As Xie Liangchen’s carriage passed by the Ministry of Justice, she happened to see an eunuch riding towards the palace gates.
Also accompanying her in the carriage was ng Changshu, who whispered, "They’ve been arresting people outside lately. I heard from my uncle that it might be because Xiao Xingzong confessed about his accomplices after arriving in the Capital City."
Xie Liangchen nodded, "Probably!" She was on good terms with ng Changshu, but there were things she couldn’t speak of; knowing too much might bring trouble, and now wasn’t the ti.
Moreover, the statent had so truth, only most people didn’t know that Xiao Xingzong’s accomplice was the current Emperor.
The two had agreed to make a stop at the "Child Care Institute," where children without parents or family were residing. In the cold winter months, the court gathered them together, providing als until spring, when the governnt office would arrange their future.
During this period, wealthy families in the Capital City were donating food and clothing.
The carriage stopped, and Xie Liangchen and ng Changshu disembarked together. The ng family servants and Chang Yue carried the items they had brought into the Child Care Institute.
"Commandery Princess," Chang Yue remarked from the side, "Ji Yuan is here too."
Xie Liangchen glanced sowhat casually in the direction Chang Yue indicated, seeing a man in a blue robe talking with a child.
Ji Yuan, this face appeared much fresher than when Xie Liangchen had seen him in her previous life, with a touch of shyness and gentleness, yet this face was just a guise Ji Yuan put on.
Xie Liangchen had seen Ji Yuan after he gained power, when he no longer needed to hide. That greedy, deceitful, and cruel face was still vivid in her mory.
At this ti, Ji Yuan had just fought a few battles in the army, achieving small victories, but these achievents were rather insignificant and couldn’t advance his career.
Additionally, the Ji Family lacked the capability to support him, so he had to rely on his uncle, seeking shelter under the Wang Family’s protection for survival. Perhaps he was secretly aligned with Prince Lu, but without accomplishnts, the prince wouldn’t heavily employ him.
If not for marrying ng Changshu, Ji Yuan would never have had such a promising future, but unfortunately, Ji Yuan had impure intentions from the start.
At this mont, Ji Yuan appeared thin and unsupported, yet he harbored ambitions and was willing to sincerely treat people.
His interaction with the unfortunate children would certainly linger in ng Changshu’s mory, and their first eting would leave a lasting impression on her.
Later, when ng Changshu learned he was the one her family suggested for her marriage, she would naturally agree to the proposal.
"Liangchen," ng Changshu said, "Let’s leave after putting down the things, so we don’t keep Ru Chu and Mr. Li waiting."
Xie Liangchen felt a slight surprise. She had heard from the ng Family Housekeeper that ng Changshu usually lingered for a long ti each visit, yet today, after briefly checking on the children inside, she was eager to leave.
ng Changshu said, "Let’s prepare the herb illustrations early so we don’t delay next spring’s planting; aren’t you planning to grow more herbs in the eight states? Listen to what Mr. Li has to say."
ng Changshu was no longer the woman who could only stand aside lanting the children’s plight. Seeing them live decently, she felt relieved; staying longer wouldn’t offer much help, so she preferred to busy herself with other things.
ng Changshu pulled Xie Liangchen towards the carriage; the two smoothly boarded, and the carriage departed the Child Care Institute, with Xie Liangchen smiling at ng Changshu.
"What is it?" ng Changshu asked, "Is there dirt smudged on my face?"
Xie Liangchen replied, "No."
Ji Yuan must have taken considerable effort for this eting, secretly inquiring about ng Changshu, yet didn’t anticipate that she had changed from before. This little shift could let Ji Yuan’s plans today go to waste.
Xie Liangchen couldn’t help but think of her and Song Xian. Even though they experienced life and death together in her previous life, they carelessly missed each other, let alone the one-sidedly contrived encounters by Ji Yuan.
Luckily, she and Song Xian eventually ca together, and she rembered the events they faced at sea back then.
Reflecting on it now, the bond between people is truly rare and should be cherished sincerely.
Xie Liangchen ca back to her senses: "Just now, Chang Yue told she saw Ji Yuan at the Child Care Institute."
ng Changshu displayed a surprised expression, "That... Ji Yuan?"
Xie Liangchen nodded: "After you ntioned him, I kept an eye on the Wang Family in Xizhou and Ji Yuan, asking Song Xian about Ji Yuan. Chang Yue overheard and rembered. Today, when she saw Ji Yuan at the Child Care Institute, she imdiately alerted . But rest assured, sister, I didn’t ntion it to anyone else; Ji Yuan wants to marry you."
ng Changshu naturally trusted Xie Liangchen.
Xie Liangchen continued, "Did Ji Yuan know you’d be at the Child Care Institute, sister?"
ng Changshu froze as she realized Xie Liangchen’s implication: "Probably not. Ji Yuan hasn’t been to my ho yet... Could it be that he deliberately inquired in advance and ca to the Child Care Institute specifically to et ?"
Xie Liangchen shook her head. "I’m not sure, but sister, do stay alert."
ng Changshu frowned, "Does he think eting in private would make agree to the marriage? This evasive approach is far less honorable than outright visiting my ho for a formal request."
Xie Liangchen replied, "Sister ng’s thoughts are correct; you shouldn’t hastily judge soone based on re encounters."
ng Changshu thought of Song Xian: "And what about you and Song Jiedu?"
Suddenly ntioning Song Xian, Xie Liangchen was still a bit bashful: "Initially, I thought Song Xian was soone who lacked empathy, was cold and easily angered. Coincidentally, at that ti, I owed him quite a favor, and each ti we t, I felt he was there to collect the debt."
ng Changshu hadn’t expected this scenario.
Xie Liangchen said, "In gratitude for Song Xian’s kindness, I made him a bowl of noodles from the kitchen, but Mr. Song refused to eat them. Outwardly, I remained courteous, yet I felt he was difficult to serve, and besides repaying my debt, I wanted to stay as far from him as possible."
ng Changshu asked, "When did you start changing your perception of Song Jiedu?"
Xie Liangchen didn’t need to ponder and answered directly, "After seeing him in Zhenzhou, safeguarding the common people, and witnessing his risk-taking efforts to capture the Liao people spies. Later, when he led troops into the eight states, through these experiences, I truly understood his character."
Xie Liangchen couldn’t clearly identify when she began drawing closer to Song Xian. Perhaps after Song Xian expressed "delight"? Or maybe earlier, when an inebriated Song Xian snagged her clothes with a branch, and the next morning she saw him carrying her younger brother to change clothes.
Unknowingly, they grew closer.
"No wonder you’re unafraid about marrying him," ng Changshu said, "Because you understand Song Jiedu, know the kind of person you’ll marry and the life you’ll lead. If I marry in the future, I want it to be like yours. If I can’t fully comprehend it, I’d rather not take the risk and stay ho forever."
During their conversation, they arrived at the Li Family.
Xie Liangchen and ng Changshu laughed as they got off the carriage, greeted by Li Ruchu and Miss Yan, with the four girls walking into the courtyard.
Today, Mr. Li from the Imperial Hospital was hosting guests, but the invitees were all won, a rarity.
...
Ji Yuan left the Child Care Institute, looking at the wheel marks on the road feeling lost, not expecting ng Changshu to leave so quickly, and he was certain that Miss ng hadn’t seen him.
Though it was just a small matter, wanting to et again, he could still find opportunities, but his heart felt empty, as if a chance he should have had suddenly slipped away.
"Mr. Ji," the Wang Family Steward hurriedly approached, "Sothing’s happened, Vice General Jiang has been arrested. Second Master wishes to find an excuse to leave the Capital City and has called for you to join the discussion."
Reviews
All reviews (0)