Chapter 166: Settling Scores

Meng Shi only knew that Xie Wei was a colleague of Jiang Boyou, Jiang Xuening’s teacher in the palace, but she didn’t realize that over four years ago, when Jiang Xuening returned to the capital from the countryside, Xie Wei had secretly accompanied her!

It was back then that he had learned all the secrets of the Jiang family.

In order to protect the reputation of her own daughter, Jiang Xuehui, Meng Shi had pretended that Jiang Xuening was sent to the countryside by the master to avoid disaster, carefully concealing the secrets of both their backgrounds. 

She had no idea that someone like Xie Wei, who seemed completely unrelated, would expose it so easily. 

The mere mention of “deceiving the emperor” made her heart race with fear, and her face instantly lost all color.

Even Jiang Boyou had not expected this.

Xie Wei, as a high-ranking official, was calm and steady in his dealings with others, his actions impeccable, exuding a certain dignity. 

Everyone had gotten used to this, including Jiang Boyou. However, within what seemed like a gentle remark, there was a hidden danger.

Rather than panic, Jiang Boyou was more surprised. He had originally thought that Xie Wei, as a scholar in the palace, might show some care for his incompetent daughter, but it was likely just out of courtesy for their colleagues. 

He hadn’t expected Xie Wei to genuinely value Ning’er, treating her in a special way.

Now, it seemed this was not the case.

At this point, saying more might lead to an irreparable mistake. 

Jiang Boyou, having served as an official for many years, understood the importance of discretion. He was relieved that Xie Wei’s words were soft, offering an opportunity to step back gracefully.

With a smile, Jiang Boyou said, “What Xie Ju’an says is indeed correct. Ning’er is just a little mischievous; it’s nothing serious.” 

He waved his hand at Madam Meng. “Prince Linzi is noble in character and highly favored by His Majesty, making him a fine match. This marriage of Hui’er’s is not bad at all. The Bureau of Astronomy will soon fix the date, and there are many preparations to be made at home, so Madam, please take the time to handle it.”

Madam Meng was stung by Xie Wei’s remark, hitting her sore spot. The anger she had previously felt toward Jiang Xuening dissipated somewhat. 

Her eyelids twitched, but she didn’t say anything further and turned to leave.

Jiang Xuening did not look back, keeping her back to the room.

Jiang Xuehui, her face filled with shame, seemed as though she wanted to speak, but this was not the right moment, so she could only offer a bitter smile, nod in silent respect to Jiang Boyou and Xie Wei, and then leave.

Jiang Xuening kept her head down, wiping her hands with a silk handkerchief.

Xie Wei glanced at her and saw that she was wiping vigorously, leaving a red mark on the back of her right hand. Despite already cleaning off the stain, she continued as if venting frustration, her small, pale face devoid of expression.

He spoke, “Everyone has left.”

Only then did Jiang Xuening stop. 

The handkerchief, once white, was now wrinkled and stained, and she was too embarrassed to return it to Xie Wei, so she kept it in her hand and softly said, “Thank you, sir.”

Xie Wei replied, “The princess is preparing for a marriage alliance. She won’t be attending school in the palace anymore, but I trust your studies haven’t fallen behind?”

Jiang Xuening was stunned.

For the past few days, she had been busy with marriage talks in the marketplace and dealing with Xiao Dingfei and Xiao Shu’s fierce rivalry. 

The word “studies” hadn’t crossed her mind.

Instinctively, she looked up at Xie Wei, her expression betraying a hint of guilt.

Though she didn’t speak, Xie Wei could tell from her hesitant demeanor that she had neglected her studies. 

He calmly said, “Excellence comes through diligence, while neglect leads to failure. Even though you’ve returned home, don’t neglect your studies. You never know when I might visit your residence for a little test.”

Jiang Xuening’s heart skipped a beat.

She was caught completely off guard by Xie Wei’s sudden defense of her. Though she knew she wouldn’t be at a disadvantage, she still appreciated his good intentions. 

However, as she pondered the reason behind it, she didn’t think Xie Wei was treating her in any special way. It was likely that her situation had reminded him of something else.

Her mind briefly flashed to Xiao’s family in her past life.

A chill ran through her heart.

Jiang Xuening didn’t dare to contradict Xie Wei’s words. 

She obediently nodded and said, “You are right, sir. I will get back to my studies today.”

Her overly obedient demeanor caused Xie Wei to feel somewhat vexed. With Jiang Boyou present and other important matters to discuss, he couldn’t keep her there any longer, so he allowed her to leave, suggesting she prepare for the upcoming exam.

Naturally, Jiang Xuening took the opportunity to make her exit.

Jiang Xuening didn’t slow down until she had passed through the Huahua Gate and disappeared from their view. Only then did her steps begin to ease, and she couldn’t help but glance back. 

Xie Wei was a person whose heart was as unpredictable as the weather, and his manner of conducting himself, especially his balance of actions and restraint, was truly commendable. Even someone like her, who knew him so well, couldn’t help but be occasionally puzzled by him. 

What had the Xiao family and the royal family done to him back then? What kind of deep hatred had they cultivated, for him to strip away the saintly mask he had so carefully constructed and transform into a devil?

The subtle words and expressions from You Fangyin in her previous life surfaced in Jiang Xuening’s mind, and they stirred up a sense of curiosity. 

But the moment this thought crossed her mind, a shiver ran down her spine.

She quickly suppressed it. Right now, the most important thing was still to figure out how to rescue Shen Zhiyi from this perilous situation. Her interactions with Xie Wei in this life should end here and not go any further.

But then, the thought of stopping Shen Zhiyi’s marriage alliance, and the potential involvement with Xie Wei, suddenly made Jiang Xuening’s heart race. 

She stood still, slowly raising her left wrist. On her slender, pale wrist, a faint scar slanted across it, and she could almost recall the chilling sight of blood slipping down her arm.

A dangerous thought flashed through her mind, and she quickly tried to suppress it. But another, even more dangerous thought, took hold of her, completely beyond her control. It overwhelmed her mind, making her heart beat faster, and she couldn’t shake it off.

If, in her previous life, she had used past favors to coerce Xie Wei into sparing Zhang Zhe when she was about to hang herself, could she use this single favor in this life to plead with Xie Wei…?

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Shen Lang unexpectedly ordered an investigation into the disaster relief funds from Ganzhou that the Xiao family had handled. This caught the officials involved off guard, leaving them scratching their heads, as they couldn’t figure out what the emperor meant. 

They were afraid of making a mistake, which could result not only in failure but also in falling out of favor with the emperor and attracting blame.

Xie Wei’s visit to the Jiang family was mainly to discuss this matter with Jiang Boyou.

After the search of the Yongyi Marquis’ residence, the political situation had become tense, causing people to be on edge. 

At times, Jiang Boyou had to seek Xie Wei’s advice, for this young scholar was known in the court for his far-reaching vision and his ability to strategize with great foresight.

Their conversation lasted for over an hour.

During this time, Jiang Boyou did not bring up the matter of Jiang Xuening in the corridor.

Only after the meeting had finished and Xie Wei was about to leave did Jiang Boyou smile and say, “Ning’er’s experiences have indeed been difficult. But as parents, when faced with such troublesome situations, it’s hard to balance everything. In the first two years after she returned, I wanted to be strict with her, but she had suffered a lot during her time away. I was afraid she would become sensitive, sad, or upset. On the other hand, if I were to be lenient and treat her kindly, but didn’t enforce rules, she wouldn’t understand etiquette or social norms. How could she grow then? Not long after, she started playing with the Young Master of Yan, and the Young Master indulged her… Ah, let’s not talk about it.”

Xie Wei glanced at him.

Jiang Boyou shook his head, as if trying to dispel a moment of frustration, then looked at Xie Wei and said, “Since Ning’er entered the capital, her changes have been obvious. Ju’an must have seen it as well, watching her grow up. I see that Ju’an is willing to discipline her, and she is quite proper in his presence. For a moment, I even felt that I, as her father, am not doing enough.”

As fellow officials in the same court, who didn’t speak highly of Xie Wei’s character, his upright nature and transparency?

So Jiang Boyou didn’t think of it any other way.

Xie Wei, who viewed Jiang Xuening differently, understood the indication of the bond between teacher and student, and then Jiang Boyou said, “I trust Ju’an’s character, but if Ning’er could learn a bit of discipline from him and change her mischievous, undisciplined ways, I would be reassured.”

Mischievous and undisciplined?

Xie Wei recalled the image of that young girl, sharp like a thorn on a bramble, fragile like a beautiful flower at the cliff’s edge, and felt an unusual discomfort after hearing Jiang Boyou’s calm words.

He stopped and stood still.

His smile, which was rare and barely visible, faded as he slowly addressed Jiang Boyou, “Ning’er’s nature is tough on the outside but soft inside. She probably never had a good upbringing and responds to kindness, not harshness. Whenever others show her some goodwill, she will become wholeheartedly devoted. A young lady should not be raised this way, easily led astray. When she’s upset, she acts out. Have you and Madam Jiang really not been disappointed by her reckless behavior and crude manners when she returned to the capital? She’s sharp and observant, even if she doesn’t hear words, she reads the expressions of others and is inevitably anxious and disheartened. She’s not mischievous, nor unaware; you just don’t understand, I didn’t notice, and I’ve hurt her.”

Jiang Boyou was stunned into silence.

After Xie Wei finished speaking, he seemed somewhat downcast, not saying more. He simply bade farewell and slowly walked past the newly sprouted wisteria trellis towards the gate.

His carriage was waiting at the side gate.

But when he stepped out, he noticed that Jian Shu wasn’t sitting at the front of the carriage. Instead, Jian Shu was standing straight by the carriage, his expression strange upon seeing him.

Xie Wei furrowed his brow.

Before he could ask, a figure behind the carriage stepped forward and bowed to Xie Wei, saying, “Student greets the teacher, I’ve been waiting for you for quite some time.”

Jiang Xuening was extremely nervous. She had been waiting outside for a long time, and the little courage that had suddenly appeared was almost depleted during the long wait. She almost gave up and returned to her room.

Fortunately, Xie Wei came out at this moment.

She forced herself forward, awkwardly smiling, her heart pounding like a drum.

God knew that even when she had asked him to save Zhang Zhe before she took her own life in her previous life, she had never been this nervous!

Xie Wei didn’t expect her to be waiting for him here, so he glanced at Jian Shu.

Jian Shu shook his head, indicating that he didn’t know either.

Xie Wei’s gaze shifted, and he quickly guessed the reason. 

He softened his voice, “What is it?”

Jiang Xuening’s voice trembled, “Student, student wants to ask the teacher for a favor. You are insightful and perceptive, and you must know all the happenings in the marketplace. The princess in the palace has been very kind to me, but due to the circumstances, her family has abandoned her, and she’s about to be married off to the Tatars. The barbaric tribe lives primitively, and she’s just a weak woman with a special identity. Who knows if one day she won’t be harmed by them? Although I have little strength, I fear I won’t be able to save her from this danger. I wonder, I wonder if you could, could you help…”

Xie Wei’s brows immediately furrowed.

Jiang Xuening was watching his expression while speaking, fearing he might refuse. 

She quickly raised her left hand and swore, “This will be the only time! It’s not that I’m using favors, but truly, I lack the ability and ask the teacher for help, just this once! After this, I’ll have no debt to you, no more ties, no more entanglements!”

No more debts.

No more ties.

No more entanglements!

Was she really trying to sever ties with him?

Xie Wei looked at her, and what had once been a calm state of mind was now like a storm raging through him, his body taut with an indescribable anger, so intense that even the hand resting behind his back was clenched tightly.

The smile vanished from his lips.

Dark clouds slowly crept over his pupils.

In her previous life, Jiang Xuening had used favors to ask him for help. 

She had been in the grand hall, only hearing his calm, indifferent “Yes,” not knowing what Xie Wei’s expression had been like outside the hall. But she had imagined it to be serene and detached, like a sage untouched by the world.

Yet at this moment…

He stood there like an unfathomable abyss. She felt as though she had angered him, and the next moment, she would be strangled to death. A chill ran down her spine, and she took a step back.

An unnerving silence stretched on.

Jiang Xuening didn’t dare to speak.

Finally, Xie Wei looked away and smiled gently, as if the fierce anger and emotions had been nothing but a misunderstanding. 

He walked past her without a word more than before, his voice still flat and unruffled, only saying, “Good.”

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