Chapter 39

Late at night in the Fengtian Hall, the lights were bright.

Minister of Justice Xiao Yu and Deputy Minister Liu Yue of the Court of Judicial Review presented the Emperor with the testimonies obtained from the overnight interrogation.

The Emperor flipped through a few pages before setting them down.

Thirty minutes earlier, the Emperor had already received a verbal report from the Imperial Guards and the Eastern Depot about the situation at Qingshan Temple, so he had a general understanding of Xun Yunhe’s case.

It was hard to imagine that such a rare and bizarre event could happen to Xun Yunhe.

Xun Yunhe, dressed in white, knelt alone in the hall, his slender back slightly bent, his hands resting on the ground. Beside him lay a folded first-rank official robe embroidered with a crane and a black gauze hat.

With his eyes lowered and a dull expression, Xun Yunhe said, “Your Majesty, I am unworthy to remain in court. I request that Your Majesty strip me of all my positions and punish me according to my crimes.”

The Emperor’s brow furrowed deeply, forming a chuan character (川). He asked Xiao Yu and Liu Yue, who were standing behind Xun Yunhe, “What do the Three Judicial Offices say?”

Liu Yue remained silent, his eyes downcast.

Xiao Yu stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, I have reviewed all the testimonies and confirmed that Minister Xun did not knowingly allow his concubine to commit a crime. He was deceived and deeply harmed.”

Before Xiao Yu could finish, Xun Yunhe spoke in a wooden voice, “Your Majesty, I am guilty of failing to see the truth.”

The Emperor looked at Xiao Yu, “Is Minister Xun truly guilty?”

Xiao Yu replied, “According to the laws of the Jin Dynasty, if the person is a victim, they can be exempt from the responsibility of failing to see the truth. Therefore, Minister Xun is not guilty.”

The Emperor slowly let out a breath, gently moving the jade paperweight on the testimonies, caught in a dilemma.

Xun Yunhe had made his name with an essay titled “Shanyang Fu” when he first came to the capital. The essay, filled with over a thousand eloquent and well-referenced words, was delivered to the Emperor by the Imperial Guards that very night. The essay’s sharp yet gentle penmanship left a favorable impression on the Emperor, who remembered Xun Yunhe’s name. The following year, Xun Yunhe lived up to expectations and topped the imperial examination.

On the day of the imperial examination, the Emperor posed questions on the spot. Xun Yunhe answered fluently and confidently, showcasing his exceptional talent. The Emperor, wanting to temper his rising fame, appointed him as the third-place scholar instead of the top scholar. That year, Xun Yunhe joined the Hanlin Academy as a compiler. While others typically spent at least two years in this position, Xun Yunhe did not. A major case erupted in Jiangnan when the fish-scale registers of Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing were burned, involving local officials, landowners, and merchants. No one dared to take on the case, but Xun Yunhe volunteered. In his early twenties, armed with an imperial sword, he went to Jiangnan, taking three years to re-survey the land and restore the registers, securing the tax base for the Ministry of Revenue and the court.

Because of this, the Emperor saw him as a future prime minister and carefully nurtured him. Throughout the two capitals and thirteen provinces, any difficult task was handed to Xun Yunhe, forging him into a young prime minister.

Everyone in court knew the Emperor favored Xun Yunhe greatly. His prominence in the Emperor’s mind was one reason. More importantly, Xun Yunhe possessed qualities different from other officials—he was harmonious but not overly smooth, experienced but not overly ruthless. He practiced self-restraint and propriety, embodying the demeanor of a gentleman. His eyes always held a trace of compassion, as if he existed solely for the court and the people, without the ambition for power and position that plagued other officials.

This meant the Emperor could entrust him with the authority of the chief minister without worrying about him colluding with court officials or princes.

As the Emperor neared the end of his reign, he believed that with Xun Yunhe overseeing the court, there would be no worries for twenty years. He could rest assured, knowing that history would remember him as a ruler who valued talent.

Yet, at this critical moment, Xun Yunhe encountered trouble.

By chance, the woman he casually chose turned out to be Xun Yunhe’s legitimate daughter. The Emperor felt as if fate had dealt him a harsh blow. Squeezing the testimony in his hand, he couldn’t help but laugh.

He could, of course, use this opportunity to remove Xun Yunhe from his position as Chief Cabinet Minister. However, the problem was that the Ministry of Personnel was rife with corruption, and the new policies to clean up the administration had just begun. Changing leadership at this time would certainly kill the new policies in their infancy. The Ministry of Revenue had been under Xun Yunhe’s control for three years, and the matter of exchanging salt licenses for grain still needed to be resolved. The cabinet had just undergone a major reshuffle, and further instability was undesirable.

The Emperor mentally reviewed the other cabinet ministers: Shi Zhuo had prestige and eloquence but lacked Xun Yunhe’s administrative ability. Elder Zheng was a mediator who was used to balancing the various departments and handling court disputes. The Minister of Revenue had been ill for half a year and was still adjusting. As for the Minister of War, he was a practical person but lacked the prestige and skill of Xun Yunhe.

All the favoritism over the years had become a constraint at this moment.

The Emperor pressed his aching brow.

After only a moment’s hesitation, the Emperor made a decisive decision.

Even if Xun Yunhe were to be replaced, now was not the time. Having this leverage would make it easier to control Xun Yunhe.

With this in mind, the Emperor felt a sudden clarity. He stood up, hands behind his back, and walked over to him. “Minister Xun, rise.”

Xun Yunhe slowly rose, keeping his eyes downcast, his eyes dark and lifeless.

The Emperor sighed, “This is not your fault.”

Xun Yunhe’s eyes revealed a trace of pain. “Your Majesty, I am guilty of failing to see the truth and abandoning my wife and daughter. It is unforgivable.”

The Emperor shook his head. “You were manipulated; it was not your intention.” Seeing Xun Yunhe about to argue, the Emperor frowned and said, “If I say you’re not wrong, then you’re not wrong.”

Xun Yunhe could hardly believe that the Emperor still insisted on keeping him in his position at such a time. He stepped back, clasped his hands, and bowed, saying, “Your Majesty, as a Jin Dynasty official and a disciple of the Son of Heaven, if I cannot cultivate myself and manage my household, how can I govern the world? If Your Majesty allows me to remain in court, the people will surely think that Your Majesty lacks judgment. I implore Your Majesty to punish me and not let my actions tarnish Your Majesty’s reputation.”

It was clear that Xun Yunhe was determined to leave the court.

The Emperor, who had just convinced himself, felt his anger rise again at these words and immediately rebuked him, “Is your reputation greater than the court, greater than the people? Is your face more important than my empire? You, who have studied the classics, should know that a great man does not fuss over minor matters. Go back and do your duty for me.”

Xun Yunhe’s throat tightened, and he stood still.

The Emperor obviously did not want to create further instability in the court and reluctantly decided to keep him for now.

Seeing that Xun Yunhe no longer argued, the Emperor’s anger subsided. He slowly paced a few steps in front of him, then turned and asked him, “Did you change your name when you came to the capital because your father-in-law requested it?”

Xun Yunhe did not avoid the question. “Yes, he resented me for bringing disaster and feared it would implicate my wife and daughter.”

The Emperor nodded, then glanced at Xun Yunhe a few more times. Even though he was over forty, he remained handsome and elegant. Xun Yunhe’s talent and charm had made him famous when he first came to the capital. Many had their eyes on him back then. His father-in-law, a nervous wreck, had reasonable concerns, but it was still ruthless to separate their family.

“Where is your father-in-law now?”

Xun Yunhe had already asked Yin Xing about this on his way back and replied sadly, “He fell off a cliff three years ago.”

“Oh…” the Emperor responded, asking no more questions. Seeing that Xun Yunhe was deeply affected and exhausted, he waved his hand. “You may go and rest. Come to court as usual tomorrow.”

Xun Yunhe had nothing more to say and bowed as he retreated.

After he left, the Emperor dismissed Xiao Yu and asked Liu Yue, “Where is Heng’er?”

Liu Yue glanced at the Emperor. “Your Majesty, he first escorted the county princess back home and said he would come to the palace later to ask for forgiveness.”

The Emperor was playing with a wolf-hair brush. Upon hearing this, he looked up at Liu Yue, “Oh? Ask for forgiveness?”

Liu Yue knelt and said to the Emperor, “Your Majesty, today’s events, from the Drum Tower to the Qingshan Temple case, were all orchestrated by the county princess, intending to seek revenge.”

Liu Yue knew that the Imperial Guards and the Eastern Depot would soon report this to the Emperor, so he decided to speak first. This way, he distanced himself from Pei Muheng, ensuring his safe position in the court while showing loyalty to the Emperor.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor was indeed slightly startled. “So, Minister Xun was plotted against by his own daughter?”

Liu Yue’s expression turned cold. “Your Majesty, I believe the princess has committed the crime of deceiving the emperor.”

Before he could finish, Liu Xiwen, standing beside him, rebuked, “Presumptuous! County Princess is a member of the royal family, and you, a mere minister, dare to slander her?”

The Emperor seemed to approve of Liu Xiwen’s words and said indifferently, “This matter stays within us and must not be spoken of outside.”

At that moment, a eunuch reported from the door, “Your Majesty, County Prince Zhaoming requests an audience.”

It was Pei Muheng. A woman brave enough to beat the Drum Tower drum and handle her own father didn’t need Pei Muheng’s protection. He had simply avoided Xun Yunhe to prevent implicating him.

The Emperor saw this clearly and instructed Liu Yue to leave, then summoned Pei Muheng in.

Upon entering, Pei Muheng immediately knelt and bowed, “Your Majesty, I beg for forgiveness on behalf of my wife, Xu Yunqi. Please show mercy to her, as she is alone and suffering. I will take responsibility for her actions.”

The Emperor looked at him with a complex expression, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk, “Who beat the Drum Tower drum?”

A son should not speak of his father’s faults. Xu Yunqi’s accusation against the Chief Cabinet Minister had a significant impact on the court, which displeased the Emperor.

Pei Muheng slowly glanced at him and replied, “It was the nanny from my mother-in-law, Madam Zhang’s side, seeking justice on her behalf.”

The Emperor had nothing more to say. The reason for seeking justice now was simple. Not long ago, Xun Yunhe held a birthday banquet, and Madam Zhang probably noticed something wrong, which led to her sending someone to beat the drum. At the same time, Madam Ye recognized Madam Zhang, and their actions revealed their true characters and intentions.

“How did Elder Scholar Ye raise such a daughter!” The Emperor showed his disgust and instructed Liu Xiwen, “Tell Xiao Yu to hold the entire Ye family accountable.” Madam Ye had ruined her father’s posthumous reputation and the Ye family’s honor.

“Did you know about this in advance?” The Emperor gently stabbed at Pei Muheng’s heart.

Pei Muheng smiled bitterly, “I did not, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor didn’t doubt him. With Pei Muheng’s nature, he wouldn’t have caused such a public spectacle, embarrassing Xun Yunhe.

Thinking this, the Emperor couldn’t help but feel a bit sympathetic towards his grandson, “Did your wife not discuss her plans to deal with her father with you in advance?”

Pei Muheng remained kneeling, not wanting to answer.

Seeing his grandson in such a difficult position, the Emperor’s mood lightened, and he left with a laugh after patting Pei Muheng’s shoulder.

---

The Emperor didn’t remove Xun Yunhe from his position, which was unexpected for Pei Muheng. Since the Emperor decided to protect Xun Yunhe, the Xi mansion had to react accordingly. Although the Emperor didn’t favor Prince Xi much, he granted him the authority to inspect troops. Every year, Prince Xi would travel to various places to inspect military affairs under the Emperor’s orders.

With Prince Qin secretly competing with the twelfth prince, Pei Muheng didn’t want to be pushed into the spotlight because of Xun Yunhe. The only solution was to withdraw and protect himself. Therefore, Pei Muheng advised Prince Xi to surrender the inspection token.

Prince Xi complied, but that’s a story for another time.

After returning to his residence, Xun Yunhe collapsed onto a recliner and couldn’t get up. He refused tea and porridge, lying there silently like a dead man.

His old servant, who had served him for many years, knelt in front of him, crying, “Master, I understand your pain. The young lady won’t acknowledge you, and the madam has married someone else. I know you’re heartbroken, but compared to the fact that they are alive, nothing else matters, right? You have a high position and can get anything you want. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

Hearing this, Xun Yunhe felt a pang in his eyes and turned his face away.

Seeing that he had listened, the old servant wiped his tears and continued, “Over the years, many have envied you for the Emperor’s favor, not knowing that you faced life and death without fear, bearing all burdens on your shoulders and rendering great service to the court. People say you’ve had a glorious life, but only I know that losing your wife and daughter took away your spirit. You’ve devoted yourself to the court day and night…”

“Now it’s better. The eldest young lady is right next door, and there will be many days ahead for a father-daughter reunion.”

Xun Yunhe seemed persuaded and slightly straightened his posture.

The old servant quickly handed him a bowl of ginseng soup. Xun Yunhe drank it all and asked about Xun Nianxi in prison.

The old servant started crying again, “Young master sent word saying he is willing to atone for his mother’s sins and asked you not to worry about him.”

“I have prepared clothes and money for him. He won’t suffer in prison. After some time, once the case is concluded, I will arrange for someone to escort him out of the capital.”

Xun Yunhe closed his eyes and ultimately said nothing.

---

Compared to the empty and quiet Xun Residence, the Prince Xi Residence next door was lively.

Princess Consort Xi had run out of her medicinal oil. Without muscle therapy for three days, her headache was returning. Nanny Hao was worried and thinking about having to ask Xu Yunqi for more oil again. At this moment, an old maid walked in mysteriously. “Princess Consort, something has happened!”

Princess Consort Xi disliked people beating around the bush and asked coldly, “Speak quickly.”

Nanny Hao also asked hurriedly, “Did Fifth Miss return?”

“Yes,” the old maid said excitedly. “Fifth Miss just returned and met the second young lady at the Drooping Flower Gate. They talked about the incident at Qingshan Temple. I overheard that there was big news there today…”

She then recounted the important details to Princess Consort Xi.

Princess Consort Xi was shocked to learn that Madam Xun was just a concubine who had risen to power by killing the original wife. She despised women who degraded themselves. Remembering that she used to call Madam Xun her sister, she couldn’t help but vomit the dinner she had just eaten.

“And Yunling… No, what’s the deal with Xun Yunling?”

“What else? She’s just like her mother. I heard she’s now imprisoned at the Court of Judicial Review and will soon be sent to the Inner Palace to serve her sentence.”

Princess Consort Xi’s face darkened. She used to call Xun Yunling her dear heart, but now felt utterly disgusted.

Nanny Hao quickly consoled her, “Princess Consort, don’t get angry over this. It’s not worth it. Even Minister Xun was deceived by his own wife. That Madam Ye seemed gentle and kind, and she came from a prestigious family. Who would have thought she was so vicious behind the scenes?”

Princess Consort Xi drank some tea to calm her frustration.

Then the old maid added, “But that’s not the most important thing. Do you know who the true eldest young lady of the Xun Residence is?”

Nanny Hao and Princess Xi were both intrigued.

“Who is it? Tell us quickly!”

The old maid swallowed and said, “It’s our third young madam!”

Upon hearing this, Princess Consort Xi felt as if she had been struck. The teacup fell from her hand.

“Princess Consort ! Princess Consort !”

The maids helped her up and cleaned the spilled tea, all in a flurry.

When Pei Mushan entered, she saw her mother sitting there like a wooden statue, letting the maids change her clothes. She walked over gleefully and mockingly, “Congratulations, Mother. You’ve finally become in-laws with Minister Xun!”

Princess Consort Xi glared at her.

Pei Mushan stuck her tongue out and sat down where Prince Xi used to sit, feeling a sense of justice for her sister-in-law. She then began to describe Xu Yunqi’s actions to Princess Consort Xi, ending with, “Mother, do you know? Sister-in-law was amazing. Minister Xun was in so much pain that he almost acknowledged her on the spot as his daughter.”

“Guess what? Sister-in-law didn’t care about that at all. She prefers being a girl from a humble family, happily practicing medicine and helping others.”

Princess Consort Xi knew her daughter was being sarcastic and scolded her, “Enough, you’re tired from the day’s events. Go rest.”

Pei Mushan laughed and asked before leaving, “Mother, with such a daughter-in-law, are you still considering a separation?”

Princess Consort Xi, furious, threw a pillow at her.

---

Xu Yunqi slept soundly that night. In her dream, she kept hearing her grandfather calling her through the fog. She asked him who he was and what his name was, but he wouldn’t speak. She woke up in a cold sweat.

A handkerchief was handed to her, and a gentle voice asked, “Had a nightmare?”

Xu Yunqi turned and met his warm eyes, stunned. “Third Master, aren’t you going to court?”

In the past, Pei Muheng always left early and returned late. Xu Yunqi had never woken up to find him beside her.

Seeing the sweat on her forehead, Pei Muheng wiped it away himself, “I took leave today.”

Xu Yunqi gradually came to her senses. She caused quite a stir yesterday, which must have affected him. “Did I bring you trouble?”

Pei Muheng felt conflicted. Although the matter wasn’t widely publicized, those who needed to know already knew. He had become Xun Yunhe’s son-in-law, and the court dynamics had changed unexpectedly.

For the Prince Xi Residence, having the Chief Cabinet Minister as support was a significant advantage.

His wife used the word “trouble,” and Pei Muheng didn’t know how to respond.

He touched her furrowed brow and said, “His Majesty did not rebuke Minister Xun and retained his position as Chief Cabinet Minister.”

Xu Yunqi was somewhat surprised, but it had nothing to do with her. She merely acknowledged it and didn’t ask further.

The couple entered the bathroom one after the other. Just as they came out, Nanny Chen hurried in to report something.

“A moment ago, someone from the Xu Residence came to inform me that Madam Zhang is ill.”

Xu Yunqi’s expression changed. She quickly had breakfast and, accompanied by Yin Xing, hurried to the Xu Residence.

Madam Zhang was ill due to anger. When she returned last night, she wasn’t feeling well. Thinking about Aunt Pang and her close friendship with her, and how lively and cute Pang Niu was, but had lost her life, she was filled with rage. Naturally, she directed her anger towards Xun Yunhe. Just as her anger rose, she remembered how he had been deceived for many years, which made him pitiful as well as hateful. Her anger dissipated inexplicably. He was indeed still alive and had become the Chief Cabinet Minister, a man of great importance.

Madam Zhang laughed bitterly for a while; her emotions twisted within her, leaving her feeling empty and lost.

Xu Yunqi took her pulse and prescribed a calming and heart-nourishing remedy. “Did you tell Uncle Xu about last night’s events?”

Madam Zhang, lying on the couch with her eyes closed, shook her head. “No, I don’t know how to tell him.”

Most people in the city believed that Xun Yunhe’s wife and daughter were dead. Only a few knew the truth. Given Xu Ke’s position in the court, he wasn’t privy to high-level secrets yet. However, it wouldn’t take long—at most a few days—before the truth reached him.

Xu Yunqi advised, “I suggest you tell him proactively. It’s better than him questioning you later. If you tell him yourself, he’ll know that your heart is with this family, trusting and protecting him. No matter how many rumors spread outside, they won’t shake your relationship.”

Madam Zhang’s eyes trembled. “You’re right. He’s gone to Tongzhou to supervise the canal. I’ll tell him when he returns.”

Xu Yunqi hadn’t informed Madam Zhang in advance, partly because she feared she wouldn’t be able to keep the secret and partly because she wanted her to see Xun Yunhe’s true nature with her own eyes. However, she had underestimated the impact of this matter on her mother.

Although she and Madam Zhang were biological mother and daughter, their temperaments were quite different.

“Mother, we need to look forward,” she could only advise.

Madam Zhang took a deep breath and slowly sat up, leaning on the pillow with a weak smile. “Don’t worry. I know what’s important.”

Madam Zhang smiled faintly. “It seems your grandfather had good judgment. He always said I was too soft-hearted and should find an honest man to live a stable life. He was opposed to this marriage from the beginning.”

Xu Yunqi said helplessly, “He didn’t agree with your marriage to Uncle Xu either, but you didn’t listen.”

Madam Zhang choked up slightly. Back then, she had fallen off a cliff, and Xu Ke had carried her and lifted her out of the mud. According to conventional views, she had already become intimately involved with Xu Ke. However, disheartened by Xun Yunhe, she refused to marry anyone. Xu Ke, smitten at first sight, believed she had the potential to bring prosperity to her husband and knelt down to propose.

At that time, the plague case in Xiushui Village had alarmed the authorities, and many Imperial Guards had come to the county. Her father’s attitude was resolute, taking their mother and daughter south overnight. Xu Ke persistently followed them.

For unknown reasons, her father disappeared for a while, entrusting her and Nannan to Xu Ke. Xu Ke took them back to his hometown in Honghu. The Xu family was initially a wealthy merchant family. Xu Ke promised her a stable life. Initially, the Xu family accepted Nannan, but she cried day and night, demanding her father. Failing to comfort her, when she saw her father again, she handed Nannan over to him.

Thinking back now, everything seemed like a fleeting dream. Last night, when she heard Xun Yunhe’s voice, she was stunned for a long time, realizing that things had changed.

“I miss your grandfather. Accompany me to offer incense to him this afternoon.”

Madam Zhang donated a memorial plaque for Old Master Zhang at the nearby Bai’an Temple, where she often goes to pay her respects.

Xu Yunqi never truly believed that her grandfather had died, which is why she had always refused to go. But today, she unexpectedly agreed to accompany Madam Zhang.

After having lunch with her mother at the Xu Residence, they rested for less than half an hour before setting off for Bai’an Temple.

On the way, her younger daughter, Xu Ruo, and younger son, Xu Jing, rode along on horseback. Xu Ruo, being mischievous, occasionally teased her brother, who good-naturedly accepted it all.

As they approached Bai’an Temple, Xu Yunqi noticed a nearby pharmacy. Lacking some medicines at home, she decided to get off the carriage early.

“Mother, take the younger ones ahead. I’ll join you shortly.”

Madam Zhang agreed.

Soon, the carriage arrived outside the Bai’an Temple gate. Though Bai’an Temple was not large, its location in a bustling market area attracted many visitors daily. With her frail health, Xu Jing supported his mother while Xu Ruo energetically skipped into the temple ahead.

A discreet carriage stopped not far away, and Xun Yunhe’s gaunt face appeared from behind the curtain.

In the distance, the woman wore a lily hairpin and a light blue silk robe. Her slender figure was graceful and beautiful. Occasionally, she turned to speak to her son, her familiar features flashing by. Xun Yunhe’s heart clenched, his eyes burning with a sharp pain.

At that moment, the light dimmed as a figure blocked his view.

Xun Yunhe looked up and met Xu Yunqi’s gaze directly. He was stunned for a moment and quickly pushed aside the curtain, stumbling a few steps towards her.

It was just past noon, and the sunlight was intense. The carriage was parked under a large locust tree on the side of Bai’an Temple.

Xun Yunhe cautiously looked at his daughter, his eyes filled with a tender warmth. Just as he was about to call her name, Xu Yunqi turned away.

Following her gaze, both their eyes fell upon Madam Zhang in the distance.

Madam Zhang and her children stood under a plaque, smiling as she spoke with a welcoming monk. Her face was clearly visible to Xun Yunhe.

Her smile remained pure and gentle, with a touch of innocent charm. Fifteen years had passed, yet her appearance was unchanged.

Xun Yunhe’s voice cracked as he asked, “Who is that young man?”

Xu Yunqi looked back at him and replied, “He’s my brother.”

Seeing that the boy was about the same height as Nianxi, Xun Yunhe squinted his eyes, “How old is he?”

This time, Xu Yunqi’s voice hesitated a bit, but she did not avoid the question, “He’s fourteen years old this year.”

Upon hearing this, Xun Yunhe’s face changed, his gaze immediately returning with a pressure that felt almost tangible, “Fourteen years old?”

He could hardly believe it.

The midday sun filtered through the sparse leaves above, casting dappled light on his face, which appeared to darken and lighten intermittently. His pupils were bloodshot, and his eyes did not leave Xu Yunqi for a moment.

When the incident at Xiushui Village happened, Yunqi was only four years old. If the boy was fourteen, it meant that Qing Niang remarried Xu Ke shortly afterward and had a son a year later.

Xun Yunhe felt incredibly distressed, instinctively blaming Qing Niang, but he also knew he had no right to do so.

They had both wronged Nannan.

Xu Yunqi looked at him expressionlessly and, after a moment of silence, said, “It’s all in the past. You have no right to cling to it. Go back and don’t disturb her anymore.”

Xun Yunhe didn’t hear a word she said, his face taut as if it could crack at any moment. He asked, word by word, “Where were you at that time?”

Xu Yunqi looked at him helplessly and did not answer.

Connecting the dots with her extraordinary medical skills, Xun Yunhe already guessed. His voice trembling, he asked, “Did she leave you in the countryside? Has Grandfather Zhang raised you all these years?”

It felt as if a knife was repeatedly cutting into his heart, stripping away his flesh and throwing it into boiling oil.

Back then, Nannan had only met her grandfather a few times and wasn’t familiar with him at all. Xun Yunhe couldn’t imagine such a young child, without a father or mother, following an elderly man all alone.

She had such a fiery and restless temperament, and Old Master Zhang had a big temper as well. How could he have patiently comforted her?

He hadn’t even taught her how to rinse her mouth…

She needed someone to coax her to eat every meal…

How did she manage to survive…

The pain of regret pierced his heart like an arrow, almost suffocating him.

He understood now. The serene and gentle girl before him, who showed no traces of her past self, had already given him the answer.

Xun Yunhe breathed heavily, his bloodshot eyes filled with redness, “Nannan…”

“Nannan, give your father one more chance…”

Time seemed to stand still at this moment. There was no one else around, only the fragmented light reflecting on her face, but it couldn’t stir even a ripple in her eyes.

Xu Yunqi said coldly, “A handkerchief that falls into a muddy ditch and gets stained—would you use it again even if it were washed clean?”

Her soft and gentle voice reminded him of Jiangnan’s misty rain.

This rain, which had been brewing for fifteen years, poured all at once into Xun Yunhe’s heart, causing him to close his eyes in pain.