Chapter 22: Approach

Chapter 22: Drawing Closer

Though a tremor of unease ran through Xin He, with Wei Mingjin already here, she couldn't possibly avoid him.

"Please escort the young master to the hall to wait. I'll change and be right there."

Qiong Hua murmured her assent and went to instruct the young maids, while Xin He drew back the bed curtains, rose from her bed, and began to change and freshen up.

By the time Xin He reached the hall, a full half-hour had passed.

The setting sun dipped slowly in the west, its lingering light bathing the courtyard. As Xin He approached the doorway, she saw Wei Mingjin seated alone in the hall, idly turning a celadon teacup between his fingers, his expression deep and unreadable, lost in thought.

Xin He paused, and Wei Mingjin, from within the hall, seemed to sense her presence. He snapped out of his reverie, lifting his gaze to meet hers: "Aunt is here."

Xin He acknowledged him with a soft sound, gathered her skirts, and stepped over the threshold.

The hall, too, was now imbued with a faint, dusky glow. After taking her seat, Xin He asked with a touch of concern in her eyes, "Has something troubled you, young master?"

"Nothing worth mentioning, merely some trivial matters from the shop. Aunt need not worry."

Since Wei Mingjin had previously dismissed Manager Liu from the prosperous shop in the east of the city, the other managers had all fallen into line. Yet, in the world of commerce, beyond managing one's own shopkeepers, it was also essential to cultivate and navigate relationships with peers and allied merchants.

The urgent visit from the shop's people today was due to an issue with a recent shipment of goods.

Xin He was unaware of the specifics, but hearing Wei Mingjin's words, she gently offered comfort: "The young master is naturally gifted and intelligent. Since they are but trivial matters, I trust you will handle them with ease."

She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with unwavering confidence and trust.

Wei Mingjin found this quite amusing.

The very person who had planned to flee that morning was now seated before him, weaving sweet words.

Wei Mingjin slowly smiled, nodding his head. "I shall certainly not betray your trust. I notice Aunt looks a little pale. Is your health unwell?"

"Thank you for your concern, young master. I am not unwell. Rather, the young master must also take care of his health. Now that the master is gone, this child and I rely entirely on you."

The lingering rays of the setting sun cast a soft glow upon Xin He’s cheek, as smooth and lustrous as jade. Her neck was slender, her demeanor gentle and yielding, like a delicate vine with no support, trembling as it reached out, seeking his protection.

But Wei Mingjin suddenly recalled how she had similarly beguiled and deceived Zhou Shuisheng the previous night.

A flicker of mischief danced in his eyes, and he played along with her words: "That is only natural. As long as Aunt does not commit any wrongdoing, I will certainly protect Aunt and this child without worry."

The phrase "commit any wrongdoing" pierced Xin He's heart like a needle.

Xin He abruptly clenched her handkerchief, yet dared not betray any emotion on her face. She maintained her delicate smile: "The young master jests. I am but a frail woman who rarely even leaves the house. How could I possibly commit any wrongdoing?"

Wei Mingjin remained silent, merely gazing at her with a knowing smile.

The sun had fully set, and the light in the hall faded into deepening shadows. As night descended, Wei Mingjin, clad in robes the color of frost, sat there. Though his face was as handsome as jade, it inexplicably filled Xin He with a chilling dread.

It was as if she faced a malevolent spirit cloaked in human skin.

And this malevolent spirit could pierce through hearts; he knew she had killed someone last night behind the Buddhist temple.

As this thought sprang forth, Xin He felt her heart pound like a drum, and she could barely maintain the smile on her face.

But the very next instant, Wei Mingjin’s casual remark dispelled Xin He’s terror.

"I was merely speaking offhand. Aunt need not take it to heart."

Xin He felt like a prisoner on the execution ground, on the verge of execution, who, just as the blade was about to fall, heard the imperial pardon.

The fearful and uneasy heart in Xin He’s chest suddenly trembled. She struggled to force out a wan smile, but found herself utterly unable to do so.

Wei Mingjin, however, rose unhurriedly: "It is getting late. I shall not disturb Aunt’s rest any longer."

"Farewell, young master." Xin He instinctively rose as well, then instructed Qiong Hua, "See the young master out personally."

Qiong Hua acknowledged and escorted Wei Mingjin out.

Once Wei Mingjin’s figure vanished from her sight, Xin He’s legs gave way, and she sank back into the armchair. Her sleeve accidentally brushed against the teacup on the table, tipping it over and spilling tea all over her sleeve.

The composure Xin He had feigned earlier crumbled in that moment, revealing the raw fear and unease beneath.

Did Wei Mingjin know something?

Otherwise, why would he suddenly bring up committing wrongdoing, and look at her with such an all-knowing gaze?

But if he knew, he should have immediately handed her over to the authorities. Why did he act as if nothing had happened?

Xin He couldn’t fathom it, but soon she had no leisure to ponder it—

Because that night, she was suddenly seized by excruciating abdominal pain.

After the physician examined her pulse, his expression turned grave as he told her: "Last time when Aunt caught a cold, I advised you to relax and rest well. But clearly, Aunt has not followed that advice."

Xin He guiltily lowered her eyes.

She, too, wished to relax and rest well, but she found herself unable to.

Seeing her demeanor, the physician sighed: "Although Aunt is now more than three months pregnant, if you still refuse to heed this old man’s advice, this child may not survive."

Xin He abruptly looked up, her expression instantly turning urgent.

"Physician, please, I beg you, you must help me protect this child."

This child might be her lifeline; it absolutely could not come to harm.

"Aunt, please calm yourself." The physician reassured Xin He, "What I spoke of is merely the worst-case scenario. From this day forward, if Aunt rests well and refrains from excessive joy, grief, or anxiety, this child will be safe."

Hearing this, Xin He finally felt relieved: "Very well, thank you, physician. I will."

After offering a few more instructions, the physician shouldered his medical kit and departed.

The cold moon hung silently, and frost covered the ground. Beneath the swaying lantern in the corridor, a tall figure stood with hands tucked into his sleeves, gazing up at the moon.

The physician approached and reiterated the details of Xin He’s condition.

Wei Mingjin nodded: "Thank you for making this late-night trip, Physician Wu."

Physician Wu bowed with clasped hands, then shouldered his medical kit and left.

Due to Xin He’s sudden abdominal pain, Cuiwei Court was now brightly lit, with all servants waiting in the courtyard for orders.

Since Xin He was now out of immediate danger, Wei Mingjin said: "Leave two people to guard Aunt. If anything happens, report to me at any time. The others may return to rest."

Everyone assented and watched as Wei Mingjin departed.

As soon as they were out of Cuiwei Court, Feng Mo spoke: "Young master, this Aunt Xin and the child in her womb must not be allowed to remain."

Once this child is born, it will become leverage against Wei Mingjin. It's better to seize this opportunity to eliminate it.

Wei Mingjin cast a sidelong glance at Feng Mo with a faint smile. "Alright, then you go and eliminate them."

Feng Mo was overjoyed and was about to agree when he suddenly caught the chilling coldness in Wei Mingjin's eyes. In an instant, he realized Wei Mingjin was speaking sarcastically.

"I apologize for my mistake," Feng Mo immediately admitted his fault.

"Everyone in Cuiwei Court is exhausted from all the commotion. You stand guard here tonight," Wei Mingjin remarked offhandedly before turning and leaving with his hands clasped behind his back.

The night was piercingly cold, and standing guard all night wouldn’t be life-threatening, but it would certainly be an ordeal.

Feng Mo dared not disobey Wei Mingjin’s order and could only dutifully stand outside Cuiwei Court like a guardian statue.

As Wei Mingjin turned to leave, a flash of disappointment crossed his eyes.

The person who, in a panicked state last night, managed to stab Zhou Shuisheng in the abdomen, actually had such little courage now.

Tch, how dull.

Meanwhile, Xin He, pale, leaned against a plush pillow, her hand gently resting on her abdomen.

She was just three months into her pregnancy, but due to her slender figure, the pregnancy didn’t show when she was dressed. Now, wearing only a thin sleeping robe, she could feel the gentle swell of her belly.

Most of the lamps in the room had been extinguished, leaving only the one by the window.

The lamplight filtered through the gauze curtains, casting a soft glow upon Xin He’s brows and eyes.

Before, she had wanted nothing more than to get rid of this child, but now she was determined to protect it.

Even if Wei Mingjin knew about last night’s events, as long as he hadn’t handed her over to the authorities, she still had a chance.

Rather than living in constant fear, it was better to strive for self-preservation before the blade falls, to fight for a chance to reverse her fortunes.

The next day, after breakfast, Wei Mingjin lingered in the courtyard for a while before seating himself at his desk in the study to paint.

As he was still observing filial mourning, he couldn’t go out for feasting or amusement, so he passed the time with these activities.

Before he could finish a painting, a servant reported from outside the door, "Young Master, Aunt Xin is here."

A trace of surprise flickered across Wei Mingjin’s face.

Yesterday, he had only teased her briefly, and she had been so frightened that she suffered abdominal pain all night. He had thought she would pretend to be ill to avoid him for a while, but instead, she had come to seek him out.

This was unexpected.

"Invite her in," Wei Mingjin said idly, not moving from his spot.

The servant acknowledged and left.

Soon, the felt door curtain rustled softly, and Wei Mingjin looked up to see Xin He enter.

Today, she wore an ivory-white embroidered aoqun with yellow plum blossoms, her shoulders delicate as willow branches, her cloud-like hair adorned with floral pins. Her face, as small as a palm, still bore traces of illness, making her appear even more fragile.

"Aunt, you are still unwell. If you needed something, you could have sent someone to call me over. Why come yourself?" Wei Mingjin quickly set down his brush and stood up, affecting an air of deep concern.

Xin He smiled softly. "Thank you for your concern, Young Master. I am feeling much better this morning. Last night, my sudden ailment disturbed you, and I felt terribly sorry, so I had the kitchen prepare some delicacies to bring you."

As soon as she finished speaking, Qiong Hua behind her took two plates of pastries from a food box and offered them up.

"I didn’t know what you liked, so I had them make whatever they could. Please taste them and see if they are to your liking."

Wei Mingjin’s gaze fell on the two plates of pastries.

One plate of taro paste cakes, one plate of jade-steamed pastries.

His lips tightened abruptly, and his eyes grew inscrutable.

Xin He’s heart clenched nervously. "Do these pastries not please you?"

"Not at all," Wei Mingjin said, the darkness in his eyes disappearing in an instant as a smile played on his lips. "Aunt is very thoughtful."

Xin He still felt uneasy. It wasn’t until she saw Wei Mingjin slowly begin to eat the pastries that she quietly relaxed and let her gaze subtly wander around.

This was her first time in Wei Mingjin’s study.

Aside from a desk, a daybed, and two rows of chairs for receiving guests, the room was filled with bookshelves, all densely packed with books.

After Wei Mingjin had some tea, Xin He asked, "Have you read all these books, Young Master?"

Wei Mingjin acknowledged with a hum.

"Young Master is truly remarkable."

As she said this, Xin He’s eyes widened slightly, her eyes filled with obvious astonishment. Clearly, her words were not meant to deceive or flatter but were sincere admiration.

"Young Master has read so many books, no wonder people outside say you are the reincarnation of the Literary Star! But it must have been quite an effort to read so many books, right?"

Meeting Xin He’s gaze, which held a hidden trace of pity, Wei Mingjin guessed almost instantly what she intended to do next.

A teasing glint appeared in Wei Mingjin’s eyes as he said leisurely, "It wasn’t too bad. I have some talent for studying—I can remember things after just one read."

Xin He: "..."

It seemed it was her own understanding that was lacking.

"Then it seems Young Master truly is the reincarnation of the Literary Star," Xin He flattered before hesitantly adding, "Actually, I came today for another matter."

"Aunt, feel free to speak."

"Since I was young, I’ve admired those who could read and write. But as you know, Young Master, I was raised in my uncle’s household. Having enough to eat and wear was already a luxury, let alone learning to read and write."

Wei Mingjin already understood what Xin He wanted to say. "Aunt wants me to teach you to read and write?"

"Young Master is the reincarnation of the Literary Star. I would never dare hope for you to condescend to teach me. If you could simply recommend a few beginner books for children, I would be endlessly grateful."

"That’s no trouble at all. Please wait a moment, Aunt." Wei Mingjin stood and walked to the innermost section of a bookshelf, pulling out two books from the bottom.

"These are the books I used when I first began learning to read. If you don’t mind, you may take them back to study."

Xin He accepted them as if they were priceless treasures, then lifted her soft, flower-like face. "If there’s anything I don’t understand, may I come to ask you, Young Master?"

It was a fine day today, with a gentle breeze and bright sunshine.

Sunlight streamed through the open doors and windows, casting dappled golden light throughout the study.

And now, Xin He stood right in the center of that dappled light. She was slender and fragile, with dark brows and fair skin, looking up at him slightly, her eyes like clear autumn pools filled with an admiration and hope that made it hard to refuse.

Yet, Wei Mingjin saw through her little ploy at a glance.