NOVEL WEB Chapter 174 - : Parental Grace
Chapter 174: Parental Grace
The two were snuggling with each other, and for a long time, no one moved.
Unbeknownst to them, it had begun to rain outside the palace. The rain landed on the banana leaves with a crisp and gentle sound. Bai Jingrou got up, wiped the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, and smiled. “Sorry to make you witness this, Empress Dowager!”
“Don’t say that!” Empress Dowager Xiao helped her wipe her tears gently and said, “It’s not like I haven’t seen it before.”
“The tea is cold!” Bai Jingrou poured out the brewed tea and handed it to Empress Dowager Xiao.
Empress Dowager Xiao placed the cup under her nose and sniffed. “It’s still the same smell. I have pined for it for over 20 years!”
“It is Rou’er’s fault. I should have come to visit you earlier, Empress Dowager!” Bai Jingrou smiled lightly.
Empress Dowager Xiao took a sip of tea and smiled. “I met a little girl before who looks like you. She was the Young Mistress of the Ji Manor. Her occasional smiles had all of your charms when you were younger.”
Bai Jingrou was slightly startled. She inexplicably thought of that day when she entered the capital and saw that woman on horseback.
“What happened later?” she asked.
“Don’t you know what happened later? She turned out to be a mountain bandit, how bold of her! I liked her very much, and I couldn’t bear to sentence her for lying to her husband, so I let her go. Now your real daughter is in the Ji Manor. Well, she is also a poor child. She had encountered the bandit robbers from out of nowhere. Fortunately, everything is okay now! One day, you will take her into the palace and let me take a look at her!” Empress Dowager Xiao chuckled and said.
Bai Jingrou hesitated for a moment. However, she did not say that that girl was not her daughter.
This matter would become serious once it reached the Empress Dowager. If the Ji Manor investigated it, she was afraid that it would spell the end of the entire Su Family.
Although she had no affection for Su Wenqian, the two had respected each other for years. Madame Su had always respected her as well.
She had been attached to the Su Family for 20 years, and she could not bear to watch them fail.
No matter what, she was now Mrs. Su of the Su Family, and she busted in both its glory and failure.
Moreover, Su Yueqiu had been chased away by the Ji Family, and Su Wenqian had been negotiating with the Ji Manor on the matter of divorce. If he could suppress and handle the matter, it would be better.
Her own Jiu’er was gone, and this marriage was optional to her. It was no longer important.
“Jing Rou…” Empress Dowager Xiao looked at her softly. “I am most comfortable with you. No one can evoke such feelings in me in these years. If you want to, you can live in the palace and stay with me for a few days.”
Bai Jingrou nodded slowly. “Ok, Rou’er shall accompany you, Empress Dowager!”
During her years in the palace, Empress Dowager Xiao was genuinely kind to her. The two of them shared the same bond as a natural mother and daughter pair. Although she had grievances, she could not erase this bond that she had with her.
Now that things of the past had been said, and she had already let go of matters, those resentments would fade over time.
In the evening, Su Jiu woke up and drank another bowl of medicine. She listlessly reclined by the stove.
Chang Huan stuffed a candied fruit in her mouth and smiled. “Boss, you must get well soon! Ah Shu’s family affairs are still waiting for you to help!”
“The matchmaker has already come by. I’m getting people to prepare a gift. Rest assured, he will most definitely win and outshine everyone!” Su Jiu grinned lazily.
“Have you chosen a day?” Chang Huan asked.
Su Jiu’s black eyes turned as she smiled. “How about we choose it to be on the 26th as well?”
“Hu Dapao and Ah Shu getting married together at the same time? They have a good bond, and they will most definitely be happy about that!” Chang Huan yapped excitedly.
The young man was handsome. Through everything that he had experienced, his youth and sense of childishness had since faded away. He was now calm, with a tinge of elegance.
Su Jiu saw that he was elated and smiled. “When the two of them become relatives, it is time for you to find a wife too. Do you have someone you like?”
The smile on Chang Huan’s lips dimmed, and he bowed his head slightly. His long, white fingers peeled off the melon seeds in the jar as he said softly, “I’m not in a hurry. Master An hasn’t gotten a wife either, so how can it be my turn?”
Su Jiu suddenly thought of his identity. Indeed, his family affairs were no longer something that she should be worrying about.
Besides, Master An had been in a relationship before. It was just that later on, he suffered a betrayal, and had since then become indifferent to the relationship between men and women. It was difficult to find someone who could pique his interest.
The two were chatting in a low voice, when a servant came in to report, “His Highness Prince Rui is here!”
Xiao Lie had been there twice, but Su Jiu had not seen him for a long time. This time, she did not hesitate to let him go back as well.
Emotional matters were causing her pain and entanglement, and she was running away from them.
Chang Huan handed the cleanly-peeled melon seeds in his palm and offered them to Su Jiu. “Boss! Eat some melon seeds!”
Su Jiu took some and said, “We have just returned to the capital. There must be a lot of things waiting for you to deal with within the business. Don’t keep guarding me here!”
Chang Huan smiled. “I’m afraid you’d be bored alone, so I won’t come when you’re no longer ill!”
There was a torrent of rain outside. Su Jiu looked up at the window and watched the drizzle fall on the whirling bamboo leaves. She said quietly, “It’s raining!”
After the servant passed on Su Jiu’s words, Xiao Lie stood outside the door for a while, until the rain fell. His bodyguard took out an umbrella to shelter him from the rain. “Your Royal Highness, let’s go back!”
In the drizzle, the man’s eyes had a deep look. His face was dull as he nodded slowly, got on the carriage, and left.
Behind the carriage, another carriage followed slowly. The servant pushed open the curtain and said, “Princess, it seems like the carriage in front is from Prince Rui’s Mansion.”
Yu Long tilted her head to look. Indeed, it was Xiao Lie’s carriage.
Prince Rui and Su Jiu looked like they were in a very good relationship!
Yu Long pursed her lips in contemplation. Then, the driver in front shouted, “Mistress, we are here!”
The car door opened. Qinglan first put an umbrella over Yu Long, raised her arm, and helped her off the carriage. Together, they walked towards the yard.
The servant went forward to inform them about their arrival. He came back soon and invited Yu Long to enter.
Upon entering the room, Yu Long spotted Chang Huan. She came from the commercial house and heard that Chang Huan was not inside over the past two days. She then guessed that he was here with Su Jiu.
She smelled the thick medicine, its aroma still lingering in the air. Yu Long took two quick steps and wanted to ask who was sick. When she saw Su Jiu, who was half-lying on the bed, she suddenly froze.
Su Jiu got up and apologized, “My body is swollen. I am unable to greet you properly, and I can only do it from a distance. Please forgive me, Princess!”
Yu Long’s lips broke into a smile. “Su Jiu, you are a woman! I’m so confused! To think I didn’t see it before!”
She thought she was a boy who looked like a girl. She was long and beautiful, but as she behaved differently than a woman, she had no qualms.
To think that…
Su Jiu smiled gently. “I’m used to wearing men’s clothes, so it is natural that you couldn’t tell, Princess. I did not intentionally hide my gender! Please, come and have a seat!”
Yu Long sat down, and the servant came in with tea. As she took the tea to drink, her half-hanging eyes flashed.
No wonder Xiao Lie and the Ji Manor’s Eldest Young Master had responded abnormally that day! No wonder Xiao Lie was so tender and considerate to Su Jiu in that manner!
Yu Long took a sip of the tea and placed it down. She then asked with concern, “What’s wrong with Miss Su? Is she sick?”
“It’s okay! I just caught the wind and cold!” Su Jiu replied with a smile. “Is anything the matter?”
Yu Long turned to look at Chang Huan with earnest eyes.
However, ever since Yu Long entered the door, Chang Huan had never looked up at her. He merely continued peeling the melon seeds in his hands.
Su Jiu saw the softness in Yu Long’s eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. She turned her head and said, “Chang Huan, give the tangerine on the table to Princess Yu Long! Let her try some!”
Chang Huan raised his head and frowned at her. When he saw her cold eyes, he got up, brought the tangerine over, and placed it in front of Princess Yu Long.
Yu Long took one and smiled. “Okay!”
“That day, Su Jiu didn’t bid you goodbye whilst on the boat, Princess. It was very rude of me. I’ve always wanted to find an opportunity to apologize to you on this matter, and I hope that you wouldn’t blame me for it!” Su Jiu smiled.
“No, Miss Su! If you had not mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten about it! We will get another opportunity next time. Then, we will cruise together again!”
“That is good!”
After sitting for a while, it was going to be dark soon. Yu Long got up and bid her farewell.
Su Jiu turned her head to look at Chang Huan. “I can’t go out. Chang Huan, send the princess out for me please!”
Chang Huan murmured and agreed. He then followed Yu Long out.
The two went out with umbrellas. Yu Long still held tangerines in her hands and smiled carefully. “Huan’er, the weather has been cold, rainy, and wet recently. You should pay more attention to your body. Don’t get sick or catch a cold!”
Chang Huan turned to look at her sternly and scoffed coldly, “If I get sick, and it helps Boss to get better, I’d be happy to do so. Moreover, we don’t need you to worry about things between us, Princess!”
Yu Long hurriedly followed, “Huan’er, you misunderstood! I didn’t mean to look down on Su Jiu or anything! I was just worried about your body!”
“And you don’t need to!” In the evening rain, Chang Huan had a gloomy look as he strode out.
Princess Yu Long felt uneasy in her heart, but she did not explain further.
They went out, and she got onto the carriage. Yu Long turned around and wanted to say something to Chang Huan again. However, she saw that he had already entered the door.
She sighed heavily. Yu Long only felt the dark clouds on her chest, and she couldn’t breathe.
When would Huan’er accept her?
The weather was gloomy, and the rain was drizzling. Suddenly, she felt a sense of lethargy that she had never felt before.
No matter what, she must convince Huan’er and bring him to see her parents.
Chang Huan went back in. Su Jiu looked up, raised her lips, and smiled. “Chang Huan, I truly don’t understand you. If my loved ones came to me…”
Suddenly her smiling voice came to an abrupt stop.
Chang Huan raised an eyebrow and looked over. “What would you do?”
Su Jiu shrugged. If someone came to find her, she would not know what to do either.
This was because it was unclear as to why she was abandoned at that time. If her family did not want her, what kind of affection would she have for them?
“You are different. It is an accident that you fell off a cliff. Do you genuinely not want to see your parents?” Su Jiu asked.
Chang Huan pursed his lips and said nothing.
Would he want to?
It would be a lie if he said he was not curious and did not miss his parents. Wouldn’t everyone want to know who their biological parents were and what they looked like?
However, he vaguely felt that after seeing his parents, he would lose Su Jiu.
Therefore, he would rather not see them!
This had been dragging on like that for a long time. Once the Yun Nan Manor had to return to Southern Yunnan, maybe Yu Long would give up!
Until late at night, Chang Huan waited for Su Jiu to fall asleep, then took the carriage to head back to the commercial house to finish the account books. It was already four in the morning when he was done.
Early in the morning, a low, angry voice came from Lord Yun Nan, Xia Cang, who was in the study room on the eastern outskirts of the imperial palace. “Are you sure you saw clearly?”
The guard immediately said, “Yes, the subordinates have checked it thoroughly. The princess did not enter the palace that day, but she went to the commercial house where she waited for their treasurer. Finally, the treasurer returned, and that was when the Princess then reappeared. Yesterday, the Princess stayed there for a full day, and then went over to another courtyard. In the end, she came out with the Shopkeeper of the commercial house!”
Xiao Jing, who was nearby, grinned and sneered, “My Lord, I was also wrong. To think that the princess had fallen in love with a commoner!”
However, Lord Yun Nan did not believe that Yu Long would be so sloppy in her marriage affairs. Who was that man?
Why did Yu Long care about him so much?
He thought the person his daughter liked was Prince Rui.
“My Lord, this has nothing to do with me. However, whatever that commoner did to seduce the princess, you must certainly not indulge his behavior!” Xiao Jing said coldly.
Lord Yun Nan’s face sank. “I’ll think about what to do!”
Xiao Jing smirked and continued, “Yes, but I’m merely worried for you, Lord Yun Nan. I worry that you will be deceived, so I’m asking you to deal with this issue as soon as possible. If it is inconvenient for you, I can do it on your behalf!”
“No! These are my family’s affairs. I will handle them properly!” Xia Cang said in a deep tone.
“That would be the best!” Xiao Jing got up. “Then I shall not disturb you any further. I shall leave!”
“His Royal Highness, take care!”
When Xiao Jing went out, Xia Cang immediately commanded coldly, “Bring that man named Chang Huan to me! I will personally interrogate him!”
“Yes sir!”
“Moreover, don’t let the Princess know about this!”
“Yes!”
It was night time. Chang Huan had just come out of Su Jiu’s place. There was no one on the dark road.
The rain was falling again. The sky seemed to want to cover the world entirely in water.
The carriage wheels rolled, and with the sound of rain, they echoed through the silent long street.
Chang Huan leaned against the carriage, his arms supporting his head. His eyes were closed.
Just then, there was a muffled noise outside, and Chang Huan immediately opened his eyes. He kicked the door open, and he saw a huge net heading towards himself.
The driver fell beside him, not knowing what to do.
Chang Huan’s face remained unchanged. He pulled himself up from the ground while using a dagger he slipped out of his sleeve to cut on the net on his head.
He was like a bird in a cage, freeing himself of his shackles and flying away.
The few people in black around the carriage didn’t seem to expect that Chang Huan knew martial arts. After being stunned for a while, a long roar spread from far away through the rainy night.
Then, dozens of people in black appeared on the roofs of both sides, and they all headed for Chang Huan.
These men in black have a strong foundation in martial arts, and they were ruthless in their attacks. However, Chang Huan was agile. With the sharp dagger in his hand, he moved like flowing clouds. Even with a dozen men surrounding them, he still held his ground.
He kicked a black man off the roof with one foot and escaped the long knife that came flying from the left. He then turned around, flew away, kicked the back of the knife, and sent it flying into the distance.
Who wanted to kill him?
The drizzle of the rain covered the sound of the blades colliding. Chang Huan threw the man in black behind him onto the ground and was just about to escape. However, numerous archers suddenly appeared in front of him.
“Stop!”
The man in black behind had also caught up.
Chang Huan looked at the uniformed crossbow arrows in the hands of the men in black. He analyzed their well-trained skills, and it was as if he already knew who wanted to capture him.
To have such excellent equipment in Shengjing, and to have something to do with him, there could be no one else except for him!
Sure enough, when Chang Huan was tied to a wooden pole in a dark room, he watched the tall and mighty figure appear. When that figure called him ‘Lord’, Chang Huan broke out into a self-deprecating laugh.
He gave him a serious look. It turned out that his father was like this!
He seemed to be the same as he had imagined!
He was tall and mighty, with a solemn composure and a breathtaking aura.
There was only a single candle in the darkroom. The light was dim, and bloodstains streaked on Chang Huan’s face. His hair was disheveled, and he looked rather pathetic.
Xia Cang took two steps towards him. He looked at him coldly, and his face was solemn. “Who are you?”
“Dragon Conqueror Gang, Chang Huan!” Chang Huan lowered his head and said quietly.
“What is your relationship with Princess Yu Long?” Xia Cang asked bitterly.
“It doesn’t matter!” Chang Huan muttered in a low voice.
Faced with the man’s reluctant attitude, Xia Cang was irritated. He said sharply, “I shall ask you again, what is your relationship with the princess? Why are you so close to her?”
Chang Huan looked up at him. “I’ve said it. It doesn’t matter!”
Xia Cang examined his blurry face, and he felt a little strange in his heart. However, the man’s stubborn look angered him, and he ordered coldly, “Beat this man until he says it!”
“Yes!”
Several guards next to him picked up a long whip dipped in saltwater, and sent it flying onto Chang Huan’s body!
Slap!
Slap!
The whip was thrown hard on Chang Huan’s body, and dozens of whips went down on him. His clothes were torn, and his skin was marred. Blood oozed out, and his lilac top was gradually stained a crimson color.
Chang Huan’s face was pale, and his eyes were closed. Because of the pain, cold sweat rolled down his forehead, but he did not say anything.
Xia Cang watched with cold eyes. He had a slight admiration for the boy. Despite being beaten up so badly, he kept his stand and did not speak. He had a tough character indeed. However, what was he hiding?
The more Chang Huan refused to come clean on things, the more Xia Cang felt that he was plotting something!
Soon, the bodyguard came and said, “My Lord, he passed out!”
Xia Cang nodded. Out of nowhere, he became upset as his heart filled with anxiety. However, why was he feeling like this?
“Do you want me to wake him up and continue to whip him?” The bodyguard asked.
Xia Cang pondered for a moment, then raised his head and said, “No more. We will wait until he wakes up tomorrow morning!”
“Yes!”
The next morning, Su Jiu learned that Chang Huan was missing.
Chang Huan’s servant, who had been serving Chang Huan since said that he had not returned overnight. In the morning, he came to Su Jiu’s place to ask about his whereabouts. When he was walking on the road, he saw that the carriage was simply parked by the street, and he knew something had happened.
Su Jiu’s complexion changed. With a ‘poof’, she jumped out of bed, did not care to drink her medicine, and dashed out.
The carriage driver beside the carriage was still dizzy. After Su Jiu woke him up, he hastily told her everything. At night, he was bringing Chang Huan back to the commercial house. Suddenly, a lot of people in black had emerged out of nowhere. A weapon hit him, and he soon passed out. After that, he did not know what had happened next.
Ah Shu and Hu Dapao had learned about what happened. They hurried and gathered people and sent them all out across the capital. They instructed them to look for clues throughout the city.
Su Jiu was panic-stricken. She didn’t know who was settling scores with Chang Huan. From what she learned, this person did not come in peace!
The people sent by Ah Shu and Hu Dapao came back and reported their findings. They said that last night, someone saw a large number of people in black fighting on the streets, and then took one person towards the eastern direction.
Su Jiu’s eyes were cold as she muttered under her cold breath, “Search the entire eastern part of the city. I don’t care who took him away, I want to see Chang Huan completely unharmed!”
Even if it was the royal family, she will never let go of that person if Chang Huan was hurt!
“Yes!”
Hu Dapao and Ah Shu echoed in unison, and they quickly sent someone out to investigate.
Just then, a carriage pulled up quickly. It was Xiao Lie, who was still wearing his royal cloak as he got out. His handsome face was light as he walked over quickly. He grabbed Su Jiu’s hand and asked, “How are you?”
Su Jiu stood in the cold wind, her face pale as she shook her head. “I’m fine, but Chang Huan is missing!”
Xiao Lie’s complexion changed slightly. “I already know that. Lord Yun Nan took him, and I will take you to him!”
Lord Yun Nan?
Su Jiu suddenly widened her eyes.
Did Lord Yun Nan already know about Chang Huan’s identity?
She had no time to think about it further. The two got into the carriage and hurried to Dongjiao Palace.
The rain stopped at dawn, but the air was still gloomy. There seemed to be a bigger storm looming.
Once they entered the Yun Nan Manor, the two first went to meet Princess Yu Long. The servant went to inform her. Soon, Yu Long walked into the reception pavilion and asked, “Why are you in such a hurry? What happened?”
Su Jiu hurriedly replied, “Princess, Lord Yun Nan took away Chang Huan last night! Did you know that?”
The face of Princess Yu Long suddenly changed. “What?”
She did not know! Her father must have grabbed Chang Huan away because she had been too concerned about Chang Huan and had gotten too close to him recently. It had aroused his suspicions.
“Wait here! I will see my father right away!” Yu Long said with a loud voice, turned, and walked away. Her steps were quick.
Su Jiu and Xiao Lie had to wait in the reception pavilion.
Seeing Su Jiu’s uneasy expression, Xiao Lie comforted her.,”Don’t worry, Lord Yun Nan will not treat Chang Huan badly. Once Chang Huan’s identity is made known, everything will be naturally resolved!”
Su Jiu nodded gently and looked at Xiao Lie sincerely. “Thank you!”
Xiao Lie smiled and said, “Don’t thank me. As long as you don’t hide from me, I will be content!”
Su Jiu looked down and turned her head.
Yu Long walked anxiously to Lord Yun Nan’s study room, and saw Yuan Lu, the head of the bodyguard, coming out.
“Yuan Lu, where is my father?” Yu Long asked urgently.
Yuan Lu was startled, his eyes flashing. “I have seen the master. He… he just went out!”
“How dare you?! How dare you lie to me, the princess! My father kidnapped a man into the manor. He did not go out at all! Where are they? Tell me quickly!” Yu Long bellowed.
Yuan Lu frowned slightly. “Princess, the lord will not let you participate in this matter!”
Hearing this, Yu Long was even more worried and said nervously, “How confused can you be? Chang Huan, he is-”
She almost blurted it out, but she hurriedly kept it in. Panicking, she said, “Tell me quickly! Where did my father keep him?”
Yuan Lu bowed his head and hesitated.
“Hurry up, or we will be committing a big mistake!” Yu Long shed tears anxiously.
Yuan Lu had never seen such an anxious look on the usually calm Princess. He dared not hide the issue anymore, so he brought her to the darkroom.
In the darkroom, Lord Yun Nan came over after having breakfast. Chang Huan’s bloodstained body was suspended in midair, and he was still in a coma.
“Wake him up!” Xia Cang stood with his arms on his waist. He looked menacing.
A soldier immediately took a bucket of ice water and poured it on Chang Huan. Chang Huan groaned painfully, and slowly opened his bloody eyes. His consciousness gradually returned, only for him to feel excruciating pain in his body.
“I shall ask you again. Who are you, and what is your relationship with the princess?” Xia Cang asked in a deep voice.
Chang Huan only looked at him coldly and closed his eyes again.
“Keep beating!”
“Yes!”
The guard picked up the long whip again and slammed it on Chang Huan’s wound. The whiplash that had been received yesterday broke open again, and blood started gushing out.
Chang Huan clenched his teeth tightly, his head blurred with pain. What flashed in front of his eyes was Su Jiu’s smile and the way she stroked his head.
“Boss…”
Slap!
Slap!
The menacing whipping sounds rang through the darkroom.
Xia Cang’s brow furrowed, and his chest suddenly felt sore and uncomfortable. He could not help but get down and kneeled next to a wooden chair.
“Huan’er!”
Suddenly, a voice roared through the area, and Yu Long broke into the darkroom. Her face changed greatly, and she immediately threw herself onto Chang Huan. As she saw him covered in blood, she felt a pang in her heart. She didn’t even know where to hug him.
“Don’t beat him anymore!”
“Stop it!”
Yu Long cried out, “Huan’er, how are you?”
“Yu Long!” Xia Cang got up and howled in a low tone.
“Father!” Yu Long turned to kneel at Xia Cang’s feet, burst into tears, and yelled, “Don’t beat him anymore! He is Huan’er! Father, he is our Huan’er!”
Xia Cang stumbled back. It was like a thunder splitting on his head. His face turned pale, and he began to quake. “What did you say?”
“He is Huan’er. He truly is Huan’er!” Yu Long cried and then instructed, “Hurry up and bring him down!”
Although some guards did not know what happened, they also knew that it was a misunderstanding. They hurriedly relieve Chang Huan from his torture position.
By then, Chang Huan had already passed out. As the rope was loosened, his body collapsed to the ground.
Yuan Lu looked startled, and said incredulously, “Crown Prince? He… he is the Crown Prince?”
Yu Long reached out and hugged Chang Huan. “Huan’er, please wake up!”
Boom! The door of the darkroom was kicked open, and Su Jiu swept in. After seeing Chang Huan falling to the ground, the blood on her face faded instantly. She slowly walked over, squatted in front of him, and looked at his bloody body in a panic. She did not know where to touch him.
“Chang Huan!”
“Huan’er, I’m here!”
“Who hit you?”
Su Jiu coldly swept her glance at the guard holding the long whip. With a sudden burst, she kicked the chest of the guard and grabbed the whip with her backhand. She waved the whip violently towards Xia Cang, infusing her whole body with energy.
The girl’s momentum was formidable, along with her murderous intent!
Yu Long panicked and got in front of Xia Cang. Almost at the same time, a black shadow flew by, grasping the tail of the whip in Su Jiu’s hand and saying in a deep voice, “Ah Jiu!”
Yuan Lu and the other guards immediately drew their swords, surrounded Xia Cang, and aimed them at Su Jiu!
“Who dares to hurt her? The prince shall kill all without amnesty!” Xiao Lie yelled at Yuan Lu and the others.
“Everybody back off!” Yu Long hissed.
Yuan Lu and the others put away their swords and stepped aside.
Su Jiu’s eyes were red and incandescent with fury. Her straight body trembled faintly as she said, “Xiao Lie, go away!”
“Ah Jiu, don’t be impulsive! This is a misunderstanding! Why would Lord Yun Nan want to kill his own son?” Xiao Lie’s eyes were deep as he frowned at her. Blood dripped down the palm of his hand holding the whip and landed on the ground. “Ah Jiu… Calm down, okay?”
“Su Jiu, don’t hurt my father! It’s all my fault! I didn’t tell my father the truth earlier. If you want to kill or fight anyone, come to me! I will not complain!”
Su Jiu’s face was pale, and her eyes were dark. She stared at Xia Cang, who was stupefied. After a while, she released the whip and slowly backed away.
“Chang Huan, let’s go!” Su Jiu gently hugged Chang Huan, helped him up, and stepped outside.
Xiao Lie soon followed them.
“Long’er, what did you just say? Who is he?” Xia Cang asked, his cheeks quivering as he asked. He held Yu Long’s wrist.
“Father, he is Huan’er! He had fallen off the cliff at that time, but he didn’t die! He was in Shengjing!” Yu Long cried.
Xia Cang’s eyes went dark, his tall body faltering. He stumbled and nearly fell.
“Father!” Yu Long hurriedly helped him up.
Xia Cang flicked Yu Long away and chased in the direction where Su Jiu went.
Su Jiu held Chang Huan from the side and walked quickly along the promenade. She wanted to find a doctor to treat him as soon as possible.
“Boss…” Chang Huan opened his eyes slightly, holding her arm.
“I’m here! It’s okay, Chang Huan. I’ll take you to the doctor, and it won’t hurt once you get some medicine!” Su Jiu whispered as she comforted him. Her feet moved quickly as she rushed out of the manor.
Suddenly, a woman in a luxurious dress hurried over from the side corridor, and when she saw the person in Su Jiu’s arms, tears suddenly ran down her face. “Huan’er, my Huan’er!”
“Lady Yun Nan! Lady Yun Nan!” The maid who was serving with her chased her from behind.
Lady Yun Nan seemed to be happy and in pain at the same time. She kneeled in front of Su Jiu with a thud. “Miss, let me see Huan’er! Don’t take him away, please? Will you return him to me?”
“I’ve searched for him for 12 years! Please let me see him!”
“Huan’er!”
The woman knelt on the ground and wept silently.
Su Jiu looked at the woman, and she suddenly felt a huge sense of grief. She stopped.
Behind him, Xia Cang and Yu Long had already caught up. Xia Cang knelt on one knee and murmured.
“I didn’t know that he is…”
“I’m sorry, Huan’er!”
He was usually a calm and graceful prince, and after experiencing half a lifetime of ups and downs, nothing usually fazed him. At this moment though, he wept.
Xiao Lie took Su Jiu’s thin shoulders, leaned over, and said softly, “Ah Jiu, give Chang Huan back to them. After 12 years of separation, Chang Huan should be reunited with them!”
Tears welled up in Su Jiu’s eyes as she looked down at Chang Huan in her arms. “Chang Huan!”
Chang Huan grabbed Su Jiu’s sleeve with all his strength. “Boss, don’t leave me!”
Su Jiu took in a deep breath and choked, “Chang Huan, your mother is here! She is right in front of you!”
Su Jiu held Chang Huan and knelt on one knee. The woman in front of her immediately came forward and held Chang Huan’s face in both hands as tears streamed down her cheeks. She cried with pain, “Huan’er, my Huan’er!”
Chang Huan’s eyes shed tears, and the blood was cleared off his face by the trickling water.
Yu Long stepped forward to hug her mother and looked at Su Jiu with tears in her eyes.
“Su Jiu, there is a doctor in the house. Let the doctor treat Huan’er first! There is nothing more important than his safety right now!”
Su Jiu gently nodded.
“Boss, don’t leave me behind!” Chang Huan grabbed her arm again.
“I’m not leaving. I’m staying behind and watching over you here, alright? You shall receive medical treatment first!” Su Jiu whispered, then looked up and asked Yu Long, “Where is the doctor?”
After a while, Chang Huan laid on a bed, and a doctor cleaned his wounds.
Lady Yun Nan stayed by the bed. Her eyes did not blink as she stood to watch over him. Lord Yun Nan was frowning as he paced back and forth.
Su Jiu and Xiao Lie stood in the outer room and waited.
Yu Long asked the servant to pour some tea. “His Royal Highness Rui, Su Jiu, drink some tea first. The doctor said that the wounds did not penetrate deep and did not reach the bones!”
Su Jiu nodded lightly. “Thank you!”
Yu Long’s eyes turned red. “Don’t say that! You’ve been so kind to our family. It will be difficult for us to repay through our lifetime!”
The doctor applied medicine to Chang Huan’s wound and then stepped back.
Su Jiu walked in and saw Chang Huan lying on the bed. Perhaps due to the analgesic effects from the medicine, he had fallen asleep.
Lord Yun Nan turned and faced Su Jiu. He said in a deep voice, “What the hell is going on? Will you please enlighten us, Miss?”
Su Jiu looked at Yu Long and repeated what she had said to Yu Long before.
Lady Yun Nan covered her lips and wept bitterly. She knelt by Su Jiu again and wailed, “Miss! Your grace and kindness to us, I will never forget it!”
“Lady Yun Nan, please get up!” Su Jiu got up and helped her up.
“It is all my fault. This is because Chang Huan has always resisted accepting his birthrights. I thought I could persuade him without telling Father and Mother,” Yu Long said as she wiped tears.
Lord Yun Nan sighed heavily. “You are so muddle-headed!”
“Why are you scolding her? You lost your son, and today you have beaten him again! Long’er helped me get Huan’er back, so you are the guilty one instead!” Lady Yun Nan chided Lord Yun Nan.
Lord Yun Nan’s face alternated between red and white, and he said, “Okay, okay! It’s all my fault! Now don’t be angry!”
“You beat my son until he’s like that! How can I not be angry?” Lady Yun Nan reprimanded with tears streaking down her face.
“Don’t cry anymore! Huan’er’s return is a good thing! What are you crying for?” Lord Yun Nan’s face had a look of panic as he wiped the tears off Lady Yun Nan’s face.
Lady Yun Nan took out her handkerchief, gazed at Chang Huan in bed with teary eyes, and took his hand to caress it. “My son! After 12 years, you finally came back!”
When Xiao Lie saw that the family was having a moment, he took Su Jiu by the shoulders and guided her out to the outer room.
“Although this is cruel, it’s also good! Chang Huan needs to accept his birth status!” The man gave a quiet smile.
Su Jiu turned to look at Lady Yun Nan, who gently covered Chang Huan with a quilt. She nodded and grinned. “Yes! Chang Huan finally has his family to dote on him!”
Despite her words, Xiao Lie noticed that Su Jiu’s face was still not looking good. He frowned and asked, “Are you still sick?”
“Ah?” Su Jiu raised her head. Before, she was anxious and not paying attention. At this time, she felt relaxed, and only then did she realize that her head was spinning.
Xiao Lie raised his hand and placed it on her forehead. His face changed slightly. “It’s so hot!”
Yu Long glanced at the outer room, looked at the two being intimate, and her eyes grew slightly deeper. She got up, came out, and asked, “What’s wrong with Miss Su?”
“She is sick too! Princess, I will have to trouble you and Lady Yun Nan. Please take care of Chang Huan! I will bring Ah Jiu back first. When Chang Huan is awake, please send someone to inform us!” Xiao Lie said quietly.
“Miss Su is also sick? Is her condition serious?” Yu Long asked with concern.
“She’s okay!” Xiao Lie assured her politely as he held Su Jiu’s hand and went outside.
“Be sure to tell me when Chang Huan wakes up!” Su Jiu turned around and instructed, seemingly still uneasy.
“Yes, Miss! Please take good care of your body!” Yu Long hurriedly followed.
They left. The sun rays reflected upon them, causing Su Jiu’s vision to turn black, and she stumbled around.
Xiao Lie was so anxious that he hurriedly carried Su Jiu, got into the carriage, and hastily commanded, “Hurry back!”
Su Jiu suddenly remembered something and grabbed Xiao Lie’s arm. She said, “Help me find Ah Shu! They are still looking everywhere for Chang Huan!”
“Relax, I’ve already told them!” Xiao Lie put his hand on her forehead and hugged her tightly. “Sleep for a while. We will be there soon!”
“Okay!” Su Jiu closed her eyes.
The carriage stopped outside the courtyard door, and Xiao Lie tried to carry Su Jiu in, but she suddenly staggered down the carriage by herself.
Her face was pale, but her eyes were bright. “Xiao Lie, thank you for today! But you shouldn’t come in because… I haven’t figured out if I want to be with you yet!”
Xiao Lie’s face darkened. “Ah Jiu, you still intend to hide from me!”
“I’m sorry! But my mind is very messed up right now. Please, let me think about it. Once I’ve thought it through, I will tell you!” Su Jiu said. With that, she turned and walked to the courtyard.
The nanny greeted her from a distance, glanced at Xiao Lie outside the door, and then held Su Jiu. “Miss, how are you? Have you found Master Huan?”
“Yes, I found him!”
Su Jiu took the medicine and laid down. Her mind was blurred, but she found it difficult to sleep. She even heard that Hu Dapao and Ah Shu came by, and were outside the door. They spoke a few words with the nanny before leaving.
It was dark, and it seemed to be raining again.
In the afternoon, Su Wenqian came to the Ji Manor for the second time.
Old Housekeeper Yu invited him to wait in the reception pavilion. After that, he went to the main courtyard to inform him about his arrival.
Ji Yuxian had not left the study room for a few days by then. He heard that Su Wenqian was here, and this time, he did not refuse to meet him. He got up and went out.
“Paying my respects to the Eldest Young Master!” Su Wenqian got up quickly when he saw Ji Yuxian coming.
“Sit!” Ji Yuxian said lightly. As he sat down too, his expression was indifferent. “Is anything the matter, Shopkeeper Su?”
Su Wenqian felt a chill down his spine. Ji Yuxian’s aloof attitude suggested that this family matter had no hope of salvation at all.
“My daughter has returned to my house for a few days. I have also realized that family affairs cannot be forced. A divorce may be the best thing for both of us. However, the compensation conditions mentioned by the Eldest Young Master last time, can it still be changed?” Su Wenqian asked carefully.
Ji Yuxian was holding a teacup and drinking lightly from it. His face was pale, and his delicate thin lips were as red as blood. His eyes were beautiful, but they had no trace of emotion. He emanated an aura of cold evilness.
Su Wenqian said with a smile, “Eldest Young Master, you’ve compensated too much before, It is better to subtract it by half!”
Putting down the teacup, Ji Yuxian’s eyes slanted as he said slowly, “It shall stay the same. There’s no need to change it, but I want to add another condition!”
“What is it? Please tell me, Eldest Young Master!” Su Wenqian said immediately.
“I want you to divorce your Second Mistress, Shopkeeper Su. Can it be done?” Ji Yuxian said slightly.
“W-what?” Su Wenqian stuttered, flabbergasted by his words.
“Did you not hear me properly? I want you to divorce your Second Mistress!” The man’s beautiful eyes were cold.
“What? Why? How did my wife offend you, Eldest Young Master?” Su Wenqian’s face changed slightly and he asked, feeling puzzled.
“Don’t ask! If you agree, come to me with the divorce papers, and you will receive all the shops and gold that I promised! I will not leave out a single bit!” Ji Yuxian added. He then immediately got up and walked away. He did not even give Su Wenqian a chance to ask further questions.
Su Wenqian gawked at Ji Yuxian’s back for a moment. For a moment, he had no idea what to do.