Chapter 56: Meet Again

Chapter 56: A Confrontation

Upon Xin He’s agreement, Bai Xu eagerly began preparing for their wedding.

In a village, news travels fast. Soon, every neighbor knew that Bai Xu was to marry Xin He.

The village chief’s youngest daughter, Liu Er, was distraught when she heard the news.

“Father, didn’t you say Brother Xu would marry me? How can he marry someone else now?”

Liu Er had harbored a deep affection for Bai Xu for years, but he had never reciprocated her feelings.

Bai Xu was young and possessed remarkable medical skills. The village chief had always held him in high regard, and seeing his daughter’s fondness for him, he had intended to arrange their marriage.

When Bai Xu’s mother was still alive, the village chief had sent his wife to discuss the matter with her.

Bai Xu’s mother was frail and had been bedridden for years. Learning that the village chief’s family favored Bai Xu and wished for him to be their son-in-law, she was naturally overjoyed.

However, she did not hastily agree, choosing instead to consult Bai Xu.

At that time, Bai Xu’s reply was that he had no immediate plans for marriage.

It was a polite refusal.

Yet, Liu Er believed Bai Xu genuinely had no intention of marrying yet. Moreover, she was only fifteen at the time and felt she could afford to wait.

Not long after, Bai Xu’s mother passed away, and he entered a period of mourning.

During this time, Liu Er repeatedly tried to win Bai Xu’s favor, but he politely rebuffed her every advance.

Still, Liu Er remained persistent.

She thought that even if Bai Xu didn’t love her now, affection would surely grow over time.

But now, Bai Xu was marrying another, a reality she found utterly unbearable.

The village chief, exasperated by his daughter’s relentless pestering, was about to seek out Bai Xu when Bai Xu himself arrived.

Bai Xu had come to inform the village chief that the auspicious date for his marriage to Xin He had been set: the sixth of next month.

Bai Xu extended an invitation to the village chief to attend the ceremony.

The village chief observed the refined young man before him. Tapping his tobacco pipe against the sole of his shoe, he spoke in a tone that was both a warning and a veiled threat: “Brother Xu, are you certain? Do you truly intend to marry that woman of unknown origins?”

“Uncle, my mind is made up. I would be honored if you would join us for the feast.”

Hearing this, the village chief said no more.

After Bai Xu departed, Liu Er rushed in, weeping, “Father, how could you do this? You promised me that Brother Xu would marry me! How can you go back on your word?”

“You cannot force an ox to drink water. Besides, you heard him just now—his resolve to marry that woman is unwavering.”

“But you are the village chief! Who in this village dares to defy you? Father, if you just forbid Brother Xu from marrying her, how would he dare go against your wishes?!” Liu Er clung to her father’s arm, tears streaming down her face. “Father, please help your daughter.”

Liu Er was his youngest child, and the village chief doted on her.

However, while the villagers might not dare defy him, Bai Xu would.

Bai Xu was the only physician in the surrounding ten-mile radius. Anyone in the nearby villages suffering from a headache or fever would seek his medical attention.

Over the years, as Bai Xu’s medical skills grew, the chiefs of several neighboring villages had privately approached him, offering him land and a house to entice him to move to their villages.

But Bai Xu had politely declined all such offers, as this was the place where his parents had lived.

If he were to abuse his authority now and alienate Bai Xu, Bai Xu might simply take the woman and move to another village. Should that happen, the villagers would surely complain, and his tenure as chief would likely come to an end.

“I wish I could help you, but I am powerless,” he said. He then stood up and called his wife in. “Pack her a couple of changes of clothes. Later, have Da Zhu hitch the cart, and you personally take her to her second brother’s house in town. She can stay there until after Bai Xu’s wedding.”

When Liu Er realized her father would not help her, she cried even harder.

Despite Liu Er’s vehement protests, her mother forcibly sent her to town that very afternoon.

When Xin He heard the news, she quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

She had witnessed Liu Er’s feelings for Bai Xu. If Bai Xu hadn’t seized this opportunity to gauge the village chief’s attitude, Xin He feared their future would be fraught with trouble.

Now, with Bai Xu having just informed the village chief of their impending marriage, and the chief subsequently sending Liu Er to town, the chief’s stance was unmistakably clear.

After that, Bai Xu happily continued preparing for the wedding.

With too many tasks at home, Bai Xu found himself overwhelmed. He entrusted a trustworthy aunt, who had experience with weddings, to help him procure the necessary items for the celebration during the market day.

Bai Xu had once saved Aunt Li’s life, so she readily agreed without hesitation.

On market day, as dawn broke, Aunt Li was already seated in Da Zhu’s ox cart, heading to town for the market.

They hurried along, arriving in town just after early morning.

After dismounting from the ox cart, Aunt Li began meticulously purchasing each item Bai Xu had requested.

Slowly, the sun climbed higher, and the market grew increasingly crowded.

After bustling about for over an hour, Aunt Li finally managed to buy everything Bai Xu had asked for.

Seeing that Da Zhu had not yet returned, Aunt Li decided to rest by the roadside and wait for him.

Not far away, a group of people held portraits, questioning passersby. Curious, Aunt Li craned her neck to get a better look.

Suddenly, a male voice from behind startled her: “Madam, may I trouble you to ask if you have seen the person in this portrait?”

Aunt Li turned to see a man in black standing behind her, holding a portrait.

The person in the portrait was facing her.

The woman in the painting had a light dusting of powder on her face, her hair styled in an elegant cloud bun, and she wore a luxurious silk dress, smiling charmingly, as if a celestial being.

“Isn’t this Brother Xu’s wife?” Aunt Li blurted out.

Chi Yan, holding the scroll, instantly paled.

They had been in this town for four days.

Four days prior, when they first arrived, the town was bustling. But after they had eaten and returned to the streets, they found them nearly deserted.

Upon inquiry, they learned that the market had dispersed.

When he discovered the next market day was three days away, Chi Yan felt a wave of despair.

Wei Mingjin had taken leave from the emperor under the pretext of returning to his hometown to worship his ancestors, so he could not linger here. Every single day was crucial.

The thought of being delayed here for another four days, with no guarantee of finding Xin He’s whereabouts, gave Chi Yan a splitting headache.

But in the end, he had no choice but to report the situation to Wei Mingjin.

After a moment of contemplation, Wei Mingjin said, “Then we shall wait another three days.”

During these three days, Chi Yan and his men remained busy. Besides searching the town, they also took Xin He’s portrait to nearby villages, but all their efforts yielded nothing.

They could only place all their hopes on today.

Fortunately, he had finally heard some good news.

“Are you certain?” Chi Yan’s gaze was fixed intently on the village woman, his tone urgent.

Aunt Li was somewhat intimidated by his stare and timidly nodded. “I think so.”

“What do you mean, ‘I think so’? Auntie, please take another look.” As he spoke, Chi Yan instinctively pushed the portrait closer to Aunt Li.

He dared not report anything uncertain to Wei Mingjin, lest he incur his wrath.

But since this auntie said it bore some resemblance, he dared not take it lightly.

Aunt Li then leaned closer to examine the portrait again.

The artist’s skill was extraordinary; the person in the painting was rendered with lifelike precision.

“The eyes and facial features are exactly like Bai Xu’s wife. It’s just that Bai Xu’s wife usually dresses plainly, not as lavishly as in this portrait,” Aunt Li mumbled.

Upon hearing this, Chi Yan’s heart pounded several times. Suppressing his excitement, he said to Aunt Li, “In that case, please trouble yourself to accompany us to meet our young master.”

“But I have matters to attend to, I…”

Aunt Li wanted to refuse, but no sooner had Chi Yan finished speaking than several men immediately surrounded her.

These men were all dressed as servants, with swords at their waists, exuding an intimidating aura. Aunt Li dared not confront them and could only follow them, trembling.

Wei Mingjin waited in a private room at the inn.

It was called a private room, but in reality, it was merely a sun-facing chamber. The room was cramped and narrow, with tables, chairs, and stools all old and peeling.

Though Wei Mingjin had not lived in luxury in the past, his father was extremely concerned with appearances. In matters of clothing, food, housing, and transportation—things easily discernible to outsiders—he had never stinted him.

In all his years, the only times Wei Mingjin had experienced hardship in these aspects, apart from taking imperial examinations, were during this journey to find Xin He.

Along the way, he had traversed mountains and rivers, slept under the open sky, enduring every hardship he had never known before.

*Knock, knock, knock…* A knock sounded at the door.

Immediately after, Chi Yan’s excited voice came from outside: “Master, there’s news of Auntie Xin.”

“Come in,” Wei Mingjin said, setting down his teacup at once.

Chi Yan pushed the door open and entered, followed by a trembling village woman.

In Wei Mingjin’s presence, Chi Yan dared not repeat Aunt Li’s earlier words, merely stating to Wei Mingjin, “Master, this auntie has seen Auntie Xin.”

After speaking, Chi Yan stepped back two paces, allowing Aunt Li to address Wei Mingjin.

Aunt Li had been brought over by their group under the guise of an invitation but, in reality, through intimidation. Now, seeing Wei Mingjin, she was so nervous and frightened she couldn’t utter a single word.

Wei Mingjin sensed her fear and spoke gently, “Auntie, do not be afraid. I am merely seeking someone and mean no harm. If any of my attendants have shown you disrespect, I apologize on their behalf.”

With that, Wei Mingjin indeed stood up, raised his sleeve, and bowed to her in a refined manner.

Wei Mingjin naturally possessed a deceptively gentle demeanor, and now, with such courteous manners, Aunt Li found herself somewhat flustered.

“No, no, it’s just that I, a humble woman, am timid. They haven’t been disrespectful. This common woman dare not accept such a grand gesture from you, young master. Please rise quickly.” After speaking, Aunt Li awkwardly returned a bow to Wei Mingjin.

Only then did Wei Mingjin stand up straight and instruct someone to call for the waiter to bring tea and pastries.

“It’s hot today. Auntie, please sit and have a cup of tea to moisten your throat.” As he spoke, Wei Mingjin personally handed a cup of cool tea to Aunt Li.

Aunt Li was overwhelmed by the honor. She had been busy for over an hour and was already parched, her throat as dry as dust. She took the teacup, drank it in one gulp, and only then felt considerably more comfortable.

Seeing that the village woman had relaxed, Wei Mingjin steered the conversation back to the portrait.

Wei Mingjin naturally possessed a refined and handsome appearance. Now, deliberately playing the part of a gentle gentleman, Aunt Li quickly let her guard down. She truthfully told Wei Mingjin how Xin He had come to their village, how she had explained her background to them, and that Xin He was soon to marry Bai Xu.

Upon hearing the news that Xin He was about to marry soon, a flash of killing intent suddenly flickered in Wei Mingjin’s eyes.

How dare she marry someone else behind his back! How dare she!!!

Sitting nearby, Aunt Li faintly sensed Wei Mingjin’s emotions. Her heart skipped a beat, and she cautiously asked, “Might I ask, young master, who you are to A He?”

What was he to Xin He? He was her master!

But Wei Mingjin didn’t tell Aunt Li this. Instead, he composed himself and resumed his gentle demeanor. “I am A He’s cousin. I heard her uncle and aunt treated her poorly, so I intended to bring her home. But I was a step too late; by the time I arrived, A He had already fled. Afterward, I asked after her along the way and eventually found my way here. Fortunately, I met you, auntie, otherwise I might never have found A He.”

Initially, Aunt Li had been suspicious of Wei Mingjin, but after hearing his explanation, she immediately believed it to be true.

“In that case, come back to the village with me today. A He will surely be very happy to see you,” Aunt Li suggested.

Wei Mingjin’s long eyelashes lowered slightly.

He was indeed eager to see Xin He, but now was not the right time.

As his thoughts churned, Wei Mingjin lifted his gaze and smiled at Aunt Li. “I also wish to see A He quickly, but since you mentioned she will be married soon, and I haven’t prepared a wedding gift yet, it wouldn’t be proper to go empty-handed.”

“Young master, you’re being too formal. Since you’re A He’s cousin, your presence alone would be the greatest surprise for her.”

“No! This surprise isn’t enough.” Wei Mingjin smiled slightly. “I want to appear on A He’s wedding day, presenting a gift and giving her a surprise. Please keep this a secret for me and don’t tell A He.”

After speaking, Wei Mingjin glanced at Chi Yan.

Understanding the cue, Chi Yan immediately took out a piece of silver and handed it to Aunt Li. “Earlier, our men were rude. Please don’t take it to heart.”

“No, no.” As she spoke, Aunt Li hurriedly declined. “Oh, this won’t do, it really won’t.”

“This is merely a small token. Please don’t refuse, auntie. Unless you’re unwilling to keep the secret and give A He a surprise?”

In the end, Aunt Li couldn’t refuse and had to accept the silver, leaving overjoyed.

Chi Yan personally saw her out of the inn and told her once more not to speak to anyone about it. Aunt Li agreed wholeheartedly.

After Aunt Li left, Chi Yan returned to report to Wei Mingjin. “Master, I’ve already arranged for someone to follow that village woman.”

“Good. Have them keep a distant watch. They must not raise any alarms.”

Chi Yan agreed.

Wei Mingjin sat by the window, leisurely sipping water, his eyes full of delight.

Oh, He Niang, before you left, you said you’d give me a surprise.

I received your surprise, and now I am returning one to you.

I hope you’ll remain as composed as you were on the day you left the capital, just before you gave me that surprise.

Meanwhile, Xin He was oblivious to all of this. She and Bai Xu were busy preparing for their wedding.

Knowing Bai Xu’s humble means, Xin He proactively suggested keeping the ceremony simple.

Bai Xu, having spent much of his earlier years helping those in need, truly had no extra funds now that he was suddenly getting married. Even Xin He’s wedding dress was made from the piece of peach-red cloth he had previously gifted her.

Feeling guilty, Bai Xu said to Xin He, "I’m sorry, A He, for putting you through this."

"It’s alright to have a simple wedding. What matters is that you treat me well in the future," Xin He replied considerately.

Touched and happy, Bai Xu took Xin He’s hand and promised softly, "I swear I’ll always treat A He well from now on. If you say east, I won’t go west."

"Then you better remember what you said today. If you break your promise…" Xin He deliberately paused here.

Bai Xu immediately chimed in, "If I break my promise, make me kneel on a washboard."

Xin He couldn’t help but laugh at his words.

"What nonsense is that! Where did you hear that?"

"From people in the village. They said when their husbands upset them, they make them kneel on washboards."

Xin He: "..."

As they were talking, Aunt Li called from outside.

"Bai Xu, A He, are you home?"

"Auntie, yes!" Bai Xu quickly responded and came outside to find Aunt Li accompanied by several villagers.

The next day was Bai Xu and Xin He’s wedding, and the villagers had brought their own tables and chairs in advance for the banquet.

While Bai Xu went to welcome them, Aunt Li came to talk to Xin He.

"A He, tomorrow is your wedding day with A Xu. Any regrets?"

Xin He thought seriously and shook her head. "No, A Xu is great. I have no regrets."

"Then aren’t there any relatives you want to see?" Aunt Li couldn’t help asking.

"Relatives? Both my parents have passed away, and my uncle and aunt only care about money, not people. From the moment they forcibly sold me off, they weren't family anymore."

Just as Aunt Li was going to say something, a few more women walked in.

After congratulating Bai Xu and Xin He, the women said why they came: "Tomorrow is the big day. We came to see if there was anything we can help with?"

Xin He went to see to the women, and Aunt Li suddenly remembered her promise to Wei Mingjin to keep it a secret.

"That was close, I almost let it slip just now," Aunt Li patted her chest, relieved, and went to help as well.

Bai Xu was known for his kindness, often charging barely anything for medical consultations. Thankful for his kindness, the neighbors all came to help with the wedding preparations and stayed till nearly midnight.

After everyone had left, Bai Xu shut the courtyard gate and looked at Xin He, who was tired, with sleepy eyes, in the doorway. "You must be exhausted. There’s hot water in the kitchen. I’ll get you a bucket so you can wash up and rest early."

Though they were promised to marry, they still slept in separate rooms before the wedding.

Bai Xu brought the hot water to Xin He’s door and left.

After a quick wash, Xin He sat in front of the mirror to comb her hair.

The mirror was newly added, along with many other items for women. Red 'double happiness' symbols were pasted on the doors and windows.

This was Bai Xu’s former room and would be their bridal chamber tomorrow.

Xin He had been exhausted all day, but now, lying in bed, she found herself suddenly wide awake.

Even though everything was moving in the best possible direction, she felt a little uneasy.

After tossing and turning, Xin He finally got up and pushed open the bamboo window.

The night was clear with a bright moon and sparse stars. A cool breeze blew in as soon as the window opened.

Xin He squinted contentedly and glanced toward Bai Xu’s room.

It was pitch dark—he must have already fallen asleep.

Unable to sleep, Xin He leaned on the windowsill, gazing at the moonlight outside.

After what felt like a long time, drowsiness finally set in. Yawning, she returned to bed and fell asleep.

Early the next morning, the villagers gathered at Bai Xu’s home.

Some women busied themselves in the kitchen preparing the banquet, while others helped Xin He with her hair and makeup. The men sat around, crossing their legs and boasting.

As the bride, Xin He didn’t need to lift a finger—she only had to sit and be pampered.

Though the wedding was simple, Xin He looked stunningly beautiful after being made up.

The women in the bridal chamber were struck speechless.

After a long while, someone finally exclaimed, "The bride is like a fairy descended from heaven! A Xu is so lucky!"

"Exactly! I always said that with A Xu’s helpful nature, he’d eventually end up bringing home a wife. Now it’s come true."

Laughter filled the bridal chamber.

Bai Xu, dressed in his wedding robes, moved among the villagers, his face radiant with joy. Congratulations followed him wherever he went.

Village children ran around the banquet area, their laughter carrying far and wide.

Amid the lively atmosphere, the master of ceremonies shouted, "The auspicious hour has arrived! Fetch the bride!"

The chattering crowd instantly fell silent.

The door to the bridal chamber opened, and Xin He, dressed in peach-red wedding robes and wearing a red veil, was escorted out by two women.

Bai Xu, surrounded by well-wishers, immediately took hold of the other end of the floral ball as soon as she emerged.

Since the wedding was taking place at home, many traditional rituals were simplified. After leaving the bridal chamber, the wedding officiant directly led the couple to the main hall for the ceremony.

After the two of them stood still, the wedding officiant bellowed, "First bow to heaven and earth."

Just as Bai Xu and Xin He were about to perform the bow, a voice, sudden as lightning, abruptly cut through the air: "Wait."

The voice made Xin He shudder, and she tore off her veil.

She saw the crowd gathered outside the wedding hall part ways as a richly dressed young man, holding a jade-handled folding fan and wearing a faint smile, sauntered in leisurely.

Wei Mingjin! How had he found her?!

Xin He began trembling like a leaf.

Bai Xu, however, was completely unaware, his attention entirely fixed on Wei Mingjin.

"Who is this gentleman?" Bai Xu asked, bewildered.

He recognized Wei Mingjin but did not know his name or why he had come to his home today.

Wei Mingjin noticed Bai Xu's confusion and Xin He's terror, a smirk playing on his lips as his gaze settled on Xin He's face.

"He Niang, why don’t you tell him who I am?"

Bai Xu’s eyes immediately shifted to Xin He.

Xin He’s face was ashen, and her whole body looked ready to collapse.

The news of her death had already been sent back to the capital—why had Wei Mingjin come looking for her?

And she was so close. Just a little bit more, and she could have begun the life she wanted. Why did Wei Mingjin have to appear here and ruin everything?

Xin He was equal parts terrified and resentful of him.

"He Niang." Bai Xu had never seen Xin He like this and called out worriedly.

Wei Mingjin gave a soft sigh. "It seems He Niang is refusing to talk. No matter. Since she won’t say it, I’ll say it for her. He Niang is my beloved concubine."

As soon as these words were spoken, a gasp went through the crowd.

What? Bai Xu was marrying someone else’s concubine? Instantly, all eyes turned to Bai Xu.

Bai Xu blurted out, "Impossible!"

"I’m not…" Xin He instinctively denied.

But as soon as the words left her mouth, Xin He met Wei Mingjin’s pointed look.

They had spent three years together, day and night—Xin He knew Wei Mingjin all too well.

Wei Mingjin was a madman who lived by his own rules. If she provoked his anger, he might reveal everything about their past in front of everyone.

Xin He didn’t care how others saw her, but she refused to let Bai Xu suffer for her.

Too afraid to say another word, she could only shoot him a pleading look.

Wei Mingjin, however, ignored her and motioned to Chi Yan.

Chi Yan handed him a piece of paper.

Wei Mingjin shoved it toward Bai Xu. "If you don’t believe me, sir, here is the concubinage contract."

With that, Wei Mingjin grabbed Xin He’s wrist and dragged her out.

The guests outside stepped aside to make way.

Wei Mingjin led Xin He to the corridor, glanced around, and then headed toward the wedding chamber adorned with the double happiness character.

Xin He had a pretty good idea of what Wei Mingjin intended to do and immediately struggled, but his voice, icy and menacing, fell over her like a shadow: "If He Niang prefers to do this in front of everyone, I don’t mind either."

Those words instantly made Xin He stop struggling.

She knew Wei Mingjin was a madman—he meant what he said, and she didn’t dare gamble with him.

"Everyone, disperse, disperse." The servants brought by Wei Mingjin began shooing the guests away.

Wei Mingjin kicked open the door to the wedding chamber, pulled Xin He inside, and after closing the door behind him, slammed her against it.

"He Niang, has it only been three months, and you’ve already found someone else?" Wei Mingjin’s gaze was like a scalpel, scouring every inch across Xin He’s face.

Xin He cowered, sobbing and pleading, "Sir, please let me go. Please, please let me go."

"If I let you go, who will let me go?"

Wei Mingjin gripped both of Xin He’s wrists with one hand, raised them above her head, and pried her knees apart.

"He Niang, can he bring you pleasure?"