Qian Baokun is a person who thoroughly understands the art of self-preservation, never aligning himself with anyone. He does not involve himself in court disputes, nor does he support any particular faction.
It’s not that the aristocratic families haven’t tried to win him over, and even some of the princes have attempted to curry favor with him. Back when Song Hong was still in court, he, too, went to great lengths to befriend this influential minister. On the surface, Qian Baokun appears to maintain cordial relations with everyone, but in private, he keeps his distance from all. Yet, somehow, Xiao Yan has managed to earn Qian Baokun’s “special regard.”
Recalling Qian Baokun’s earnest advice before he left, Song Jinxiu sneered lightly, “Minister Qian treats you sincerely, Director Xiao. Don’t you feel any guilt in your heart?”
“When Tangning treated you sincerely, did you ever feel guilty?”
This single remark left Song Jinxiu feeling utterly embarrassed. Xiao Yan, his expression cool, replied, "You’re working for me, and in return, I’m giving you a way out. As for the leniency shown toward your family’s affairs, I think you, Lord Song, know exactly what that cost you. If you’re capable of framing the Lu family without batting an eye, then spare me any talk of virtue—it’s nauseating. I wouldn’t mind sending you back to the imperial prison."
Song Jinxiu’s face flushed, then turned pale.
Seeing his silence, Xiao Yan pressed on, "What’s the matter, Lord Song? Cat got your tongue?"
The former prodigy was no longer who he once was. Despite the humiliation, Song Jinxiu gritted his teeth and bowed his head. "It was inappropriate of me. I hope Director Xiao can forgive me."
Xiao Yan’s gaze was indifferent. "Don’t let it happen again."
Though there weren’t many people near the palace gates, Song Jinxiu felt as if his dignity had been trampled on. The nearby guards cast sidelong glances in his direction, intensifying his shame.
As Xiao Yan observed Song Jinxiu’s reddening face, he turned and headed toward the carriage. But before he could take a few steps, Song Jinxiu suddenly called out, "Director Xiao."
Xiao Yan paused.
"How... how is Tangning?" Song Jinxiu asked quietly.
"Away from the Song family, she’s naturally doing well."
Xiao Yan’s side profile was sharp, his gaze piercing as he looked back, making Song Jinxiu want to avert his eyes.
"Back then, Lord Song had little regard for Tangning and chose to protect someone else over her. So don’t come around now with second thoughts, pestering the girl from my household. Some things, once discarded, can’t simply be picked up again. Tangning won’t look back to reclaim what she once spat out, nor should you expect her to. I trust you understand?"
Song Jinxiu’s face went deathly pale at his words.
"And your younger sister, whom you chose to protect—His Majesty has ordered her release. You should go retrieve her from the imperial prison."
The mention of his “younger sister” struck Song Jinxiu deeply, leaving him in utter disgrace.
He opened his mouth, wanting to explain that he hadn’t abandoned Tangning, that he hadn’t known the full story about Song Shulan at the time, and that he had simply wanted to balance the sisters’ relationship. But looking into Xiao Yan’s cold eyes, and remembering all Tangning had suffered, the words died in his throat, leaving him filled with bitter guilt.
He felt like a complete fool, just as Xiao Yan had said. Whatever bond he’d once shared with Tangning was long gone. To her, he was nothing but a discarded remnant.
She already had a brother, and that person wasn’t him.
Xiao Yan paid no further attention to Song Jinxiu’s conflicted expression and turned away, leaving without hesitation.
As the carriage moved away from the palace gates, Jingyun looked through a gap in the curtain, catching sight of the lone young man standing by the gate. He turned to Xiao Yan and said, "Director, this Song Jinxiu is not a trustworthy person. He took on the Lu family’s case without hesitation, lying to win His Majesty’s trust. By releasing him, if he turns on us one day..."
"The Lu family matter needed a catalyst."
Originally, Xiao Yan had planned to use Qian Baokun for this purpose, but Minister Qian was so “genuinely” well-intentioned that Xiao Yan couldn’t bring himself to do it.
Recalling Qian Baokun’s earnest advice, how he was practically treating him like an old friend, Xiao Yan leaned against the carriage wall, chuckling softly before continuing, "Song Jinxiu, despite his hypocrisy, is capable. And he has the shrewdness to bow his head to me, even to soften himself for the man who destroyed his family. His mindset and fortitude are far beyond the ordinary."
"Though Song Hong’s offenses were serious, they weren’t enough to warrant wiping out his entire family. Even if he had been punished, at worst, Song Jinxiu would have faced exile. But for someone like him, leaving the capital would only be like an eagle soaring freely, potentially becoming a future threat. It’s better to keep him trapped in the murky waters of the capital, where he remains at odds with the aristocratic families due to his enmity with the Lu family."
"Even if he despises me, he won’t dare to turn on me until he’s grown stronger."
Xiao Yan had no intention of bringing Song Jinxiu under his wing, but he saw value in using him as a tool to expose the Lu family’s darkness—a “catalyst” that suited his needs perfectly.
The aristocrats would never forgive Song Jinxiu for framing the Lu family, and the actions of the Duke Song household had already made it impossible for him to rejoin the moralist faction. Even if his official rank were restored, rising further would be no easy task. By the time Song Jinxiu had the means to spread his wings, Xiao Yan would have accomplished all he intended. If he couldn’t handle a single Song Jinxiu by then, how could he possibly manage others?
Moreover, Xiao Yan had noticed an unusual sense of “guilt” that Song Jinxiu harbored toward Tangning. It wasn’t just due to his sudden coldness toward Song Shulan; today, upon learning that Lu Zhinen had offended Tangning, he unhesitatingly took action against the Lu family with startling decisiveness.
That guilt alone was enough to ensure he treated Tangning differently.
Although Xiao Yan detested Song Jinxiu and never intended to entrust Tangning to anyone else, he was also keenly aware that life held no guarantees. He was accustomed to leaving himself extra room for maneuvering, and now that habit included a little flowering thorn he couldn’t let go of. For the sake of that soft-hearted young girl, he was willing to plan a little more carefully.
"Even someone detestable can sometimes be a lifeline when push comes to shove."
Jingyun couldn’t help but ask, “Then why did you release Song Shulan?”
Xiao Yan scoffed, “If I hadn’t let her go, wouldn’t Song Jinxiu just keep finding excuses to bother Tangning?”
That Song Shulan is like a parasitic dodder flower; she can't survive without clinging to something strong. She schemed to return to the capital, but now her dreams of wealth and nobility are gone, her status as the daughter of the duke’s family ruined, her reputation in tatters, and she’s branded as the daughter of a traitor. Her only way to survive in the prosperous capital is to cling desperately to Song Jinxiu.
Although Xiao Yan released Song Jinxiu, it didn’t mean he intended to make things easy for him. He had bullied his little Haitang—there was no way he’d let him off lightly.
As the carriage made its way toward Jiyun Alley, Xiao Yan reached down to touch the area near his waist where he had been injured. Hanging there was a white jade pendant with a blush-pink tassel, a gift from his little Haitang. Remembering how she had tearfully asked him to comfort her before he entered the palace, Xiao Yan looked out and said, “Before we go back to Tang Manor, let’s stop by Xijue Pavilion.”
Jingyun immediately responded, “The Director is buying sweets again?”
Xiao Yan leaned back against the carriage wall and gave a light "mm."
The little girl had suffered enough today; he’d bring her some sweets to cheer her up.
By now, the shopkeeper of Xijue Pavilion was used to seeing Xiao Yan. Initially, he had been shocked and frightened, but now he was accustomed to the Director’s visits to buy sweets for the young lady at the manor. Smiling, he had the kitchen prepare Xiao Yan’s usual selection, even adding some new pastries to the box.
When Xiao Yan returned to Tang Manor carrying the food box, he was picturing Tangning’s usual delighted dimpled smile whenever she saw the sweets. But as he entered the hall and saw a pile of gifts, with Tangning conversing softly with someone, the smile on his face instantly vanished.
“Ah, Brother,” Tangning greeted quickly when she saw him.
Madam Fu, in a rare moment of warmth, also nodded. “Director Xiao, you’ve returned?”
Xiao Yan replied with a curt “Mm” and placed the food box aside. “Why has Madam Fu come to visit?”
Madam Fu replied, “I came to see Tangning, of course. The Lu family affair caused quite an uproar, and when I heard about it, I was concerned for her. Then, I heard from my reckless grandson that Tangning had a hard time today, so I came to check on her.”
The old lady had always been fond of the young girl and felt sorry for all the suffering she’d endured. After hearing about the Lu family’s scandal, she sent people out to inquire about it. Later, when her foolish grandson returned and wouldn’t stop talking about Miss Tang, she began to suspect something was up.
When she questioned him, Fu Laiqing initially tried to brush it off, saying he had simply stepped in to help and ended up at the Qian residence by coincidence. But Madam Fu was shrewd. Within a few sentences, she had pried the truth from him, and when he blushed bright red, he admitted to everything, pleading for her to visit Tang Manor on his behalf.
Seeing Tangning now, any remaining sternness on Madam Fu’s face melted away. To her, this young girl was practically the savior of the Fu family, as she had somehow managed to capture the heart of her grandson, who was on the brink of taking monastic vows. Her affection for Tangning only deepened.
“You have no idea how worried my foolish grandson was about you. He came home talking endlessly about the danger you were in today, cursing Lu Zhinen’s shameful behavior. Luckily, Zitan happened to be passing through the southern part of the city, or who knows what could’ve happened.”
The old lady squeezed Tangning’s hand with concern. “Thankfully, you’re alright; otherwise, I would’ve had to scold Zitan for not protecting a young girl properly.”
“Oh, you probably don’t know—Zitan is my grandson’s courtesy name. His grandfather chose it, hoping he’d be as clear and untainted as river water.”
“My grandson has never shown much interest in others’ affairs, nor has he ever cared for anyone like this. When he found out I was coming to visit you, he hurriedly packed up his best medicine for me to bring to you, afraid you’d get hurt. If he weren’t worried about being too forward, he would have come with me himself.”
Madam Fu’s words were all about Fu Laiqing, and her tone toward Tangning was affectionate and full of warmth.
Even if she had been a bit slow to catch on, Tangning was starting to realize something was amiss. Her cheeks flushed red, the blush spreading to her neck, and she froze in place.
Xiao Yan’s gaze, meanwhile, landed on Madam Fu’s hand holding his little Haitang’s. His brows furrowed, his dark eyes narrowing with an intense glint.
That brat from the Fu family… he definitely had ulterior motives!
You can read ahead to chapterr 300 (100+ extra chapters) here
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