Huo family will save you a lot of trouble.”
There was a long silence after these words.
Huo Xian glanced at the unmoving shadow outside the door, a hint of a smile on his lips before he said, “Does Master want me to stay with the Huo family?”
He paused and added, “You should ask your precious disciple about that.”
Lou Panshun was instantly bewildered. What did this have to do with Luo’er?
Ji Yuluo, listening for a while, realized that Lou Panshun was acting as an intermediary for the Marquis of Xuanping. She couldn’t help but frown.
Shen Qingli had asked why she was in such a hurry to leave. Wasn’t it because of the annoying Marquis of Xuanping? He had ignored Huo Xian for so long, but now he showed up frequently, claiming to “pass by.” Who knew if Huo Xian might eventually be swayed by his words? To avoid complications, she had to leave early.
Ji Yuluo pushed open the door, ignoring Lou Panshun’s surprised expression, and said, “No.”
Lou Panshun hadn’t even asked why she was there when her unexpected words confused him, “What?”
Huo Xian shifted his sitting position, suppressing a laugh with his fist against his lips.
He then discreetly took a sip of tea.
Ji Yuluo looked at Lou Panshun and said, “I brought him back from Dongxiang County. Only I can decide where he goes in the future. If the Marquis wants to take advantage now, he must seek my opinion first. Master, please relay this to the Marquis: I will be taking him away soon, so he should stop hoping for anything and refrain from ‘passing by’ here anymore.”
Having said this, Ji Yuluo drew aside the curtain and entered the inner chamber.
Lou Panshun was left stunned by her words, forgetting that she had entered the inner chamber. He could only think about how domineering his young disciple had become. People weren’t objects; how could anyone claim ownership over another person?
Before he could make sense of it, Huo Xian stood up and said, “Nanyue, it’s slippery in the rain. Escort Master back.”
Lou Panshun, still bewildered, was led away.
Huo Xian entered the inner chamber.
Ji Yuluo was standing by the bed, holding the broken shackles. She spoke with a displeased tone, “You—”
Before she could finish, Huo Xian yanked the remaining chain, pulling her straight into his chest.
Her chin was grasped and lifted, and his warm lips descended onto hers.
Their lips and teeth mingled, and her previously tense body softened instantly.
Since their time in Dongxiang County, Ji Yuluo had remained distant and reserved. Already a person of few words, she now spoke even less.
Huo Xian knew why she was upset. He could easily envelop her in his arms. Lowering his head, he asked, “After all this time, are you still angry?”
Ji Yuluo steadied her breath, looking at him impassively.
Huo Xian found her expression adorable.
He nuzzled her, his nose brushing against the fine hairs on her face, causing her to tilt her head and lean back to avoid him.
With a hint of a smile in his eyes, he pleaded, “Please forgive me.”
Ji Yuluo suddenly felt a cold sensation on her wrist and looked down to see Huo Xian wrapping the other end of the shackle around her hand.
His tender kisses fell upon her, and she heard him murmur softly, “Ji Yuluo…”
“I love you so much.”
(The end of the main text)
Author’s Note: I originally intended to continue the story after they left the capital, but it feels just right to end it here. So, this concludes the main text of the novel.
I apologize again; this novel is quite different from my previous works, both in terms of character design and plot. It’s not my forte, and writing it felt challenging and awkward at times. This has been my longest-running serial novel with the most irregular updates. Thank you to everyone who stuck with it. I’ll strive to do better with my next work and be more consistent.
Translator’s Note: There are still extras!
