Chapter 10: Jing Chi Does Not Lie

Today, Shen He wore a simple white dress, its hem lightly brushing the ground, creating a soft, subtle sound. Her hair was neatly tied back with a delicate white ribbon, coiled high at the nape of her neck, pure and serene like a white lotus glistening with morning dew.

Yan Qingyi looked at Shen He, an inexplicable ache stirring within him, for he knew that his elder brother, Yan Qingxiu, treated Shen He differently from others.

Shen He had been personally mentored by Yan Qingxiu as she grew up. Though his brother was usually taciturn, Yan Qingyi could see that Yan Qingxiu’s feelings for Shen He had long surpassed those of a teacher toward a disciple. Thus, whenever Yan Qingyi faced Shen He, he always felt compelled to protect and respect her.

But, alas, his brother was no longer here…

“If you trust me, Qingyi, then do not attend Master Yan’s funeral,” Shen He said softly but firmly after Yan Qingyi dismounted his horse and stood still.

Seeing the flicker of emotion cross Yan Qingyi’s face, Shen He lowered her voice, her expression grave. “This funeral is a trap laid by Yan Qingyu for you. He intends to use it as an opportunity to accuse you of murdering our brother.”

Hatred burned openly in Yan Qingyi’s eyes as he replied with unwavering conviction, “I did not kill my brother. Why should I be afraid?”

“I believe Master Yan’s death has nothing to do with you,” Shen He said gently. “But knowing the danger, why must you step into the lion’s den? As long as the green mountains remain, there will be firewood to burn. If you act rashly now, you will only fall into their trap.”

Yan Qingyi gazed at her, “Linglong, my brother was as kind as a mountain to me. This is his funeral. If I do not muster the courage to see him one last time, do you think I will ever find peace in my heart? The assassin that day came for me—it was me! I caused my brother’s death! He was injured protecting me, weakened, and ultimately perished at the hands of another! Linglong! Tell me, how can I not go?”

A breeze swept through, lifting dry yellow leaves from the ground and scattering them onto Yan Qingyi’s head. Shen He reached out to brush the leaves away softly and said, “But Master Yan risked his life to save you so you could live. Now, knowing it’s a pit of fire, why would you still jump in? How could you betray the trust he placed in you? Moreover, if it were like Master Yan, who sacrificed to protect each other, it would be worth it. But for Yan Qingyu? It is not! Your life must be preserved! You must watch Yan Qingyu reap the consequences of his evil deeds!”

The leaves in her hand were once again blown away by the wind, rustling softly. “If even you fall, what will become of Yunshan Academy? Will you truly hand it over to Yan Qingyu? And what of Shuzi Jue?”

Yan Qingyi stood frozen as if struck by lightning. Indeed, these thoughts had never crossed his mind until now.

“Brother, sister…”

A clear and handsome voice called out. Yan Qingyi and Shen He turned to see a carriage approaching them. Leaning out from the carriage door was none other than the Sixth Prince, Xiao Jingchi.

Though Xiao Jingchi was actually older than both Shen He and Yan Qingyi, due to his mental condition, he always addressed Yan Qingyi as “brother” and Shen He as “sister.”

Shen He frowned, watching Xiao Jingchi approach. In the previous life, Xiao Jingchi had been too frightened to leave the house, let alone attend Yan Qingxiu’s funeral. Why was he here today?

The Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet had also been different from before. Could it be that because of her rebirth, many things were changing?

Before Shen He could ponder further, the carriage came to a halt before them.

Xiao Jingchi stepped down, followed by his ever-watchful attendant, Ming You.

---

“Brother, sister, what are you doing here?” Xiao Jingchi wore a plain white robe, his handsome, well-defined features shining in contrast.

If it were not for his mental limitations, he would truly be strikingly handsome, Shen He thought to herself.

Suddenly, Yan Qingyi seemed to realize something. “His Highness the Sixth Prince was present that day. He can prove that I did not kill my brother.”

Shen He shook her head. “Everyone knows the Sixth Prince has studied at Yunshan Academy since childhood and is closely connected with you two brothers. His words cannot serve as reliable testimony.”

In truth, Shen He concealed another reason—how could someone with Xiao Jingchi’s mind possibly remember anything clearly?

“Sister, I know!” Xiao Jingchi grabbed Shen He’s hand, his long, slender fingers enclosing hers as he coquettishly insisted.

“What do you know, Your Highness?”

“I know it wasn’t Brother Qingyi. I know who it was. I remember!”

His words left Shen He and Yan Qingyi stunned.

Shen He vaguely recalled that in the previous life, she had also investigated Yan Qingxiu’s death. After Xiao Jingchi recovered, she had tried to question him about the matter, but due to his fright, he remembered nothing.

How was it that he now recalled everything? And from the look of it, he was not lying.

Yan Qingyi clung to this lifeline. “Your Highness, is what you say true?”

“It’s true! Jingchi never lies! Mother said that children who lie are not good!”

Such innocent words coming from a tall and handsome figure felt somewhat incongruous.

“Linglong, if His Highness can truly testify for me, then I shall take the risk. If I run now, I am no son of the Yan family!”

Shen He pondered briefly. She had almost convinced Yan Qingyi not to act rashly, but now that he was determined, no amount of eloquence could stop him. She nodded reluctantly. “But you must promise me to protect yourself above all else.”

“Alright!”

Relieved, Yan Qingyi leapt onto his horse. Shen He was about to return to her carriage when Xiao Jingchi tugged at her hand.

“Sister, will you ride with Jingchi?”

Knowing she could not refuse, Shen He followed Xiao Jingchi into his carriage.

---

Inside the carriage, Xiao Jingchi’s eyes gazed deeply at Shen He. When she met his gaze, he quickly looked away.

Something felt off, though Shen He couldn’t quite place it.

“Your Highness, please tell me, what else do you remember?”

Xiao Jingchi turned back to her, a fleeting spark of cleverness flashing in his profound eyes.

“I remember who killed Big Brother. I know him. He was one of Big Brother’s men.”

One of Yan Qingxiu’s trusted subordinates? Shen He frowned, racking her mind.

Yan Qingxiu had several loyal lieutenants, all personally vetted and trained by Yan Zhengtan. Could someone have betrayed the Yan family?

Chen Ru? Unlikely. She was the only female subordinate close to Yan Qingxiu, and even a fool could see her feelings for him. If Chen Ru were to die for Yan Qingxiu, she would do so willingly, never betraying him.

Qi Guangsi and Zhang Shuoguang had both retired after Yan Qingxiu’s death. They had attempted to rescue Yan Qingyi during his exile but failed and perished alongside him. So it could not be either of them.

That left only Yi An.

Indeed, in the previous life, after Yan Qingxiu’s death, Yi An had not stayed long at Yunshan Academy before soaring to great heights, accumulating both wealth and power.

“Yi An?” Shen He asked cautiously.

“Yes! It’s him! He killed Big Brother! Sister, Jingchi isn’t lying,” Xiao Jingchi gripped Shen He’s hand tightly.

“I believe you, Your Highness,” Shen He said, clasping his hand and patting it comfortingly. “When we go to the Yan household, there will be a fierce battle. You must promise me to protect yourself, alright?”

Xiao Jingchi nodded. “Don’t worry, Sister. Jingchi will protect you, too!”

Shen He smiled, sat up straight, and lifted the carriage window. Outside, the forest was turning toward autumn, and the wind was rising.