Chapter 019 The Final Letter of Grandfather Wen

Chapter 019 The Final Letter of Grandfather Wen

Fu Jiaze chose to come tonight to express his intention to marry for another reason: the efficient work of the Jinyiwei had uncovered a letter written by Grandfather Wen to his deceased wife many years ago.

This letter was hidden in a small box. Grandfather Wen had originally intended to burn it for his late wife, but due to his illness, he never made it to her grave. Instead, he buried it under the wutong tree in the old residence, which his wife had planted when she married him.

During this thorough investigation by the Jinyiwei, they unearthed this letter. According to the date inside, it was written after the concubine document and served as Grandfather Wen's final testament. This letter would be the key evidence against Lin Yi.

What Fu Jiaze brought was a copy made by the Jinyiwei; the original letter was stored with them.

Grandfather Wen wrote clearly in the letter that his former student, Lin Yi, being unmarried, sought to marry his daughter Wen Hui, allowing him to fulfill his last wish.

Lin Yingxue couldn't help but look at Fu Jiaze upon reading this.

Fu Jiaze nodded slightly. "Just this sentence alone is enough to prove that Minister Lin deceived Wen Hui."

Lin Yingxue continued reading the letter.

The letter contained extensive praise from Grandfather Wen about Lin Yi. He described how diligent Lin Yi was during his studies, willing to go to great lengths to excel, eventually earning a place on the imperial examination list.

Grandfather Wen admired Lin Yi's resilience and believed he would treat Wen Hui well, giving his wife peace in the afterlife. Lin Yi had also promised him that he would never take a concubine.

"I can see that Lin Yi has always cherished our Hui'er. It's wonderful that they were destined to be together. Yunniang, you can rest assured that our Hui'er will have a husband who truly loves her. Neither poverty nor wealth will separate them."

"God always gives me good fortune at crucial moments. I met you when I was young, had Hui'er at the right time, and because I thought Lin Yi had great talent, I waived his tuition fees. I remember he once knelt down and vowed to repay me. Now, he fulfills that promise, and I believe he will be devoted to our Hui'er. Our Hui'er deserves the best man in the world!"

"It's a pity I won't see their children, but it doesn't matter. If they have children, Lin Yi will bring Hui'er to our graves to share the good news."

Tears fell from Lin Yingxue's eyes. Afraid of wetting the letter, she quickly held it higher. Before she could fetch a handkerchief, Fu Jiaze handed one to her.

"Thank you," Lin Yingxue said, wiping away her tears.

Looking at the tear stains, she added, "I'll wash it and return it next time."

"Sure."

Lin Yingxue had never met her grandfather, but reading the letter, she could feel his deep love for his wife and his affection for his daughter Wen Hui.

He was grateful to encounter his former student before his death, while Lin Yi had deceived his benefactor. How would her mother Wen Hui feel if she read this letter?

To some extent, this letter alleviated her guilt towards Lin Yi.

First, Fu Jiaze allowed Lin Yingxue to vent her emotions, and now he showed her this letter. Seeing her face relax, he gently patted her head.

"Feeling better?"

Lin Yingxue replied, "A little better, but also not quite."

She felt less guilty towards Lin Yi but pitied her grandfather whom she had never met. If her mother saw this letter, she would likely be even more distressed.

"If we obtain the concubine release document, your mother can explain to your grandfather. He would be relieved. Everything has passed."

Holding the letter close, Lin Yingxue nodded at Fu Jiaze through her tears.

Fu Jiaze added, "The Fourth Prince is eager to review this case, but since Lady Wen's voice hasn't recovered, the trial won't happen soon. However, the content of this letter will spread within two days."

Lin Yingxue wondered, "Did Lord Fu spread it?"

Fu Jiaze confirmed, "Yes, I needed to use my uncle's people. When I first asked you, you said you wanted Minister Lin to release the concubine, and public support would make it easier."

Lin Yingxue suddenly remembered Fu Jiaze mentioning his proposal, likely using the same method.

Seeing her expression, Fu Jiaze chuckled. "Yes, I said I would find a way to make the proposal successful, using this method. Everyone expects Minister Lin to act fairly, and he must do so regarding your marriage too."

"How do you always know what I'm going to say?" Lin Yingxue couldn't help asking.

Fu Jiaze explained, "First, you're easy to understand. When you have doubts but don't dare ask, you always fidget with the palace belt around your waist."

Lin Yingxue realized she was doing just that and hastily let go, feeling awkward and unsure where to put her hands.

Fu Jiaze suggested, "If you want to avoid this, simply clasp your hands lightly in your sleeves and lower your gaze. Others won't easily discern your emotions."

Following his advice, Lin Yingxue felt more composed.

"Also, my mother was a merchant, and I helped her observe various people. Unless someone is trained like the Jinyiwei, I can usually guess their thoughts."

Lin Yingxue was surprised, and Fu Jiaze smiled. "It's getting late. I can teach you these observation skills after we're married."

Hearing the word "married," Lin Yingxue's mouth opened and closed, unable to refuse. She blushed and nodded.

Finding her adorable, Fu Jiaze couldn't resist bending down to pat her head. "I really should return to the city."

"But there's a curfew. Can you get back?"

Fu Jiaze waved his Jinyiwei token. "I can use this to enter the city."

Lin Yingxue took the letter, knowing she couldn't give it to her mother tonight. She couldn't explain its origin. She waited until the next day to give it to her.

Wen Hui was initially sorting incense when she heard about the letter. Her smile faded.

"Mama, this letter proves he deceived you about taking a concubine," Lin Yingxue whispered.

Wen Hui nodded, opening the final letter from her father.

Lin Yingxue, who had never met her grandfather, could feel his love for his late wife and joy in entrusting his daughter. How must Wen Hui feel upon reading this?

Worried about damaging her voice, Wen Hui silently wept, large tears falling as she tried to wipe them away, but they wouldn't stop.

How could Lin Yi betray her father, who treated him so kindly?

After calming down, Wen Hui's eyes were still red and sore. She picked up her brush and wrote, "Has the Fourth Prince mentioned when the trial will take place?"

Lin Yingxue replied, "We need to wait until your voice recovers."

Wen Hui took a deep breath. She had some questions about why she hadn't received any messages from the Fourth Prince's men, but she forgot them now. Her mind was focused on one thing: she needed to recover quickly and be released as a concubine.

Only then could she go to her father's grave and tell him and her mother that she had regained her freedom and was no longer Lin Yi's concubine.

/

While Lin Yingxue was talking with Wen Hui, Fu Jiaze knocked on the door of a guest room at the inn.

Fu Wanan, who had been rubbing her eyes, brightened up upon seeing Fu Jiaze. "Brother!"

She joyfully called out to him, intending to rush into his arms, but upon hearing him cough, she refrained from hugging him and instead circled around him.

Fu Heng raised an eyebrow. "You must have met Miss Lin the Second, which is why you know I'm in the city."

Fu Jiaze bowed to Fu Heng and nodded. "Nothing can be hidden from Mother."

Fu Wanan had already started eating some pastries. Fu Heng said to Fu Jiaze, "It seems you've been doing well in the capital; you've gained some weight. You're also about to get married soon. However, first you were engaged to Miss Lin the Elder, and now it's Miss Lin the Second. This change might cause quite a stir. Do you like Miss Lin the Second that much?"

Fu Heng rarely saw her adopted son, who always had everything under control, showing any embarrassment. She chuckled lightly, only to be countered swiftly.

"Mother, I've been taken care of so well because Uncle has been secretly looking after me. As far as I know, Uncle hopes for you to come to the capital. When do you plan to see him?"

Fu Heng's lips twitched. "A bit later perhaps."

Fu Jiaze took out a token from his waist. "Uncle oversees the Jinyiwei. If I'm here, he'll likely hear about it within a few hours."

Fu Wanan, who had been peacefully eating her pastries, reached out to grab the token when Fu Jiaze showed it.

Fu Jiaze casually handed the token to his sister. "It belongs to Brother Qin. Give it back to him later."

Fu Heng noticed it was a Jinyiwei thousand-commander's token inscribed with Qin Yuanting's name.

"Is this the adopted son you mentioned in your letter?"

Fu Jiaze nodded.

Fu Heng sighed. "When will Uncle Fu Bin leave the palace and return home? Once he's out, I'll go see him."

"Uncle should be leaving the palace in about half an hour."

Fu Heng was lost in thought for a moment before saying, "Let's go then, and wait for him at his residence."