Chapter 39

Chapter 39

In the late hours of the night, the Imperial Hall of Heavenly Praise was brightly illuminated.

The Minister of Justice, Xiao Yu, and the Junior Magistrate of the Supreme Court, Liu Yue, presented their overnight interrogation records to the emperor.

After flipping through a few pages, the emperor set them aside.

Half an hour earlier, the Imperial Guards and the East Factory had already given the emperor a detailed account of the situation at Qingshan Temple. The emperor had a general understanding of Xun Yunhe's predicament.

It was hard to believe that such an extraordinary and rare incident would happen to Xun Yunhe.

Dressed in white, Xun Yunhe knelt alone in the hall, his slender back slightly bowed. His hands were on the ground, with a neatly folded First Rank Mandarin Robe adorned with a crane pattern and a black hat with a wide brim beside him.

With his eyebrows lowered and a detached expression, Xun Yunhe said, "Your Majesty, I have no face to stand in the court anymore. Please strip me of all my official ranks and punish me according to the law."

The emperor's brows nearly formed a deep frown. He asked Xiao Yu and Liu Yue, who stood behind Xun Yunhe, "What do the Three Censorates say?"

Liu Yue kept his gaze lowered, remaining silent.

Xiao Yu bowed first and replied, "Your Majesty, I have verified all the testimonies, and can confirm that Minister Xun had no involvement in allowing his concubine to commit heinous acts. He was also deceived and suffered from it."

Before Xiao Yu could finish, Xun Yunhe interjected with a calm voice,

"Your Majesty, I confess to my negligence."

The emperor looked at Xiao Yu and asked, "Does Minister Xun truly bear guilt?"

Xiao Yu answered, " Reporting to Your Majesty, according to the laws of the Great Jin, if one is a victim themselves, they can be exempted from the charge of negligence. Therefore, Minister Xun is innocent."

The emperor let out a slow breath, gently moved the jade paperweight pressing on the testimonies, and found himself in a dilemma.

Xun Yunhe had gained fame across the land upon his first arrival in the capital with his composition, "The Ode to Mountain Yang." That very night, the poem was delivered to the emperor, a thousand-character masterpiece filled with references and witty phrases, written with a sharp yet gentle pen. The emperor was highly impressed and thus remembered Xun Yunhe's name. True to expectations, Xun Yunhe ranked first in the imperial examination the following year.

On the day of the palace examination, the emperor posed a question on the spot. Xun Yunhe answered confidently and eloquently, demonstrating the talent worthy of the top rank. However, to humble him, the emperor named him the third laureate instead of the champion. That same year, he entered the Hanlin Academy as a compiler. While others typically served at least two years in this position, Xun Yunhe did not. When a major case erupted in the south, with the fish scale maps of Nanjing's Xuanwu Lake burned, a case that implicated local officials, landlords, and merchants, no one dared to take it on. Xun Yunhe volunteered, a young man in his early twenties, wielding the emperor's imperial sword, and went south to challenge the powerful. With youthful passion, he spent three years remeasuring the lands and restoring the maps, securing the foundation of the Ministry of Revenue and the court's taxation in the south.

From then on, the emperor recognized Xun Yunhe's potential as a prime ministerial candidate and nurtured him carefully. Whenever there were tough issues in the two capitals and thirteen provinces, they were entrusted to Xun Yunhe. It was through these challenges that he was shaped into a young prime minister.

It was well-known throughout the court that the emperor had an extraordinary fondness for Xun Yunhe. His simplicity and proximity to the emperor's heart were one reason, but more importantly, Xun Yunhe possessed a unique quality that set him apart from other court officials. He was adaptable without being cunning, experienced without being overly ruthless. He restrained himself and adhered to propriety, embodying the virtues of a true gentleman. Everywhere he went, a hint of compassion could be seen in his eyes, as if he were born to serve the court and the people of the world, devoid of the ambitions for power and status found in others.

In entrusting him with the position of chief counselor, the emperor had no fear that Xun Yunhe would collude with other officials or princes. Believing that the court would be secure under Xun Yunhe's stewardship for at least twenty years, the emperor felt reassured that he could pass on, leaving behind a reputation for selecting capable men.

Yet, just at this crucial moment, trouble arose for Xun Yunhe.

The woman he had casually chosen turned out to be Xun Yunhe's legitimate daughter. The emperor felt as if heaven had slapped him hard, and he chuckled wryly while holding the confession.

Certainly, he could take advantage of the situation to remove Xun Yunhe from his position as chief counselor. However, the problem was that the Ministry of Personnel had been involved in selling ranks and titles, corrupting the political climate. The newly launched reform to cleanse the bureaucracy was still in its infancy. Changing leadership now would surely doom the initiative. Furthermore, Xun Yunhe had controlled the Ministry of Finance for three years, and the salt coupons for grain exchange policy still needed to be implemented. The cabinet had recently undergone a major reshuffle, and further upheaval would not be advisable.

The emperor mentally reviewed the other cabinet ministers. Shi Zhuo had prestige and eloquence but lacked the administrative prowess of Xun Yunhe. Elder Minister Zheng was a mediator, useful for balancing the different departments and resolving conflicts within the court. The Minister of Finance had been convalescing for half a year and was still adjusting to his role. As for the Minister of War, he was a man of action but did not possess the same influence or tactics as Xun Yunhe.

All these years of favoritism had now become a hindrance.

The emperor rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

After only a moment of hesitation, the emperor made a resolute decision.

Even if Xun Yunhe were to be replaced, it wouldn't be at this moment.

With this leverage in hand, it would be easy to control Xun Yunhe.

Upon this realization, the emperor's spirits lifted. He rose from his seat and strolled over to stand beside Xun Yunhe with his hands clasped behind his back. "Minister Xun, rise."

Xun Yunhe slowly bent his knees, lowering his gaze as he stood before the emperor, his eyes dark and lifeless.

The emperor sighed. "This is not your fault."

Pain flickered in Xun Yunhe's eyes. "I failed to recognize the true character of others, abandoning my wife and daughter. My crime cannot be forgiven."

The emperor shook his head. "You were a victim of someone else's scheme; it was not your intention," he said, noticing Xun Yunhe's attempt to argue. "If I say you're innocent, then you are innocent."

It was hard for Xun Yunhe to fathom that the emperor would insist on keeping him in his service at such a time. Taking a step back, he bowed. "Your Majesty, as an official of Great Jin and a student of the Son of Heaven, if I cannot discipline myself or maintain harmony within my family, how can I govern the realm? If Your Majesty allows me to remain in office, the people will believe you have misjudged me. I humbly request that you dismiss me, lest my actions taint your esteemed reputation."

It was clear that Xun Yunhe was determined to leave the court.

The emperor had convinced himself with great effort, only to have his temper ignited by these words. He immediately rebuked,

"Your reputation surpasses the court and the people? Your pride is more important than my realm? You have studied the wisdom of sages, so you should understand that true gentlemen do not linger on trivial matters. Scram back and serve me."

Xun Yunhe's throat tightened, and he stood still, unable to move.

The emperor clearly did not wish for further upheaval in the court and reluctantly decided to keep him for now.

Seeing that Xun Yunhe no longer argued, the emperor's anger subsided. He strolled slowly in front of Xun Yunhe, turned his head, and asked,

"When you changed your name and came to the capital, was it at your father-in-law's request?"

Xun Yunhe did not hide the truth. "Yes, he feared that my actions would bring disaster upon my wife and daughter."

The emperor nodded, studying Xun Yunhe once more. Despite being over forty, Xun Yunhe still had an attractive appearance and elegant demeanor. His talent and looks had made him famous when he first arrived in the capital, and many had sought him out. It was understandable that his anxious father-in-law had concerns, though his actions were rather ruthless in separating the family of three.

"And your father-in-law?"

Xun Yunhe had already inquired about this during his journey back and replied with a heavy heart, "He lost his life three years ago after falling off a cliff."

"Oh…" The emperor acknowledged this but did not press further. Observing that Xun Yunhe was deeply affected and exhausted, he waved his hand. "Go rest for now. Return to your duties as usual tomorrow."

Xun Yunhe had nothing more to say and bowed his way out.

Once he left, the emperor dismissed Xiao Yu and turned to Liu Yue, asking,

"Where's Heng'er?"

Liu Yue glanced softly at the emperor. "Your Majesty, the Duke was concerned for his Duchess and has sent her back to their residence first. He mentioned that he would come to the palace later to apologize."

The emperor was playing with a wolf-hair brush when he heard this and lifted his gaze to look at Liu Yue. "Hm? Apologize?"

Liu Yue then knelt down before the emperor. "Your Majesty, today's events, from the petitioning at the Drum Tower to the case of Qingshan Temple, were all manipulated by the Duchess in an attempt to seek revenge."

Liu Yue knew very well that these words would eventually reach the emperor's ears through the Jinyiwei and the Dongchang Factory. It was better for him to speak up now, thus distancing himself from Pei Muheng and safely remaining in the court while also expressing his loyalty to the emperor.

Upon hearing this, the emperor's expression flickered slightly. "So Minister Xun was actually plotted against by his own daughter?"

A cold look appeared on Liu Yue's face. "Your Majesty, this subject believes that the Duchess is guilty of deceiving the monarch."

Before he could finish, Liu Xiwen, standing beside him, shouted at Liu Yue, "How dare you! The Duchess is a member of the royal family, while you're just a humble official. How can you defame her with ill intentions?"

The Emperor evidently approved of Liu Xiwen's words, his expression indifferent as he said, "Let this matter rest in your heart, do not speak of it to outsiders."

Just then, an imperial servant announced at the entrance, "Your Majesty, Prince Zhao Ming requests an audience."

This was none other than Pei Muheng's arrival.

A woman who dared to strike the Drum of Petition and personally handle her own father's affairs hardly needed Pei Muheng's escort. His presence was merely a deliberate attempt to avoid Xun Yunhe, to prevent implicating him in any way.

The Emperor perceived the situation clearly and dismissed Liu Yue, summoning Pei Muhang instead.

Upon entering the hall, Pei Muhang indeed immediately knelt down and bowed his head.

"I, your grandson, beg for mercy on behalf of my wife, Lady Xu. I implore Your Majesty to show compassion for her lonely and vulnerable state, and not hold her rash actions against her. I, as her spouse, am willing to bear all blame in her stead."

The Emperor regarded him with a mixture of emotions, tapping his fingers gently on the tabletop as he asked,

"Who was it that struck the Drum of Petition?"

A son should not speak ill of his father, yet Xu Yunqi's accusation against the Prime Minister has significantly impacted the political climate. The emperor is displeased.

Pei Muhang glanced at him slowly and replied, "It was an old nurse from Mother-in-law Zhang's side who came forward to plead for justice."

The emperor had no retort.

The reason for this delayed plea for justice is simple. Not long ago, Xun Yunhe hosted a birthday celebration, during which he likely unintentionally revealed something to Zhang. Filled with resentment, she then sent someone to beat the drum to seek justice. Coincidentally, Madam Xun also recognized Zhang. Their respective actions exposed their differing levels of cunning, and their characters were laid bare.

"The old Academician Ye must have raised such a daughter!" The emperor's face showed disdain. He then instructed Liu Xiwen, "Tell Xiao Yu to hold the Ye family accountable." Ye's actions have thoroughly tarnished her father's legacy and the reputation of the Ye family.

"Did you have prior knowledge of this matter?" The emperor sharply pierced Pei Muhang's heart with his question.

Pei Muhang wore a wry smile. "Grandson did not know."

The emperor didn't doubt him. With Pei Muhang's disposition, he wouldn't have made it public, leaving Xun Yunhe in an awkward position.

Upon reflection, the emperor couldn't help but feel some sympathy for his grandson.

"Your wife planned to confront her father without consulting you?"

Pei Muhang knelt straight, not deigning to respond to him.

The Emperor, seldom seeing his grandson suffer a setback, found his gloomy mood from the entire day instantly lifted. He rose to pat the boy's shoulder affectionately, then left with a boisterous laugh.

*

The emperor's failure to dismiss Xun Yunhe from his position as prime minister came as a surprise to Pei Muheng. Since the emperor has protected Xun Yunhe, the Xi Palace must now respond. Although the emperor hasn't shown much favor to the Xi Prince in recent years, he has granted him the authority to inspect the troops. Annually, the Xi Prince embarks on missions across the lands, soothing military morale and overseeing military affairs.

In the present situation, Prince Qin is secretly vying with the Twelfth Prince. Pei Muheng wishes to avoid being hastily thrown into the midst of their rivalry because of Xun Yunhe. The only way to ensure his own safety is to retreat strategically, thus Pei Muheng advised Prince Xi to surrender the patrol token.

Prince Xi followed suit, but that is a story for another time.

Upon returning to his residence, the slender figure of Xun Yunhe sank into a reclining chair and could not bring himself to rise again.

The old servant, holding a cup of tea before him, saw this and wept uncontrollably on his knees,

"Master, your heart is aching, and this old servant feels it as well. Now that Miss has refused to acknowledge you, and Lady has remarried, I understand your torment. But compared to their continued existence, nothing else truly matters, doesn't it? With the status and position you hold now, anything you desire can be easily obtained. Please, do not suffer so."

At these words, Xun Yunhe's eyes stung, and he turned his face aside.

The old servant, wiping away his tears, continued to look at him and said,

"For over a decade, there were always those envious of your favor with His Majesty. Yet, few knew that you were fearless in life and death, bearing every burden for the empire and earning great merits. Others might say you were thriving, but only this old servant understood that without your wife and Miss, the very spirit within you had faded, leaving you to immerse yourself day and night in imperial affairs."

"Now, Miss is just next door. With time on our side, there will come a day when father and daughter are reunited."

Xun Yunhe, moved by these words, sat up slightly straighter.

The old servant promptly offered him a bowl of ginseng soup, which Xun Yunhe drank before inquiring about Xun Nianxi's situation in prison.

The old servant wept again. "Young Master has sent word, expressing his willingness to atone for his mother's mistakes. He asks that you not worry about him."

"I've already prepared clothes and silver for him. He won't suffer in jail. Once the case is settled, I'll arrange for someone to escort him safely out of the capital."

Closing his eyes, Xun Yunhe remained silent.

*

While the Xun residence was eerily quiet and empty, the neighboring Hui Palace was bustling with activity.

The Hui Prince's Consort had run out of her medicinal oil, and without her daily massage, her headache was starting to resurface. Head Nurse Hao was troubled at night, contemplating how she would have to swallow her pride and ask Xu Yunqi for more oil tomorrow. Just then, a maid entered stealthily,

"Something has happened to the Princess Consort!"

Princess Xi, least of all, tolerated suspense, leaning on her couch with a stern expression. "Speak, what is it?"

Nanny Hao also hurriedly inquired, "Have Miss Fifth and the others returned?"

"Yes, indeed," the servant woman said with evident excitement, "Miss Fifth has just returned to the estate and happened upon Second Young Lady at the decorated gate, discussing the matter of Qingshan Temple. This old servant overheard their conversation – it turns out that there's a major development at Qingshan Temple today..."

She then proceeded to relate the important details to Princess Xi.

Upon learning that Lady Xun was merely a concubine who had climbed the ranks by orchestrating the death of her husband's original wife, Princess Xi was utterly stunned.

She despised women who demeaned themselves more than anything else. Recalling how she had once considered Lady Xun as a sister, she couldn't help but retch, expelling the dinner she had just consumed.

"How about... no, how about Xun Yunling? What's her situation?"

"What else could it be? She's just like her mother, a villain in disguise. I've heard she's currently imprisoned in the Tai Li Shi jail and will soon be sent to the imperial palace to serve her sentence."

Princess Xi's expression was far from pleasant. In the past, she had often held Xun Yunling close and called her darling. Now, the thought of it made her feel as if she had swallowed a fly, leaving a nauseating taste in her heart.

Madam Hao hastened to advise her, "Your Highness, please refrain from anger; this matter is truly not worth your indignation. Indeed, even the esteemed Lord Xun has been deceived by his own intimate confidante. To speak of it, Madam Ye is known for her gentle and amiable disposition, being of distinguished birth and holding an excellent reputation in the capital all these years. Who could have foreseen that she would prove so malicious behind closed doors?"

Princess Xi took two sips of tea, soothing her troubled heart.

The old woman continued, "But that's not the most crucial part, my lady. Do you know who the true legitimate eldest miss of the Xun estate is?"

Both Nurse Hao and Princess Xi were intrigued by her curiosity.

"Who is it? Speak up!"

The matron swallowed hard. "It's our Third Young Lady!"

Upon hearing this, the face of Princess Xi turned ashen, and the teacup in her hand slipped from her grasp with a startled gasp.

"Your Highness, Your Highness!"

Someone hurried to help her up while another assisted in wiping away the spilled water, causing a momentary flurry of chaos.

As Pei Mushan entered, she saw her mother sitting there like a statue, allowing the servants to help her change her clothes.

With a sense of schadenfreude, she strolled over and deliberately placed her face close to Princess Xi's, saying,

"Congratulations, Mother, my heartfelt felicitations! Your long-awaited alliance with Minister Xun is finally realized!"

Princess Xi shot her an annoyed glance.

Pei Mushan stuck out her tongue and sat down boldly in the seat that once belonged to her elder brother, feeling a sense of triumph on behalf of her sister-in-law. Then, she cleared her throat and began her performance.

She vividly recounted Xu Yunqi's actions to Princess Xi, and as she reached the end, she glanced sidelong at her mother,

"Mother, did you know? Sister-in-law is incredible. Minister Xun was in such agony that he wished to acknowledge her as his daughter right then and there."

"You won't believe what she did, huh? Heh, she didn't think Minister Xun was anything special. She was quite content being the daughter of a humble family, happily practicing medicine to help others."

Princess Xi, of course, knew that her daughter was mocking her in a subtle way. With a blank expression, she dismissed her,

"That's enough. You've had a busy day, go rest now."

Pei Mushan chuckled mischievously, not forgetting to ask as she left,

"Mother, do you still want a divorce with a daughter-in-law like that?"

Xihou Fei threw her a cushion in anger.

*

Xu Yunqi slept soundly that night, yet she kept hearing her grandfather's voice calling her from within the mist of her dreams. When she asked him who he was and what his name was, he refused to respond. Xu Yunqi woke up in a cold sweat.

A handkerchief was offered to her from the side, accompanied by a gentle question, "Did you have a nightmare?"

Xu Yunqi turned her gaze to meet his warm eyes and was momentarily stunned.

"Third Master, aren't you going to court?"

In the past, Pei Mushan had always left early and returned late, so Xu Yunqi had never woken up to find him lying beside her.

Seeing beads of sweat on her forehead, Pei Mushan personally wiped them away, "I took the day off today."

Xu Yunqi was initially dazed but gradually regained her composure.

Her actions yesterday must have made quite an impression on him, undoubtedly causing a significant disturbance.

"Have I implicated you?"

Pei Muhang felt rather conflicted. Although this matter had not been publicly announced, those who were supposed to know and those who weren't had already been informed. He had become Xun Yunhe's son-in-law, and the political landscape was abruptly shifting.

For the Xi Palace, whose ambition lies in winning the imperial succession, the support of the current prime minister is more than just a boost; it's like adding wings to a tiger.

Hearing his wife use the term "cause trouble for," Pei Muheng didn't know how to respond to her.

He gently stroked the wrinkles between her brows.

"The Emperor did not reprimand Minister Huan; he still retains his position as Chief Minister," Xu Yunqi informed her, slightly taken aback. It didn't concern her, so she simply acknowledged with an "oh" and didn't inquire further.

The couple entered the bathroom one after another to freshen up. Upon their exit, Chen nanny hurried in to relay the news, "Just now, someone from the Xu residence came, saying that Lady Yue from the maternal family has fallen ill."

Xu Yunqi's expression changed, and after hastily finishing her breakfast, she immediately set off for the Xu residence with Persimmon in tow.

Madam Zhang had been angered to the point of illness. She had been in a terrible state when she returned last night. Recalling the close relationship between Auntie Fatty and her, as well as the vivaciousness of Little Fatty, she wished nothing more than to cut Ye Shi into a thousand pieces. Her anger naturally shifted to Xun Yunhe. Just as her fury was rising, she remembered how he had been deceived for so many years – pitiful yet hateful. Madam Zhang let out a sorrowful laugh, a jumble of emotions churning in her heart until she felt empty inside, only a trace of confusion remaining.

Xu Yunqi took her pulse and prescribed a calming and nourishing remedy. "Have you told Father Xu about what happened last night?"

Lying on the couch with her eyes closed, Madam Zhang shook her head. "No, I don't know how to tell him."

Everyone in the city believed that Xun Yunhe and his wife and daughter were dead. Only a select few knew the truth, and with Xu Ke's rank in the court, he was not privy to such upper echelon secrets. However, it wouldn't be long before the truth reached his ears, perhaps within a few days at most.

Xu Yunqi spoke earnestly, "I advise you to tell him yourself before he confronts you about it. By doing so, he will understand that your heart is with this family, that you trust and rely on him. No amount of rumors from the outside world can shake your bond as husband and wife."

Madam Zhang's eyes fluttered. "You're right. He's gone to Tongzhou to oversee the canal project. When he returns, I'll tell him."

The reason Xu Yunqi hadn't informed Madam Zhang beforehand was twofold: one, she was afraid that Madam Zhang might lose her composure and reveal the secret, and two, she wanted her mother to witness Xun Yunhe's true nature with her own eyes.

However, she had underestimated the profound impact the revelation would have on her mother.

Despite being biological mother and daughter, their personalities were vastly different.

"Mother, one must look forward," she encouraged gently.

Madam Zhang took a deep breath and slowly propped herself up, leaning against a bolster with a weak smile on her face.

"You don't have to worry. I understand the situation."

Madam Zhang smiled wistfully. "It seems your grandfather had sharp eyesight. He always said that I was too gentle and should find a trustworthy man for a peaceful life. Initially, he wasn't in favor of this marriage."

Xu Yunqi replied helplessly, "He also didn't agree with you marrying Uncle Xu, but you didn't listen, did you?"

Madam Zhang's throat constricted. Back then, after she fell off the cliff, Xu Ke carried and supported her to rescue her from the mud. By common societal standards, they had a bond now. However, due to her disappointment caused by Xun Yu, she had no intention of marrying. Xu Ke, who had fallen for her at first sight and believed she had the appearance of a lucky wife, knelt down to propose.

The plague case in Xiushui Village drew the attention of the officials, and many Imperial Guards arrived in the county town. Father was very determined and took them south overnight. Xu Ke relentlessly pursued them, following all the way.

Somewhere along the journey, something happened, and Father disappeared for a while, entrusting her and Nannan to Xu Ke. Xu Ke took them back to his hometown, Honghu Lake. The Xu family were merchants and quite wealthy there. Xu Ke promised to provide a stable life for them. At first, the Xu family accepted Nannan, but she cried day and night, insisting on her father. With no other options, when she saw Father again, she handed Nannan over to him.

Thinking back now, everything seemed like a fleeting dream. When she heard Xun Yu's voice the previous night, she was stunned for a long time. Ultimately, things had changed.

"I miss your grandfather. Would you accompany me to pay our respects with an incense offering this afternoon?"

Madam Zhang had donated an ancestral tablet for her late father-in-law at the nearby Bai'an Temple and often paid her respects there. Xu Yunqi had always refused to believe that her maternal grandfather had truly passed away and thus had never visited. However, she agreed to go today, much to her mother's surprise.

After having lunch with her mother at the Xu residence and taking a brief rest, they set off for Bai'an Temple. Along the way, their youngest daughter, Xu Ruo, and youngest son, Xu Jing, rode alongside on horseback. Xu Ruo was mischievous and would tease her brother from time to time, but Xu Jing took it all in stride with a good-natured smile.

As they approached the temple, Xu Yunqi noticed a pharmacy nearby. Coincidentally, there were a few medicinal ingredients that the household needed, so she asked to alight,

"Mother, please take your siblings ahead. I'll join you shortly."

Madam Zhang consented. Soon, the carriage arrived at the entrance of Bai'an Temple. The temple was not large, but situated amidst a bustling marketplace, it attracted many visitors daily. As Madam Zhang was weak, Xu Jing offered to support his mother. Meanwhile, Xu Ruo had already skipped merrily inside, leading the way.

A modest carriage was parked a short distance away. Its curtains drew aside, revealing Xun Yunhe's thin face. A woman, dressed in a pale blue silk robe with a delicate hairstyle resembling a lily, stood afar. Her slender and graceful figure occasionally turned to exchange words with her son. When her familiar features flashed by, Xun Yunhe's heart twitched painfully, and his eyes reddened as if pricked by needles.

Just then, the light before his eyes dimmed as a figure stepped into his path.

Xun Yunhe lifted his gaze again, meeting Xu Yunqi's stare head-on.

Xun Yunhe was momentarily stunned. He couldn't wait to push aside the curtains and step down from the carriage. With unsteady steps, he approached Xu Yunqi.

It was just past noon, and the sun blazed hotly. The carriage was parked beneath a large locust tree beside Bai'an Temple.

Gazing at his daughter with utmost care, tenderness threatened to overflow from Xun Yunhe's eyes. He wanted to call out her name, but Xu Yunqi had already turned away.

Following her line of sight, their gazes coincidentally landed on Madam Zhang's profile in the distance.

Madam Zhang and her son were standing beneath a signboard, chatting amicably with a monk. Her entire face was clearly visible to Xun Yunhe.

She still smiled with a clear, gentle charm, radiating an innocent naivety about the ways of the world.

Fifteen years had passed, yet time seemed to have been kind to her features.

With a hoarse voice, Xun Yunhe asked, "Who is that young man?"

Xu Yunqi turned to look at him and replied,

"It's my younger brother."

Observing the young man's stature was similar to Nianxi's, Xun Yunhe's eyes narrowed. "How old is he?"

This time, Xu Yunqi's voice wavered slightly but he still answered without evasion, "Fourteen years old this year."

Upon hearing this, Xun Yunhe's expression changed, and his gaze swiftly returned, carrying a tangible sense of pressure.

"Fourteen years old?"

He couldn't believe it.

The midday sun filtered through the sparse leaves above, casting a flickering light on his fluctuating cheeks. His eyes were bloodshot, fixated intently on Xu Yunqi.

When the incident occurred in Xiushui Village, Yunqi was only four. If this young man was indeed fourteen, it meant that Qingniang had remarried to Xu Ke not long after, and given birth to a son a year later.

Xun Yunhe felt an immense pang of distress, instinctively blaming Qingniang, yet realizing he had no right to do so.

They all owed her an apology.

Xu Yunqi looked at him expressionlessly, pausing for a moment before he said, "It's all in the past. Don't dwell on it, and you don't have the right to either. Go back, don't disturb her anymore."

Xun Yunhe couldn't hear a single word, his face taut as if it would tear apart at any moment. He asked through gritted teeth, "Where were you then?"

Xu Yunqi looked at him helplessly, not responding.

Xun Yunhe, with her remarkable medical skills, had already guessed the answer.

His voice quivered as he spoke, "She left you in the countryside? The old master raised you these years?"

It was as if a knife was slicing into his heart, tearing his flesh and throwing it into a boiling pot...

Back then, Yunqi hadn't seen much of her maternal grandfather and wasn't familiar with him at all. He couldn't imagine how a small child, without parents, could survive alone with an elderly man.

Her temperament was so fiery and impulsive, and Old Master Zhang had a short temper; there was no way he would have the patience to soothe her.

He didn't even have the chance to teach her how to rinse her mouth...

Each meal was a struggle she had to be coaxed through...

How had she endured all this...

Regret pierced his heart like an arrow, leaving him gasping for breath.

He understood now. This girl before him, with her unassuming demeanor and tranquil gentleness, this girl who showed not a trace of her former self, had already given him the answer.

Xun Yunhe panted fiercely, his reddened eyes stained with blood.

"An An..."

"An An, give Father another chance..."

Time seemed to stand still at that moment. There was no one around them, only fragmented rays of light dancing across her face, yet failing to stir any emotion in her eyes.

Xu Yunqi spoke coolly, "A handkerchief, once it falls into the mud and is tainted, even if it's cleaned, would you use it again?"

Just as on their first encounter, her voice carried a gentle lilt, reminiscent of the misty rain of southern China.

Fifteen years of pent-up emotions rained down on Xun Yunhe's heart like a deluge, causing him to shut his eyes in agony.