Chapter 18: Invited Again?

“Recall all those from the South family and those who came with my dowry from the various estates.”

“All the guards from the Meng family are servants of the Duke’s residence. Inform them that they are not required to stand watch tonight; have them remain on standby within my courtyard.”

“From now on, no orders are to be obeyed except mine, especially those from... the Meng family!”

“Order the household to gather everything that belongs to me and await my instructions.”

“Especially the contracts for silver notes, lands, estates, and shops, as well as gold, silver jewelry, and precious gems—leave not a single copper coin behind!”

“None of this must be discovered by the Meng family. It must be kept secret!”

“I will go immediately!”

Madam Su promptly set about the tasks.

“Biezhi.”

“Your ladyship, I am here!”

Nan Yan took a deep breath, steadying herself. “Dress me. I am to enter the palace and meet the Emperor.”

Biezhi dared not disobey. She quickly wiped away her tears and helped Nan Yan sit before the dressing table.

In the bronze mirror, Nan Yan’s face was paler than Jiang Li’s.

Jiang Li frowned. “Have you considered that rushing into the palace might result in the Emperor punishing you as well...?”

“Even if the Emperor intends to execute me—I must face him in person and ask why he treats my father and brothers so cruelly!”

Nan Yan swallowed her tears, staring at the reflection of Jiang Li in the mirror, her teeth clenched so tightly they threatened to shatter.

“Master Jiang, you are resourceful and wise, but do you know... my Nan family has been military generals for generations, earning great merit for the court...”

“My grandfather was a founding hero who gave his life to secure the Emperor’s realm—”

“And yet, though my father and brothers have guarded the nation’s borders for years, why does the Emperor now believe they colluded with the enemy and betrayed the country?”

Jiang Li remained silent. The pale, fragile face in the mirror and the deeply furrowed brows seemed to harbor countless unspoken secrets.

Nan Yan did not press him further. “Master Jiang, you have saved me twice, and I am truly grateful, but...”

“Today, I must go to the palace to seek justice for my father and brothers. Please, do not try to stop me.”

Jiang Li lifted his gaze toward the window, sighing softly.

Unnoticed, night had fallen completely, making the road ahead indistinct. Occasional flashes of lightning briefly tore through the heavy darkness.

“What right do I have to stop you? But I hope, my lady, you will hear one more word from me...”

At his words, Nan Yan slowly turned her head. He stood tall by the window, his gaze seemingly cast far into the distance.

The perfect outline of his profile was bathed in candlelight, the atmosphere around him heavy with gloom.

He withdrew his gaze and looked toward her; his ink-black eyes were fathomless.

“If you go and are punished by the Emperor, imprisoned, can the old Duke endure it?”

Nan Yan felt a shudder deep within.

This was her greatest fear, which was why her first order was for Madam Su to send someone back to the Duke’s residence to check on her grandfather.

The old Duke was already eighty years old. With his sons and grandsons falsely accused, if news of his only granddaughter’s misfortune also reached him, he might not withstand the blow.

“Who else but you can clear the injustice against your father and brothers?”

Nan Yan clenched her hands tightly on her lap.

Tears finally fell, quickly staining the freshly applied rouge on her cheeks.

Biezhi also wept, wiping away her own tears before carefully dabbing Nan Yan’s, gently reapplying the makeup.

Nan Yan closed her eyes, her long lashes trembling as her heart wavered violently.

Madam Su hurried back. “Your ladyship, Aunt Fen has arrived!”

Nan Yan’s eyes snapped open, sharp determination burning in her gaze.

Without waiting for an announcement, Aunt Fen entered uninvited, her shadow stretched long and eerie by the lightning.

Seeing Jiang Li and Danzhu, her expression shifted slightly; she cast them a second glance.

“Why is Master Jiang in the young mistress’s chamber? This is most improper!”

Jiang Li glanced at her sideways, his back straight and rigid.

“The young mistress fainted and no one was attending to her, so Miss Biezhi came for me. I simply administered two needles for her.”

Aunt Fen’s expression changed again. “You... know medicine?”

“Long illness breeds skill.”

Aunt Fen lowered her head, lost in thought, no longer pressing Jiang Li, and turned to Nan Yan.

“Isn’t the young mistress well now? Since you have awakened, the eldest lady requests your presence!”

Another invitation?

Nan Yan pressed her palms together discreetly. “Please tell Aunt Fen I shall come immediately.”

Aunt Fen tossed her head disdainfully, casting one more glance at Jiang Li before departing.

Biezhi and Madam Su grew worried.

“Your ladyship, the matter with Xia Qingfei is not settled yet. The eldest lady and the grand matron are forcing you to make a decision!”

“Yes, your ladyship, you cannot relent and allow Xia Qingfei into the household. If you do, she will surely take advantage of it!”

Biezhi pinned a hairpin into Nan Yan’s hair. Nan Yan stood slowly.

“Enter the household? If only she could!”

Madam Su and Biezhi exchanged a glance, their hearts secretly troubled.

They sensed their lady was no longer the same.

“Master Jiang, please return to your chambers. The Meng family’s affairs are not for you to meddle in.”

“Also...”

Nan Yan bowed slightly toward him with gratitude. “Thank you, Master Jiang, for your counsel. It steadied me and prevented needless sacrifice.”

Jiang Li nodded and returned her bow, saying no more. He watched as Nan Yan, accompanied by Madam Su and Biezhi, stepped out of the room and slowly disappeared from view.

Inwardly, his brow furrowed deeper, a soft sigh escaping him.

Upon entering Meng Lishi’s quarters, Xia Qingfei grew even closer with them.

The three sat almost shoulder to shoulder, chatting and laughing. Meng Boji observed from nearby, smiling warmly.

So, what was she then? An outsider?

Nan Yan felt a sharp sting of irony, her eyes aching as if pierced.

It seemed even heaven found the injustice unbearable, as rolling thunder rumbled again and again.

Her arrival caused Meng Lishi and the grand matron to stiffen, assuming the airs of elders.

“Finally you’ve come! We urged you thrice and pleaded four times just to get you here. Have you no manners? Do you understand respect for elders and order?”

Nan Yan looked toward Meng Boji, who made no move to defend her.

This was the man who once swore by heaven and earth to marry her.

Nan Yan closed her eyes briefly and bowed in apology. “My health has been poor lately. I beg grandmother’s understanding.”

“You are far too weak! Fainting at the slightest provocation—how can I or your mother trust you to manage the household?”

Nan Yan offered no further explanation; those who wished to condemn would find no shortage of reasons.

Meng Lishi spoke again, “Feeling better now? We called you here with good news: Qingfei is with child.”

Nan Yan felt as if struck by lightning. Qingfei was pregnant?!

The grand matron smiled brightly, ignoring Nan Yan’s pale face. Madam Su and Biezhi feared she might faint again.

Xia Qingfei feigned shyness, burying her head in Meng Boji’s embrace, who doted on her with utmost care.

Meng Lishi cast a secret glance at them before turning to Nan Yan. “Qingfei is expecting, and since your health is poor, we thought...”

“Why not elevate Qingfei to a secondary wife? Once admitted, she can share the duties and oversee the household affairs, yes?”

“What?!”

With a thunderclap outside, rain poured down in torrents.

Nan Yan widened her beautiful eyes in disbelief.

Not only were they forcing Xia Qingfei into the household, but also elevating her to a secondary wife? What, then, was she—the principal wife—supposed to be? A joke?!

“Secondary wife...” Nan Yan’s eyes reddened as she looked at Meng Boji. “Is this also your wish, husband?”