Chapter 37: Snowy Night

Chapter 37: Snowy Night

Wei Jingyao was spewing a torrent of vulgar curses.

He had not had much schooling in his life, and due to his business dealings, he had mixed with every kind of person.

Usually, he held his tongue when talking to people, but today, having gained the upper hand, he said the most offensive things he could think of.

Xin He listened, trembling with fear, unable to resist stealing glances at Wei Mingjin.

Wei Mingjin’s gaze was lowered, making his feelings unreadable, but his expression remained remarkably calm.

It was as if Wei Jingyao’s curses were not directed at him.

Even though Wei Jingyao’s shouting was so loud, not one servant showed their face near the front hall. It was as if the vast Wei household consisted of only the three of them.

Only when Wei Jingyao grew tired of cursing and sat panting in the armchair did Wei Mingjin hand him a cup of tea: "Second Uncle, you must calm down."

Instead of calming down, Wei Jingyao angrily swatted the teacup away.

The tea splashed all over Wei Mingjin, but he didn't seem bothered and continued: "This matter is my fault, but now that Second Uncle knows, what do you plan to do?"

"Naturally, I will summon the clan elders and expose your scandal in front of them." Wei Jingyao was furious and determined to punish them severely.

Hearing this, Xin He’s expression instantly became panicked.

If this matter were brought before the clan elders, she did not know what punishment Wei Mingjin would face, but she would most likely be secretly executed.

Xin He instinctively wanted to speak, but Wei Mingjin did not give her the chance.

"Second Uncle, have you considered that if this matter is brought before the clan elders, it will only result in mutual destruction for both of us?"

Wei Jingyao glared at Wei Mingjin: "If this scandal is exposed, you will be the ones punished. What does it have to do with me?"

"If this matter is made public, my father’s estate will be confiscated as clan property and distributed according to the elders’ discussions. How much do you think will come your way, Second Uncle?" Wei Mingjin asked calmly.

Wei Jingyao paused, saying nothing.

He had not immediately publicized the matter after learning of it precisely for this reason.

Although his elder brother’s estate was substantial, if it passed through the hands of the clan, little would be left for him.

"I have already seen the error of my ways and am willing to offer all of my father’s estate to Second Uncle in exchange for your silence on this matter." As he spoke, Wei Mingjin bowed respectfully to Wei Jingyao.

Wei Jingyao’s eyes narrowed slightly.

This nephew was far more sensible than he had expected.

"The way you talk, it's as if I came here today to covet your father’s estate." Though he said this, Wei Jingyao did not reject Wei Mingjin’s proposal. Instead, he even used Wei Mingjin’s father as an excuse.

"Your father had only you, his son, and he always doted on you and placed great hopes in you. How could you commit such an immoral act! If your father’s spirit is watching from heaven, how heartbroken he must be."

When he heard the words "doted on you and placed great hopes in you," a faint trace of mockery flickered in Wei Mingjin’s eyes.

But he showed none of it on his face and even nodded in agreement: "Second Uncle is right. I have been unfilial. If Father’s spirit is watching, he must be deeply disappointed in me and would surely not wish to leave his hard-earned estate to me. Since Second Uncle is Father’s only remaining blood relative, he would undoubtedly want the estate to go to you."

Wei Mingjin had thoughtfully laid out the steps for him, so after putting on a show for a while, Wei Jingyao took the opportunity to agree.

Then, his gaze fell on Xin He: "You have always been upright and avoided romantic entanglements. It must have been this wanton woman who seduced you. How do you plan to deal with her?"

Xin He’s body tensed sharply.

In such scandals, women always suffered the most. She instinctively thought of the widow in her village who had been drowned in a pond.

Xin He looked pleadingly at Wei Mingjin, hoping he would save her for the sake of the child in her womb.

But Wei Mingjin did not look at her. He only said: "The entire clan knows she is over four months pregnant. If something were to happen to her now, it would inevitably raise suspicions and cause unnecessary trouble. Moreover, the child in her womb is my flesh and blood. Let her stay. This can also serve as evidence for Second Uncle. What do you think?"

Hearing this, Xin He’s tense body relaxed slightly.

Keeping Xin He and her child was more beneficial than harmful to Wei Jingyao, but for Wei Mingjin, it was the opposite. This nephew of his had a cunning mind—was there some trap here?

Wei Jingyao looked at Wei Mingjin with half-belief, as if trying to see through his expression to his true intentions.

Wei Mingjin smiled helplessly and explained: "First, Yiniang Xin is carrying my child, and I cannot abandon her. Second, I hope Second Uncle will see my sincerity and keep this matter completely confidential. I would be eternally grateful."

For these two reasons, Wei Jingyao found it reasonable.

After all, Wei Mingjin had already passed the provincial examination and, once his mourning period ended, would surely pass the imperial examination.

But if he publicized the scandal between Wei Mingjin and Xin He, no matter how talented Wei Mingjin was, he would never be allowed to take the imperial exams again.

Wei Jingyao thought for a moment and said: "I can promise to take this secret to my grave, but in addition to your father’s estate, you must also support my business and promote my son once you enter officialdom."

This was downright greedy.

Wei Mingjin looked up at Wei Jingyao, but Wei Jingyao, emboldened by the leverage he held, showed no fear.

After a moment of silent confrontation, Wei Mingjin yielded first: "Very well."

Once they reached an agreement, Wei Jingyao eagerly demanded that Wei Mingjin inventory Master Wei’s estate.

Wei Mingjin glanced at the sky outside: "I have entrusted Father’s estate to subordinates. To settle the accounts, we must gather the ledgers from all the shops. It’s too late to do so today. Tomorrow, I will summon the accountants, and we can inventory everything in your presence before handing it over. How does that sound?"

Wei Jingyao thought that since he held Wei Mingjin’s secret, Wei Mingjin would not dare deceive him.

Besides, there was no hurry.

Wei Jingyao agreed and left, brimming with satisfaction.

Only when the two of them were left in the hall did Xin He cautiously approach Wei Mingjin and ask: "Young Master, are you really going to give all of the master’s estate to Second Master?"

"I will handle this. You need not worry."

Outside, leaden clouds hung low, and a fierce wind raged, as if a heavy snow was approaching.

Though it was only late in the afternoon, the front hall was already dim. Wei Mingjin sat in the armchair, his eyes downcast and expression indifferent. The stain from the tea on his plain white robe was particularly noticeable.

Hearing his response, Xin He swallowed her other questions.

Wei Mingjin had always been resourceful and would never willingly allow himself to be controlled. Although Wei Jingyao knew of their affair, he had been led by the nose by Wei Mingjin throughout the entire encounter.

Seeing Wei Mingjin’s demeanor, Xin He guessed that although he had superficially agreed to all of Wei Jingyao’s conditions, he already had another plan in mind.

"If there’s nothing else, you may leave." Wei Mingjin issued a dismissal.

Now that the two of them were tied together like grasshoppers on a string, and Wei Mingjin had already protected her in front of Wei Jingyao, Xin He was not worried that he would go back on his word later.

Moreover, her abilities were limited. If she interfered rashly, it might backfire. It was better to leave everything to Wei Mingjin to handle.

Xin He acknowledged and then took her leave.

After Xin He departed, Wei Mingjin summoned Chi Yan and instructed, "Follow Wei Jingyao."

Chi Yan acknowledged and left.

Qiong Hua had been keeping watch outside Cuiwei Courtyard. When she saw Xin He returning from afar, she hurried to greet her.

Qiong Hua didn’t know what had transpired between Xin He and Wei Mingjin. So when Xin He went to see Wei Jingyao, she had told Qiong Hua to return to Cuiwei Courtyard and wait for her.

"You must be frozen, Madam!" Qiong Hua came forward to support Xin He as they walked back.

After returning to Cuiwei Courtyard, the maids streamed in—some helping Xin He change clothes, others bringing hot tea. The room was filled with moving figures, yet it was completely silent.

The incident Wei Jingyao had caused in the front hall earlier hadn't even leaked beyond the courtyard gate.

Once Xin He changed into casual attire and settled against the incense warmer, the maids gradually withdrew, leaving only Qiong Hua to attend to her.

After handing Xin He a bowl of ginseng soup, Qiong Hua used tongs to turn over the taro roasting on the charcoal brazier and muttered angrily, "Second Master and his wife are truly despicable. Not long ago, the Second Mistress barged into the manor and struck you for no reason, and today Second Master came to cause trouble. In my opinion, the Young Master should report this to the clan elders and let them—"

With a sharp clatter, Xin He slammed the bowl down on the table, splashing ginseng soup onto its surface.

Qiong Hua jumped in fright, peering fearfully at Xin He.

"Since when does the Young Master’s conduct need your opinion?" Xin He scolded coldly. "If you can’t control that tongue of yours, you won’t serve in my courtyard again. I won’t have you endangering yourself and others."

Xin He had never been so severe with her before. Terrified, Qiong Hua instantly dropped to her knees, kowtowing as she pleaded, "Madam, this servant was wrong! Please don’t send me away! I’ll keep my mouth shut from now on and never speak recklessly again."

Xin He, after all, came from humble origins herself. She couldn’t bear to watch Qiong Hua kneeling and kowtowing without feeling pity.

But she feared that Qiong Hua, used to being outspoken in front of her, might someday slip up in front of Wei Mingjin. If that happened, a simple apology wouldn’t suffice to make amends.

So Xin He maintained a stern face, making Qiong Hua wait for a good while. Only when she was convinced Qiong Hua had truly learned her lesson did she say, "Get up."

"Thank you, Madam." Qiong Hua got up shakily.

Xin He added sternly, "I’m giving you only this one chance. If there’s a next time, I’ll have Nanny Dou send you back to the gardens."

"Yes, I understand. I will never make such a mistake again."

Seeing Qiong Hua’s eyes red from crying, Xin He’s heart softened. She handed her own handkerchief to Qiong Hua. "Go wash your face and come back for some Buddha pastries."

Qiong Hua left immediately.

Xin He stood up and cracked the window open.

The courtyard was silent, save for the biting wind that cut through like a knife, howling, and occasionally whipping tree branches against the wall with dull thuds.

Although Wei Mingjin had said he would take care of it and she need not worry, she was still involved. Xin He couldn’t simply be at ease.

By early evening, snow had begun to fall.

The weather was already bitterly cold, and few people were out on the streets. As the snow started to fall, street vendors started closing up their stalls one after another.

At this hour, the brothels and taverns had the most business in all of Qingyuan County.

Wei Jingyao, who had just left Wei Mingjin’s residence, was now drinking at one of these taverns.

Back when his elder brother was alive, everyone said he was inferior to him.

His business acumen wasn’t as sharp as his brother’s, his son wasn’t as promising, and even his wife wasn’t as beautiful as his brother’s.

In the eyes of those people, his brother was a money-making treasure, while he, Wei Jingyao, was nothing.

But there was one thing in which he had surpassed his brother.

His brother was short-lived—he was dead, and Wei Jingyao was still alive and well.

"Hahahaha, all the wealth he accumulated in his lifetime will now belong to me!" In a private room of the tavern, Wei Jingyao sat with his legs crossed, drinking merrily by himself.

Wei Jingyao was in high spirits today; even the frown lines between his eyebrows had smoothed out.

If it weren’t for the fact that this matter couldn’t be shared with others, he would have invited friends to celebrate with him, rather than enjoying the moment alone.

"So what if you were clever and good at business? In the end, you’re buried underground, turning to dust, while I enjoy the fruits of your labor here in the world of the living." With a smug expression, Wei Jingyao threw back his head and downed his drink.

Lanterns were gradually lit everywhere outside, and the snow fell heavier, swirling.

After finishing his last pot of wine, Wei Jingyao pushed open the door of the private room and stumbled out.

On his way, he happened to run into a waiter, who kindly reminded him, "Second Master Wei, watch your step on the stairs."

It was just an ordinary gesture of concern, but Wei Jingyao felt in his sleeve and tossed a silver ingot at the waiter. Staggering down the stairs, he said, "I’m in a good mood today. This is for you."

"Oh! Thank you, Second Master Wei! Thank you!" The waiter caught the silver and bowed repeatedly toward Wei Jingyao’s retreating back.

Wei Jingyao merely waved carelessly, lifted his robe, descended the stairs, and made his way through the bustling main hall toward the exit.

As soon as he stepped out of the tavern, the driving snow blew into his eyes.

Wei Jingyao had just finished rubbing his eyes when a young servant approached and said, "The wind is strong and the snow is heavy, Master. Please get into the carriage quickly."

Wei Jingyao was too drunk and dizzy to clearly see the servant’s face. He allowed himself to be helped into the carriage, where he immediately fell asleep.

The servant retracted the stepping stool, pulled his hat down lower, and urged the carriage forward.

That night, the wind and snow raged, and the cold was piercing. As it was almost the Hai hour (9–11 PM), the streets were empty except for this carriage speeding through like a ghostly messenger come to claim a soul.

Inside the carriage, Wei Jingyao slept like a log.

He didn’t know how long he had been asleep when he faintly sensed the carriage coming to a stop.

Thinking they had arrived home, he blearily allowed the servant to help him out of the carriage. When he looked up, he saw a lantern ahead.

But it wasn’t the lantern from his own residence—it was held by someone.

Squinting, Wei Jingyao saw the lantern illuminating a dark cloak.

His gaze traveled upward along the cloak until he saw Wei Mingjin’s face.

"Mingjin? What are you doing here?" Wei Jingyao asked, stunned.

"Naturally, I came to find you, Uncle."

A sudden gust of wind blew past, and Wei Jingyao shivered, sobering up instantly.

Only then did he realize he was standing on a bridge. Wei Mingjin and Feng Mo stood before him. He instinctively turned to look at his coachman.

The coachman lifted his hat—it was unmistakably Chi Yan.

Wei Jingyao was instantly furious and humiliated, and glared at Wei Mingjin. "Wei Mingjin, what is the meaning of this?"

Wei Mingjin smiled.

Even facing death, he could still ask such a ridiculous question.

"I'm here to send Second Uncle off." As he spoke, Wei Mingjin walked slowly toward Wei Jingyao.

Even a fool would have realized what was happening by now. But with Feng Mo and Chi Yan guarding both ends of the bridge, there was nowhere for him to escape.

Watching Wei Mingjin approach, Wei Jingyao kept backing away while sharply scolding him, "Mingjin, I am your own uncle! Killing me is an unpardonable sin!"

Wei Mingjin said nothing, continuing to advance.

Wei Jingyao then threatened Wei Mingjin with his future, but Wei Mingjin remained unmoved.

Only when his back was against the railing did Wei Jingyao finally face reality.

He shed the arrogance he had shown earlier that day at the Wei residence and began pleading for mercy: "Mingjin, spare your uncle. I swear I will keep the secret of you and Xin Yiniang buried and never tell anyone."

"Really?" Wei Mingjin looked at Wei Jingyao, as if wavering.

Wei Jingyao immediately nodded. "Really, really! Mingjin, you're my only nephew. I watched you grow up—how could I ever truly harm you?"

"Second Uncle, just your word isn’t enough to reassure me."

"What will it take for you to trust me? A written pledge or an oath? Just name it, and I'll do it."

Wei Mingjin tilted his head as if thinking. Just as Wei Jingyao was about to catch his breath, Wei Mingjin suddenly shoved him with both hands. Taken by surprise, Wei Jingyao's upper body lost balance.

Wei Jingyao screamed, desperately reaching out to grab something, but he caught nothing. In an instant, he toppled backward over the railing and fell.

Within moments, a loud splash sounded from the river below the bridge.

Wei Mingjin stood on the bridge, hands behind his back, looking down at the river and said with a sigh, "But Second Uncle, only the dead can keep secrets forever."

The previously calm river surface exploded with a huge splash where Wei Jingyao had fallen, and he thrashed frantically in the water.

Wei Mingjin waited, patient.

It didn't take long for the river to go still. After the ripples faded, the surface returned to calm.

The night was pitch black, like spilled ink, with a bitter wind and thick snow blanketing the city. Thick snow accumulated on the arched bridge, covering all traces.

Xin He slept poorly. The next morning, she sat in front of her bronze mirror, still somewhat in a daze.

Wei Mingjin and Wei Jingyao had agreed to take inventory of the estate left by Master Wei today, and she wondered how it was going.

As Xin He was lost in thought, a young maid pushed the curtain aside and entered.

Although Wei Mingjin had said he would handle the matter and that she was not to worry, it concerned her life—Xin He couldn't remain detached.

So early that morning, she had sent a low-profile maid from the courtyard to secretly keep a watch at the mansion's entrance. If Wei Jingyao entered, the maid was to report back.

But now the maid returned to say, "I waited for a long time but didn't see Second Lord. Instead, I saw Xu Yiniang, who had previously gone to the estate to recuperate. And she was brought back by Feng Mo, the young master’s man."

Hearing the name ‘Fang Xu’ suddenly, Xin He was stunned for a moment. But in the next instant, she realized something.

"You're saying Fang Xu was brought back by Feng Mo, the young master's attendant?" Xin He stared at the maid, asking uncertainly, "Are you sure you didn't mistake it?"

"I'm sure, I didn't mistake it."

Seeing that Xin He had no further questions, Qiong Hua gave the maid a string of coins and saw her out.

Xin He sat alone on the daybed by the window, slowly tightening her grip on the handkerchief in her hand.

Wei Jingyao appeared shrewd on the surface but was actually weak inside. With his intellect, it was indeed unlikely he could have uncovered her affair with Wei Mingjin. But if Fang Xu was involved, then it made sense.

It seemed that Fang Xu's previous claim of going to the estate to recuperate was merely a pretext—she had actually left the mansion to plot against her.

But when had Fang Xu and Wei Jingyao conspired together?

Did Fang Xu seek out Wei Jingyao, or was it the other way around?

After sitting on the daybed for a while, Xin He stood up and walked out. At the doorway, she ran into Qiong Hua, who was just coming in.

Seeing Xin He heading out suddenly without even wearing her cloak, Qiong Hua was startled and hurried to stop her. "Yiniang, the snow has just stopped, and it's bitterly cold outside. Whatever you need, just order me to do it. No need to brave the cold yourself!"

"I need to see the young master."

Xin He wanted to see Fang Xu one more time. There were things she needed to ask clearly.

Hearing this, Qiong Hua had no choice but to fetch the cloak and drape it over Xin He, then accompany her to Wei Mingjin's courtyard.