Spring of the Blade - Chapter 94
Chapter 94
Qingyuan did not know what it was. She hesitated before taking it and holding it in her palm; only then did she realize it was a jade pendant carved in the shape of a dragon holding a pearl.
This was a piece he had kept close to his body; it still held his warmth. It must have been with him for many years, nurtured until it was delicate and smooth, though the five-colored silk cord used to hang it had already faded to white, making its original color unrecognizable. She lifted her eyes to look at him, seemingly understanding something, yet she still asked, "Why are you giving this to me?"
Xie Shu replied, "This was given to me by your mother years ago, so it can be considered a memento of hers. I am handing it to you now for safekeeping; no matter what, it is a memory."
Qingyuan cradled the jade pendant, a sudden, unspeakable bitterness rising in her heart.
That was right. The assets of the Jin family had all been swallowed up by the Xie household, and only this jade pendant remained that could still be called her mother's legacy. A young woman, orphaned of both parents, meets a man who insists he will treat her well, throws herself into his arms like a moth to a flame, only to end up empty-handed and cast out of the house in disgrace—how pathetic! For all these years, this man who had failed her kept wearing this jade pendant; what could that possibly mean? Did it mean he felt guilt toward the concubine who died in injustice? Or that he still couldn't forget her even today?
Qingyuan gripped the pendant tightly in her palm, let out a soft breath, and said, "I remember when we were at Hengtang, I asked you if you ever suspected that my mother had been framed. You did not answer me then. What about now? If I were to ask you again, do you still believe that my mother poisoned Concubine Xia?"
Xie Shu stared hollowly at the canopy of the bed and muttered, "I really do not wish to recall the events of that time. A murder case occurring in the household is a disaster for any family. Concubine Xia’s state of death was pitiful at the time, and the Third Girl was still in her swaddling clothes. Consumed by rage, I failed to discern the truth; that was my fault. I was very fond of your mother. Even though I hated her to the bone for what I thought she had done, I did not stop caring for her entirely. Since ancient times, noble families handling domestic affairs never bring life-and-death matters into the light. Based on her alleged crime, she should have been strangled..." He paused, taking a labored breath before continuing, "It was I... who could not bear to let your mother die, which is why I hinted to the Madame to drive her out of the manor. Outside, she at least had a chance to survive."
Only now did Qingyuan understand. She had misunderstood, thinking that Madam Hu had shown mercy by only casting her mother out of the house; in the end, it had been the master’s decision all along.
She listened to him calmly, then asked calmly, "And then what? Did you discover clues later on and realize that my mother had been wronged?"
Xie Shu’s gaze slowly shifted, and after looking at her, he said, "Maintaining dignity is not an easy thing. My ancestors passed the family estate to me; I could not shake the foundations of the Xie family for the sake of one woman. This matter ended up being left unsettled. What good would it have done to investigate further? As for why I did not acknowledge you for these past ten-plus years... it is because I knew you were far better off in the Chen family than in the Xie house."
So he had known everything all along, yet he played the fool just to protect Madam Hu. Qingyuan swallowed her tears and gritted her teeth. "What is this 'dignity' you speak of? Is elevating a ruthless, black-hearted mistress and maintaining the appearance of a 'complete' Xie family truly dignity?"
Xie Shu closed his eyes. "You all say that a woman marrying is a lifetime event, but how can you know that a man marrying a wife is not also a matter of a lifetime? A primary wife must not be cast aside; this is an unspoken rule among great families. If any family breaks this precedent, they will ultimately become the laughingstock of others. I did not have that courage. I know you hate me and the entire Xie family, and I will not blame you even if you do something later..."
Qingyuan was startled, suddenly finding it laughable. "Does the Commander think I have done something detrimental to the Xie family? It is clearly your Xie family that wronged my mother and me, yet you turn the tables and now offer to forgive me?"
Xie Shu grew agitated, a flush rising on his ash-colored face. He struggled to prop himself up. "You need not deny it. What you did to Qingru..."
It seemed her guess had been confirmed—Madam Hu had pinned everything on her. This only proved that coming here was the right decision. Just as Qinghe had said, some things must be spoken to be understood; why should she bear this false charge!
She sneered and said word for word, "The Xie family has never treated me as flesh and blood. Leaving aside the time in Hengtang, ever since we moved to Youzhou, after you led the troops to war, I was targeted by schemes and nearly lost my life—did you know that? The files are still in the Palace Guard office. The Madame colluded with Liang Yi, a Captain of the Imperial Guard, to hire assassins to kill me. Fortunately, Shen Run saved me. Did the Madame tell you any of this? As for Qingru, that trap was originally set for me. I kept my guard up and didn't fall for it, so I turned the tables and sent Qingru into it instead. I did feel regret after the fact; if I had known it would destroy her purity, I would not have done it. But I ask you to consider carefully: if they had not been so cruel and venomous in their hearts, how would this evil consequence have come back to haunt Qingru?"
Xie Shu was stunned. The Madame had clearly told him that the incident with Qingru was orchestrated by the Fourth Girl in league with Shen Run to seek revenge for her mother. Why was there a new story now?
Qingyuan knew he had been misled, but she sighed at why he was still willing to listen only to Madam Hu’s one-sided accounts even now.
"Listening to both sides leads to clarity, while believing only one side leads to confusion. Does the Commander not understand this? In truth, you preferred to remain in the dark, just as you remained in the dark sixteen years ago when you handled my mother’s case. Does the Madame feel invincible now because the case is closed and the witnesses are either dead or fled? Do not forget that Shen Run still has the case files! Earlier, I was holding back out of respect for my brothers, hoping to leave some dignity for the Xie family. But since she has turned to slander me, then let us settle the truth in court!"
Having delivered this threat, she turned to leave. Xie Shu sat straight up, coughing as he shouted, "Stop!" This startled Qinghe, who was outside, and she hurried in.
"Fourth Sister, didn't you just promise me you would speak properly!" Qinghe said, stamping her foot in anxiety. "Don't make Father angry; he is still ill!"
Xie Shu panted, still muttering "Stop." Seeing his rage reaching a breaking point, Qingyuan knew she couldn't provoke him any further, so she turned back, composed herself, and said, "Commander, please calm your anger. Taking care of your health is what matters."
Xie Shu tilted his head and hissed, "Why must you act so ruthlessly! You have just married, and the moment you do, you turn around to deal with your own family? Does it... does it sound good when people talk about you? Even if that imperial decree changed your household registration, the blood of Xie Shu still flows in your veins! You could go to the heavens, and you still wouldn't be able to change that!"
Qingyuan stood there and said miserably, "If I could, I would truly want to return this body and blood to you. It was only because of your indulgence that the Madame became so daring, performing so many filthy deeds. She not only harmed me but also her own daughter. Now that Qingru is in this state, are you happy? Madam Hu hired two fake monks, originally to assault me—what kind of heart does one need to do such a thing! Fortunately, heaven has eyes and let them reap what they sowed. If the one who had been humiliated was me, I wonder, could you have tolerated such a 'tarnished' daughter as me living until now?"
Xie Shu’s face had been red with rage, but upon hearing her conclusion, he suddenly withered, gnashing his teeth and beating the bed frame. "That wicked woman! That wicked woman!"
Qinghe stood to the side and said in a low voice, "I did not want to say it, but since Fourth Sister has brought it up today, I must say a few words. Father, the Second Girl has been spoiled by the Madame until she is lawless. Even after suffering such a great setback, she hasn't learned to restrain herself; instead, she is even more arrogant than before. Those who know her think she is the daughter of a noble house, but those who don't would think she is a shrew from some backwater—acid-tongued, mean-spirited, using every possible means! Earlier, when Fourth Sister was betrothed to the Marquis of Danyang’s son, had it not been for her desperation, that marriage would not have been ruined. How much longer will Father tolerate them? Are you truly willing to wait until they have brought ruin upon the entire Xie family before you are satisfied? Because of the Second Girl's affairs, everyone in the family is hanging their heads in shame. Even Lanshan is mocked outside; people imply, directly or indirectly, how a noble house could marry into such a family. Father, please open your eyes and look. How have we, a family of a century-old reputation, come to this? If our ancestors in the afterlife knew, would their hearts not ache?"
Qinghe was usually like a clam that wouldn't open its mouth; she never spoke unless it was the last resort. Now, she must have been truly unable to bear it any longer to say so much in one breath. Xie Shu lay weakly against the pillows, blinking his sore eyes. "I understand what you two sisters mean. I will certainly handle this matter. Our Xie family, flourishing for a century, until now... it is truly a total defeat."
Qingyuan exhaled a long breath. The purpose of this visit had already been achieved. Whether or not he ultimately punished Madam Hu, the knot left in her heart regarding the Xie family had been halfway resolved. Everything now depended on the future.
"Please rest and nurse your health. Although the Battle of Shibo City suffered heavy losses, this campaign was insisted upon by the Emperor. If we go into detail, you were originally against it, and the Emperor would not bring up old matters. You have guarded the areas outside Jiangu Pass for twenty years; no general is more familiar with the terrain and formations than you. The Emperor still has reasons to rely on you. An old general is not yet old and is still worth using. You can set your heart at ease; there will be a day for your comeback."
She knew perfectly well what his heart’s trouble was. As long as she provided the right comfort, he would recover. Furthermore, she understood the nature of the Xie family better than anyone; the master’s official path was blocked now, but if he could repair his relationship with Shen Run, everything would be solved. Thus, to win over this second-rank official son-in-law and her, a woman with an imperial title, it was well worth considering if Madam Hu could be sacrificed.
Xie Shu sighed long and deep, the restlessness between his brows clearly diminishing. Qingyuan pursed her lips and smiled. "You should rest. I have household matters to attend to at my residence, so I will take my leave." She bowed and stepped out. Having walked two steps, she remembered something, turned back, and said, "Everything is peaceful and smooth after my marriage. Shen Run respects me and treats me very well. You may rest assured."
Xie Shu’s heart trembled, and his eyes reddened. By the time he nodded, she had already gracefully walked out of the courtyard.
The two sisters walked through the garden, Qinghe’s hands still slightly trembling. Qingyuan asked, "What is the matter, Eldest Sister?"
Qinghe replied awkwardly, "I have never complained about anyone before. Even now, my hands and feet are still shivering."
Qingyuan laughed. "Eldest Sister is a kind person; even when you are wronged, you don't make a sound. But those were just two truths; there is no need to be afraid."
"You don't understand, I want to topple the Madame," Qinghe said bluntly, turning to look at her with eyes that burned bright. "I am about to get married, and my mother has only me as her daughter. Once I leave, I cannot be at ease knowing she remains trapped under the Madame’s palm. I am also harboring schemes; I am no 'kind' person either. Will you look down on me?"
Qingyuan said, "No. Even if we are not 'kind,' we are still not as evil as the Madame. Why would I look down on you?"
Qinghe nodded slowly, sighing, "I never thought there were things I didn't know that happened to you. Why didn't you say anything earlier?"
Qingyuan gazed at the gray sky and said bitterly, "Speaking wouldn't have helped; it would only have added to the trouble. In this house, there is no one who could stand up for me."
Fortunately, her luck wasn't entirely bad, as she had married a husband who cherished her. When she thought of Shen Run, a gentle warmth filled her heart. She was no longer without someone to rely on, and finally, she had gained enough confidence in front of the master.
The two walked hand in hand until they reached the Huifang Garden. Qingyuan had intended to say goodbye, but unexpectedly, the Old Xie Madame was waiting for her under the eaves. Seeing her arrival, she said, "Fourth girl, Grandmother has a few words she would like to say to you."
Qingyuan had no choice but to follow her inside, where she was immediately met by Madam Hu’s hostile glare. She paused in her tracks and asked a rhetorical question, "What is the matter, Madame? Why are you looking at me like this?"
There was irreconcilable enmity between Madam Hu and her, so there was no need to keep up appearances. Madam Hu said coldly, "Fourth Miss, you haven't been talking nonsense to your father, have you?"
Qingyuan frowned and gave a faint smile. "What do you think?"
Qingru was a useless airhead; it was unknown where she had popped out from, but she used that usual provocative tone. She said sharply, "She could have nothing kind to say; it's a wonder she hasn't come here to fabricate lies."
But the moment she finished speaking, she was scolded by Nanny Fu, who was behind Qingyuan. "Second Miss Xie, be careful. Our Madam is an imperial-ordained second-rank Lady of the Commandery. If you dare to speak wildly and be disrespectful to the Madam, I can slap your mouth without needing to ask for permission!"
Qingru was stunned. She had never been reprimanded like this by a servant and, for a moment, didn't know how to respond. Qingyuan didn't bother arguing with her; she merely gave a scornful smile and stepped toward the main room.
The Old Madame stood there and gestured for her to sit. Once she was seated, the Old Madame said, "Grandmother was truly old and confused before. I listened to the instigations of petty people and didn't act like an elder on the day of your grand wedding, actually going to your banquet to cause a scene. Now that I think about it, my intestines are green with regret. I don't know what came over me. I, who usually care so much about face, tore my own dignity to shreds, becoming a joke for the entire hall of guests to see. Returning, I truly felt so ashamed I couldn't face anyone; I wished I could die on the spot. I know your anger has not subsided, and indeed, I should give you an explanation..." After saying this, she raised her voice, "Bring the person in!"
Plea for mercy sounded from outside, along with the shouts of the Madame and Qingru. Then, an old woman bundled up like a rice dumpling was pushed onto her knees on the ground. The Madame followed, her face pale as she asked, "Mother, what are you doing?"
The Old Madame glared and shouted harshly, "It was this old wretch who chewed her tongue and gave ideas in front of me, leading me to do such an absurd thing! If I do not deal with her, I cannot quell the hatred in my heart."
Qingyuan tilted her head to take a look; it was the Madame’s personal maid, Nanny Sun. She was crying and shouting, "Old Madame, this servant... this servant had her mind clouded by greed,δΈεΏ wanting to please my mistress, and that is why... why I came up with such a rotten idea. Old Madame, Fourth Miss, I was wrong, I was truly wrong! I beg the Old Madame and Fourth Miss to be merciful and spare me this once!"
Madam Hu was sweating profusely, gripping her handkerchief as she said, "Mother, she is someone from my room, someone I brought from my maiden family! How can you deal with her so arbitrarily and without reason?"
The Old Madame gave a cold humph. "It would have been better if you hadn't spoken; since you did, I would like to ask you how you usually discipline your servants, letting her grow such a reckless heart? I am only punishing her now—stop trying to make excuses for her! You married into our family, which means you are one of our family. I cannot discipline the servants you brought? What kind of logic is that? Although your Hu family is not what it used to be, you are still a family of standing. How did they teach you to be so unable to distinguish between seniors and juniors, superiors and inferiors?"
Madam Hu was stunned by the Old Madame’s scolding. In the twenty-plus years since she married in, the Old Madame had never scolded her with such sharp words. When she was a young daughter-in-law, she was treated with some respect; to be scolded in public at this age truly left her with no dignity at all.
Everyone was watching the show. Madam Hu’s face alternated between pale and livid; her legs trembled, and she could barely stand. Seeing that even the Madame couldn't protect her, Nanny Sun simply opened her throat and wailed, begging the Old Madame and the Fourth Miss to spare her life.
The Old Xie Madame waited to see Qingyuan’s intent. Qingyuan wore the look of an outsider, smiling calmly. "This is a matter within your Xie family; why let me handle it?"
The Old Madame understood she wanted to see if she was being serious, so she gritted her teeth and said, "Give this old woman fifty lashes. If she doesn't die, send her to the manor to feed the pigs, and she is never allowed to return!"
Nanny Sun was dragged away by the servants ordered to execute the punishment. Her most trusted personal servant, someone she had brought from her maiden family, was being disposed of like a scapegoat—this was no different from slapping Madam Hu in the face in public. Madam Hu felt dizzy, her heart tightening, while Qingru screamed and made a scene, alternating between "Mother" and "Grandmother." The Old Madame grew impatient and waved her hand, telling them to send the Madame back to rest. Only then did the room become quiet.
"Good child, I have tidied up your courtyard for you again. The people you are used to using are all back in their places. As long as you are willing, you can come back for short stays as before."
The Old Madame was doing everything in her power to curry favor. Qingyuan smiled and shook her head. "I cannot be away from my own residence for long... Oh, I remember, the last time I left, there was a cosmetic box I didn't have time to take. Inside, there were three thousand taels in bank notes, along with a dozen pieces of jewelry, totaling about four or five thousand taels. I don't want this box anymore, but I ask the Old Madame to do me a favor. I would like to exchange this silver and jewelry for Chuntai and Nanny Tao. I wonder if the Old Madame would be willing to part with them?”