Chapter 35 Exposed “What a fool. A pitiful, wretched fool.”…

Chapter 35: An Unexpected Encounter

What a fool, a pitiful and wretched fool...

He Minxuan watched Shen Jichen standing before the floor-length mirror—tall and statuesque, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. His well-defined silhouette carried a hint of chilliness as he lowered his gaze to adjust his cufflinks. His sharp jawline was severe, and an air of unapproachable coldness and rigidity emanated from him.

He Minxuan clicked his tongue. "With this ascetic, woman-repelling aura of yours, I’m afraid it’ll only make the ladies flock to you even more."

Shen Jichen replied frostily, "Are you that idle?"

He Minxuan faltered, then chuckled. "This sinecure of mine isn’t nearly as busy as the Marquis’s manifold duties."

Shen Jichen ignored him, took his robe, and put it on. He Minxuan studied him, feeling that he was particularly cold today. Just yesterday, he had dined together with Yue Rongrong—had things changed again already?

It made him come early on purpose, hoping to see if Yue Rongrong had stayed over and whether the two had already grown intimate.

"Are you reporting for duty?" Seeing Shen Jichen heading straight out, He Minxuan hurried to follow.

"Yes."

He Minxuan asked again, "Are you fully recovered?"

Shen Jichen stopped, a flash of impatience in his eyes. Coldly, he asked, "What is your point?"

After a moment of silence, He Minxuan calmly concluded, "It seems you’ve had a falling-out again with Yue Rongrong?"

Shen Jichen’s perpetually expressionless face suddenly darkened. After a long pause, he said with difficulty and coldness, "Don’t mention her again."

He Minxuan dismissed it. "Last time, the time before that, and the time before that..." He trailed off as Shen Jichen’s expression grew colder. "...you said the same thing." Then, uncertain and incredulous, he asked, "Is it real this time? Have you two really..."

Shen Jichen turned and walked away. He Minxuan followed closely. "What was it about this time?"

What was it about? Should he say it was her falseness, her heartless decisiveness, that she had been deceiving him all along, that she thought Qu Lieshan was ten thousand times better than him? He let out a cold laugh. He wasn’t that pathetic. He was completely sobered up now.

Seeing his resolute and indifferent face, He Minxuan knew he wouldn’t get anything more. Though somewhat surprised, it was just as well—better to avoid future complications. He enjoyed watching a spectacle, but not at his friend’s expense.

"By the way, the Xue family’s Matriarch’s birthday banquet is in two days. What gift have you prepared? I’d like to get some ideas."

**

Although the elders would make preparations, their relationship with Xue Yubai was different. The Matriarch had watched them grow up and doted on them, so they always prepared an additional gift each year.

Yue Rongrong had been focused on painting her Longevity Painting these past two days. Her expression was calm, as if that heart-stopping moment of murderous intent had never happened.

Her face was serene, but she knew Shen Jichen’s order for her to leave the capital wasn’t an idle threat. That day, she had felt that for a moment, he truly wanted to kill her... Suddenly, her thoughts grew muddled. She hurriedly moved the brush tip away, took a few deep breaths, and forced herself not to think about it anymore.

Outside the window, the embroiderers returning from work passed by her window, sneering and whispering, "Look at her—it’s already spring, yet she’s wearing a sheer neck scarf. She really likes to be different."

"If she weren’t special, how would she have caught Marquis Shen’s eye? But her style is quite pretty. Let’s wear ours tomorrow too."

"Aren’t you afraid of the heat?"

The two laughed and walked away. Yue Rongrong touched the scarf around her neck, her heart sinking. She had even been wearing it to sleep these past two days, all to conceal that unwanted mark.

Zhong Yu pushed the door open. "Rong Rong, I’m here to help you apply the medicine."

Yue Rongrong nodded, covered the nearly finished painting, and followed Zhong Yu to the bathing area, which was empty at this time.

The mark had faded slightly today. Zhong Yu dipped her fingertip in the ointment and gently applied it for her. Just thinking about Marquis Shen’s ferocity made her shudder.

"You’ve offended Marquis Shen, and he went so far as to try to kill you. Now he wants you to leave the capital. What will you do in the future?" Zhong Yu was both angry and heartbroken. Zhen Xi had already left; she didn’t want Yue Rongrong to go too. Even if she left Brocade Pavilion, it would be better if she didn’t leave the capital.

Yue Rongrong took a deep breath. "I can’t leave the capital." Her words were firm, but she felt uncertain inside. What could she do to stay? Could she go beg him? Not only did she not want to, she couldn’t. Knowing his temperament, if he knew she was so desperate to stay, he would surely investigate.

"Then what will you do?" Zhong Yu finished applying the ointment and helped her retie the scarf to cover the mark.

"Perhaps..." Yue Rongrong hesitated. "There might be someone who can help me."

Zhong Yu looked at her with eager eyes. After they left, neither noticed a figure slipping out from one of the bathing area compartments.

Ren Hanzhen emerged, shocked and suspicious. Marquis Shen actually tried to kill Yue Rongrong? Suddenly, she let out a breath, a cold, triumphant smile curling her lips.

Yue Rongrong, you’re not so great after all. Since you’re so determined to stay, why don’t I help you along? Now, there’s no Marquis Shen to protect you anymore. Ren Hanzhen’s smile grew warmer and gentler.

＊＊

That Mr. Xue had said he had some connections in the capital. Perhaps he could help her find a way to stay. Thinking of this, Yue Rongrong decided to finish the painting overnight.

She stayed up all night, finally adding the last brushstroke as dawn broke. She waited for the ink to dry completely, then rolled up the painting, placed it in a tube, and went out. She waited for the framing shop to open, and after the painting was mounted, she listened to the shopkeeper’s praise, rolled the scroll back up, placed it in the tube, and headed straight for South Market Quarter.

With just a slight inquiry about "Confucian Elegance," the nearby people pointed her in the right direction, even looking at her with respect.

Yue Rongrong thought that Mr. Xue must be a person of importance, and her hope grew a little more.

The gate of Confucian Elegance was closed. Yue Rongrong knocked, and after a moment, an attendant opened it.

"Who are you looking for, miss?"

Yue Rongrong nodded. "I’m looking for Mr. Xue. He said I could come here to find him."

The attendant was clearly surprised. He looked her up and down, and seeing her stunning beauty, hurriedly invited her in respectfully.

The courtyard was paved with pebbles and flagstone paths, meandering elegantly to a small bridge and flowing water—very elegant.

The attendant led her to the main reception hall, open-air with a clear view. On the other end connected an even larger courtyard, filled with birdsong and flowers, like an idyllic retreat.

"My young master is not here. Please wait a moment, miss. I will go and inform him."

Yue Rongrong stared blankly as he left Confucian Elegance, surprised and puzzled. Such a large compound, and Mr. Xue didn’t live here?

Soon, a maid came to serve tea and snacks. A faint fragrance drifted from the incense burner on the table.

"Please help yourself, miss."

Yue Rongrong observed the refined and good-looking servants here, growing increasingly curious about Mr. Xue’s identity.

After waiting for some time, the sound of wheels came from outside the gate, followed by hurried footsteps. She stood up and saw Mr. Xue striding quickly toward her, a beaming smile on his face.

"Miss Yue."

Xue Yubai hadn’t expected Yue Rongrong to come see him in person and was momentarily taken aback. When he came to his senses, he realized he had been gazing at her too intently and hurriedly lowered his gaze with a bow. "My apologies for the wait."

Yue Rongrong shook her head. "I came to deliver the painting."

Xue Yubai took the painting tube but wasn’t in a hurry to open it. He looked up and said, "I appreciate your efforts, miss. Please follow me."

He led Yue Rongrong through the garden into another waterside pavilion. As soon as she entered, Yue Rongrong stood stunned.

The walls of the room were hung with various famous paintings. She couldn’t help but walk in, fixing her eyes on one of them. "This is The Shepherd!" she exclaimed in delight.

Then, turning to another, she cried out, "And this is the Spring Feast!"

She looked at each painting one by one, her smile growing brighter and brighter, like a butterfly flitting among flowers, her fluttering skirt dazzling Xue Yubai's eyes.

"This is an incomplete copy, 'Twin Swallows in the Drizzle'... You even have this?" Yue Rongrong was utterly astonished, widening her eyes to look at him, appearing incredibly charming and adorable.

Xue Yubai seemed to be holding a delightful treasure; her demeanor today brought him immense surprise and joy. He couldn't help but raise a finger to his lips, making a shushing gesture as he approached her: "Not a word, not a word."

Yue Rongrong immediately understood—such an ancient master's incomplete work must have been acquired through unconventional means.

She smiled sweetly, turned around again, and saw Mr. Jimo's "Spring Dawn," unable to suppress her envious gaze any longer: "You even have Mr. Jimo's work."

Paintings by contemporary masters like this are exceedingly rare, especially those by Mr. Jimo, the nation's premier artist. It's said that even the Grand Empress Dowager once wanted him to paint an impromptu piece for a palace night banquet but failed.

A flash of pride appeared in Xue Yubai's eyes: "He was my master."

Yue Rongrong was stunned, staring at him blankly. Her initial delight gradually turned into disappointment. To be a disciple of Mr. Jimo, he must be extraordinary. Such an elegant person—should she drag him into her personal conflicts? His connections were likely all refined individuals; would they have to lower themselves for her worldly matters?

"What's wrong?" Xue Yubai noticed the light in her eyes dimming, and he felt a pang of panic, eager to preserve her brightness.

Yue Rongrong shook her head and instead asked, "Since you're so remarkable, why didn't you complete that 'Thousand-Mile Mountains and Rivers scroll' yourself back then?"

Perhaps because of the paintings, she spoke to him without her previous restraint, which pleased Xue Yubai.

"Because when something matters too much, it's handled with excessive care," Xue Yubai said quietly, looking at her earnestly.

Yue Rongrong didn't catch the deeper meaning and felt somewhat embarrassed: "Then, did I make a fool of myself by painting the Longevity Painting for you?"

Xue Yubai was admiring her Longevity Painting in his hands, his eyes full of appreciation, and said with a smile, "Not at all. Yu Bai is ashamed of his inferiority."

Reassured, Yue Rongrong watched as Xue Yubai solemnly presented a money pouch. She hesitated slightly, not wanting to dampen the mood with matters of money, but she truly needed the silver—tomorrow was the day to pay the Worry-Free Silver payment.

She took the silver, looked up, and smiled radiantly: "Thank you, young master."

Xue Yubai invited her to sit by the lake and had tea prepared. He noticed a hint of sadness occasionally flickering in her eyes.

"Is something troubling you? Feel free to share—perhaps I can help. I think we are friends now, Rong Rong. Do you mind if I call you that?"

She hadn't waited for him to retrieve the painting but had brought it herself. He thought she might be in some difficulty.

Moved by his sincerity, Yue Rongrong relented. She took a deep breath, cast her eyes downward, and said, "I truly don't know who else to turn to."

The pain in her eyes before she looked down did not escape Xue Yubai's notice, and his heart tightened: "Please, speak without hesitation."

"Mr. Xue, I want to ask for your help." She looked up at him, her eyes tinged with sorrow. To stay in the capital, for Qu Lieshan, she had no other choice.

"I will definitely help you. Tell me what it is." Without even asking what the matter was, Xue Yubai made his promise, warming Rongrong's heart.

"This matter is difficult. If it troubles you, Mr. Xue, please don't feel obligated," she prefaced with the difficulty. "I... I've offended someone, and that person wants me to leave the capital..."

Xue Yubai's expression darkened, and he coldly scoffed, "How presumptuous."

Yue Rongrong was slightly taken aback; it was the first time she had seen Xue Yubai look so cold and sharp.

Perhaps realizing his expression had startled her, Xue Yubai softened his tone: "Rong Rong, don't worry. As long as I'm here, no one in the capital will dare make you leave." He vowed confidently, "Whether they're nobility or bullies, you can be at ease."

Hearing his tone, Yue Rongrong felt relieved, but then she remembered Shen Jichen's status—he was no ordinary noble. Worried that this might get Xue Yubai involved, she said, "The other party's status is... unusual."

Xue Yubai smiled gently: "Perhaps you've heard of the Xue family from Wangjing Gate."

Yue Rongrong stood up abruptly, flustered and at a loss. Xue Yubai also rose in surprise: "Rong Rong?"

She had never imagined he was that Xue [family]. If so, he must also be acquainted with Shen Jichen. What should she do? She never expected that, after all this, she would still end up entangling someone connected to Shen Jichen.

Seemingly noticing her increased panic at the mention of "Wangjing Gate," Xue Yubai pondered inwardly. Perhaps, like other commoners, she stood in awe and fear upon hearing those three words. He regretted his earlier eagerness to reassure her, unsure how to prevent her from feeling uneasy.

But then Yue Rongrong lowered her gaze briefly, and when she looked up again, her eyes were clear: "Actually, this matter is quite simple. I just need Mr. Xue to find a way to hide me for a while, so I won't be found."

This was the only solution she could think of—to avoid causing conflict for him while still remaining in the capital. She might not be able to go to Brocade Tower anymore, but she could always find other ways to earn money.

Suspecting that she might not want to implicate him but had no other choice, Xue Yubai felt both touched and curious about what made her so determined yet conflicted about staying in the capital. Before he realized it, he had already asked.

Yue Rongrong hesitated for a long moment. She could see his sincerity and felt she shouldn't hide things from him, but...

"Can I not say it for now?"

Xue Yubai looked at her cautious expression, chuckled softly, and said gently, "Then I'll wait for the day you want to tell me."

A smile spread across Yue Rongrong's lips, dispelling the melancholy in her eyes: "So you'll help me? Where do you plan to hide me?"

Captivated by her smile, Xue Yubai pretended to ponder and said, "I'll tell you once I've decided. For now, you can rest easy at Brocade Tower these next few days."

He didn't ask whom she had offended, nor did he care. Since she hadn't volunteered the information, she likely had her reasons, and he wouldn't press her. He didn't take her opponent seriously either—after all, there were few in the capital who could trouble him, and even if there were, he had his sworn brothers to rely on.

"After my grandmother's birthday banquet tomorrow, I'll come find you."

He made this promise to her solemnly.

＊＊

The next day was Lady Xue's birthday banquet. The festivities began early in the morning, with joyous music drifting from the front courtyard to the inner quarters. Women from various households had already arrived one after another, while the heads of households would only attend the evening banquet.

Lady Xue sat in the main seat of the bright hall in the central courtyard, surrounded by noble ladies seated in order of rank. Young noblewomen sat slightly behind their mothers, listening to the elders' lively conversations.

Xue Yubai sat slightly behind Lady Xue. The steward came to report: "My Lady, the young masters have arrived."

The young masters were none other than Shen, Han, He, and Zheng. Xue Yubai stood up as Shen Jichen and the other three entered, their presence vibrant and energetic, instantly illuminating the hall. The noble young women glanced at them shyly yet couldn't help stealing glances.

Apart from Han Zixian, the other four—including Xue Yubai—were unmarried. The noblewomen present naturally had matchmaking on their minds but dared not show it too openly, especially because among them was also a distinguished guest: the Grand Princess.

Shen Jichen led the way, and the four knelt in a row on cushions, performing a kowtowed to wish Lady Xue longevity.

Lady Xue was overjoyed and hurriedly asked them to rise. She looked at them affectionately, feeling each was an outstanding talent. She said to Han Zixian, "Yi Yi, though pregnant, is still so lively and restless. You must keep a close eye on her. Earlier, she was trying to drag people off to boat rides—I had to scold her. Hurry and check on her, lest the servants accidentally let her on a boat."

Han Zixian was first startled, breaking into a cold sweat, and quickly bowed before excusing himself.

This elicited laughter throughout the hall.

"Look how frantic Zi Xian is. This young couple is still so inseparable. Lady Han, you are blessed."

Lady Han, being free-spirited by nature, sat below the Grand Princess, laughing heartily.

Then the conversation subtly turned to Shen Jichen. He Minxuan and Zheng Xuchao exchanged a glance: it's starting again.

In terms of prestige and status, no one present surpassed the Grand Princess. However, today was Lady Xue's occasion, so the Grand Princess modestly held back, mostly smiling silently. Yet, sitting there with such grace, she still exuded an imperial dignity that needed no embellishment of jewels or finery.

In the capital nowadays, every unmarried young lady had her eyes fixed on the position of Marquis Shen's wife. Those with the right background hoped for a match of equal status, while those without hoped their daughter would be the exception.

The noble young women present today were among the eligible ones, each dressed brightly and elegantly, planning to make an impression during the evening banquet.

The Grand Princess was perfectly aware of everyone's designs. She smiled and glanced toward the anteroom, where Shen Jichen sat by the window under the eaves, listening to He Minxuan and the others speak. Though he smiled, there was an air of detachment about him.

"Weixi, Weixi?"

The Grand Princess snapped back to attention and looked at Lady Xue. "You were saying?"

Lady Xue inquired, "Are all the preparations for Tang Song's wedding ready?"

The Grand Princess replied, "Almost."

At that moment, Madame Meng, seated on the other side of Lady Xue, smiled and said, "Jia Yan wrote to say she will return to the capital before Tang Song's wedding and is determined to see her off."

The Meng family held military authority over the capital region, and Meng Jiayan was the eldest legitimate daughter of the Meng family. When Madame Meng mentioned Meng Jiayan, the others understood perfectly—she was subtly reminding them that with Miss Meng around, their daughters stood no chance. But so what? The Meng family might be powerful, but they were no less influential themselves.

Lady Xue chuckled warmly. "Those two children have been close since they were little."

Madame Meng addressed the Grand Princess, "Jia Yan sent a pair of jade bracelets two days ago, said to have calming effects. She thought of your light sleep and asked me to pass them on to you."

The Grand Princess comforted, "Jia Yan is so thoughtful."

Their conversation drifted, carried by the wind, to the side hall. Xue Yubai and the others understood the implications, but seeing Shen Jichen's cold and detached expression as he gazed out the window, they chose not to bring it up.

Instead, He Minxuan raised an eyebrow at Xue Yubai. "On a day like today, didn’t you secretly bring your sweetheart to pay respects to the Grand Madame?"

Xue Yubai frowned. "What do you mean, 'secretly'?"

"Oh, so protective already?" He Minxuan widened his eyes in mock surprise.

He Minxuan and Zheng Xuchao laughed, and even Shen Jichen glanced at Xue Yubai with a faint smile.

Xue Yubai didn’t bother hiding it. "Bringing her here suddenly would only startle her." He suddenly lowered his gaze with a smile. "But the painting I gifted my grandmother today was her work."

"Oh? She paints?" Zheng Xuchao exclaimed in surprise.

"A master of the brush," Xue Yubai said proudly.

Zheng Xuchao laughed. "Words alone aren’t proof. Bring it here for us to appreciate."

He Minxuan was even more eager. "Quick, quick, quick!"

Xue Yubai had prepared in advance. He ordered the painting to be brought over and unrolled at both ends, revealing a majestic Longevity Painting. Watching their stunned expressions, he grew even prouder.

He Minxuan praised sincerely, "Impressive! So she’s a talented lady too. You’re making moves step by step, aren’t you?"

Xue Yubai glanced at Shen Jichen and noticed his deep, focused gaze on the painting, which was quite unusual. He asked, "Piao Yao, what are you thinking?"

Shen Jichen withdrew his gaze and smiled faintly. "It’s well-painted."

He Minxuan had the painting rolled up and seized the chance to whisper in Xue Yubai’s ear, "The one who unsettled Piao Yao’s heart is also a master painter."

"What a coincidence."

Zheng Xuchao asked, "So when do you plan to bring her to meet us?"

Xue Yubai pondered for a moment. "I’ll wait a bit longer. She’s encountered some trouble these past few days."

He Minxuan brushed it off. "Trouble? With Mr. Xue around, can anything even be called trouble? Bring her here; we’ll help resolve it."

These words struck a chord with Xue Yubai, and the two exchanged a smile.

Just then, Wen Song hurried over, bowed to the young masters, and approached Shen Jichen. Shen Jichen’s smile had already faded. Wen Song leaned in and whispered, "Marquis, we’ve found her."

Shen Jichen’s expression darkened instantly. He stood up and said to Xue Yubai, "Please apologize to the Grand Madame on my behalf. I must take my leave."

"Piao Yao?" Before Xue Yubai and the others could ask, Shen Jichen had already strode away.

Han Zixian was helping Ye Shuyi walk over when they passed Shen Jichen. Han Zixian called out to him, but Shen Jichen, moving like the wind, did not respond. Puzzled, Han Zixian entered the side hall and asked, "What’s going on?"

The others were equally clueless. The Grand Princess watched Shen Jichen leave, her gaze pausing thoughtfully.

＊＊

Yue Rongrong had hired a carriage early in the morning to go to the mining prison outside the city. After paying the Worry-Free Silver, she entered the prison as usual.

Qu Lieshan frowned as soon as he saw her. "Rong Rong, you’ve lost weight."

Yue Rongrong stuck out her tongue playfully. "You say that every time we meet. At this rate, I’ll be nothing but skin and bones!"

This time, Qu Lieshan wasn’t amused. "But your complexion doesn’t look good. Why are you still wearing a scarf in this weather?" As he spoke, he reached out to touch her scarf, but Yue Rongrong dodged backward.

"It’s just an accessory. Doesn’t it look nice?" Yue Rongrong stood gracefully, deliberately striking a pose, which successfully dispelled Qu Lieshan’s doubts.

"You always look beautiful."

Meanwhile, the carriage from the Marquis of Wujing’s residence was speeding toward the mining prison office.

Wen Song sat in the carriage, not daring to breathe heavily, as he recounted everything he had uncovered.

"Back then, Qu Lieshan committed three murders but was spared execution due to the emperor’s general amnesty for the empress’s coronation. He was sent to the capital and imprisoned in the mining prison as a laborer."

"And her?" A cold, low voice echoed. Shen Jichen’s eyes were downcast, his expression unreadable.

Wen Song felt a chill down his spine. He weighed his words carefully. "The madam—the young lady followed him all the way to the capital."

Shen Jichen closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, they were filled with inexplicable pain and hatred. Suddenly, he let out a cold laugh. Wen Song shuddered, not daring to move.

The carriage stopped at the office. The officials, startled by Shen Jichen’s sudden arrival, rushed out to greet him in fear and trepidation.

Shen Jichen didn’t even glance at them. "Take me to the prison."

The officials didn’t dare delay and immediately led the way. Along the path, they could feel Marquis Shen’s overwhelming presence and didn’t dare get too close.

"Where is Qu Lieshan held?" Wen Song hurriedly asked.

The official stiffened and quickly guided them. But as they reached the end of the prison cells, Shen Jichen suddenly stopped in his tracks. He clearly heard a faint female voice in the quiet, dim corridor of the prison. The official gasped, about to kneel and apologize, but Wen Song waved his hand, signaling for all of them to leave.

The officials didn’t dare disobey and quickly retreated. Before leaving, one inadvertently caught a glimpse of Shen Jichen’s face and immediately lowered his head, scurrying away as if his life depended on it.

From inside, Qu Lieshan’s voice could be heard: "Lately, Lord Sun has praised me for my diligence. He said he would petition for my transfer to a local prison at the right time. Then we can leave the capital together."

Yue Rongrong’s voice was filled with joy. "Really?"

Wen Song shut his eyes tightly, not daring to look at his marquis’s expression. He only felt the air growing colder around him.

Qu Lieshan said, "Yes. The silver you send every ten days has ensured Wang Xiong treats me well. Don’t worry about me; take good care of yourself."

Yue Rongrong’s cheerful voice replied, "You’re the one who shouldn’t worry about me. I’m doing great. By the way, the pastries I brought today are new from Qingyang Tower. You must finish them all."

With every word, Wen Song screamed inwardly: Stop talking, stop talking, stop talking... He had never felt such terror as he did today. His heart felt suspended in mid-air, only to plummet. Finally, he mustered the courage to look at Shen Jichen, and instantly felt his hanging heart drop dead.

Qu Lieshan’s hesitant voice asked: “You haven’t met Shen Jichen, have you?”

Wen Song’s heart slammed against his ribcage.

After a moment of silence, Yue Rongrong’s calm voice replied: “I will never see him again. Don’t worry.”

“Mm, between us, let’s not mention him.”

Shen Jichen felt a rush of hot blood surge to his head, like an icy blade stabbing through his heart—yet even that seemed insufficient to vent his fury. He twisted the imaginary blade deeper, until the sharp, bone-chilling pain turned numb, and his heart shattered beyond repair.

They were still speaking, but Shen Jichen bolted away, staggering out of the prison. The sunlight stabbed at his eyes. He closed them, feeling a dense, pervasive pain seeping into every pore. Barely able to stand, he leaned against the wall and suddenly began to laugh—bending over, laughing until he was hoarse, until he was breathless.

A fool, he thought. What a fool. He had actually thought she came to the capital for him, believed she struggled so hard to establish herself here for his sake. What a fool—a pitiful, wretched fool. He laughed aloud, his shoulders trembling uncontrollably.

The sound of his laughter twisted Wen Song’s heart, making his eyes well up.

So it was for Qu Lieshan. She had come to the capital for Qu Lieshan, and someday she would leave with him. Her desperate scramble for money was just to make Qu Lieshan’s life easier...

Hatred coiled around him like vines, torturing him. He laughed until his voice cracked, the corners of his eyes reddening, until no more laughter came—only boundless cold and desolation remained.

In his eyes lay endless darkness and an unfathomable chill. When he spoke again, his voice was completely stripped of emotion: “Go find Sun Qihong.”

Sun Qihong was the superintendent of the mine prison.

Wen Song’s heart lurched; a sense of foreboding spread within him. After a moment, he bowed with a nod and accepted the order.