Chapter 21

Yun Shuang was momentarily taken aback, but she’d already braced herself—this wasn’t going to be easy. Her gaze shifted slightly as she spoke calmly, “As I mentioned earlier, General Jiang taking time from his busy schedule to look into such a minor case suggests this case holds unusual significance for him. Now that I have a way to solve it, I’m essentially helping him.”

“And second…”

She raised two fingers, and Jiang Xiao’s eyes unconsciously lingered on them—those slender, fair fingertips now unexpectedly marked with calluses.

What a strange woman. Clearly born with the hands of a noble lady, yet bearing signs of hard labor and wear.

“I said this is a deal. If I successfully earn the thousand-tael reward… I’ll…” Yun Shuang bit her lip and forced the words out. “I’ll split it—half for General Jiang. What do you say?”

It was as if Jiang Xiao could feel the heat of her emotion through her offer. He parted his lips and said, “Is Miss Yun… attempting to bribe me?”

Yun Shuang’s head snapped up. Bribery—regardless of the era—was a serious crime for any official. He knew full well that wasn’t her intention.
But given that he still suspected she might be a Jinmeng Kingdom spy, it wasn’t unreasonable for him to guard against being caught in a trap.

She replied coolly, “If you’re worried others will accuse you of taking a bribe, I can donate the five hundred taels to the Xiazhou garrison instead. They accepted donations from the Luo family, so surely they’ll accept mine.”

Unexpectedly, the man before her let out a low chuckle. His features were sharp and serious—handsome in an austere way, with a commanding presence so strong it often overshadowed his looks. Yet in that brief moment of laughter, his cold edge softened, and he appeared brighter, more striking than ever.

Only now did it occur to her—this famed General of Xiazhou, known for intimidating enemies far and wide, was only twenty-six years old. It was the first time Yun Shuang had seen him smile—and she didn’t find it amusing at all. She was discussing matters seriously—what was he laughing for? Was he not taking her seriously?

“Miss Yun, throughout this conversation, you’ve never once considered the possibility of failure in finding Lady Luo,” Jiang Xiao noted. “Such confidence is rare. I’ll agree to lend you someone reliable—but you needn’t split the reward.”

He glanced over at Goudan, who had been watching their exchange nervously, seemingly worried the man might bully his mother. Softly, he added, “As you said, if you solve this case, it would already be a great help to me.”

Yun Shuang blinked, staring at him with disbelief. This man—who had just been picking apart her flaws—was now so easy to negotiate with?

Jiang Xiao met her eyes briefly, then said nothing more and walked away.

Goudan immediately ran over, grabbing Yun Shuang’s hand—but couldn’t help glancing back at Jiang Xiao’s retreating figure. After all, his mother had said she needed to speak with that uncle about something very important. Although that uncle had saved him, the pressure he exuded made Goudan instinctively wary—like a small animal sensing danger. Just moments ago, he’d even been thinking that if the man dared bully his mother, he’d bite him. But unexpectedly, they really were just talking. And he hadn’t bullied her at all.

Yun Shuang noticed how Goudan kept staring at Jiang Xiao. Her brows furrowed, then suddenly she understood what was troubling him. She crouched down with a smile and said, “Goudan, we’ll be leaving soon. Don’t you want to go thank that uncle?”

Goudan bit his lower lip. After a moment’s hesitation, he released Yun Shuang’s hand and ran toward Jiang Xiao.

Jiang Xiao seemed to sense something. After just two steps, he paused and turned, watching Goudan approach.

The boy stopped an arm’s length away, fiddled nervously with the patched corner of his clothes, and mumbled, “Thank you… for earlier.”

Jiang Xiao raised an eyebrow in slight surprise. The next second, to Yun Shuang’s astonishment, his lips lifted in the faintest smile. He reached out with a broad hand and gently ruffled Goudan’s hair.

This man—who she’d always seen as cold, stern, and unreachable—actually had a soft side?

“He’s… really quite a good man.” A gravelly, sentimental voice suddenly spoke behind Yun Shuang. She turned quickly and found a short, chubby middle-aged man standing there, his expression gentle.

“I’m the steward of the Luo household—Li Youcai. You may call me Steward Li. Did I startle you?”

“No.” Yun Shuang hesitated, then asked, “Does General Jiang often visit the Luo residence?”

From what she’d gathered, there seemed to be history between him and the Luo family.

“When our master was still alive, he admired General Jiang greatly. If not for his intent to find a live-in son-in-law for our young lady—and General Jiang openly stating he had no interest in marriage—our master would’ve likely chosen him as her husband.”

Steward Li sighed deeply. “Who would’ve guessed that after all his careful selection, he’d choose such an ungrateful wolf! In hindsight, we might’ve been better off choosing Mr. Chen—at least his feelings for our young lady were genuine. If the master were still alive, she wouldn’t have to suffer like this. He seemed healthier in his final years—livelier, stronger… and then suddenly, in the last year, his condition worsened beyond remedy…” His voice trailed off into a realm of sorrow, his face twisted in unspeakable grief.

Yun Shuang’s expression turned thoughtful. No interest in marriage?

General Jiang wasn’t that old by modern standards—but in ancient times, he was well past the age for settling down. And someone with his rank and status surely had no shortage of suitors eyeing his household. These musings flashed through her mind for just a moment before she promptly swatted them away, figuratively and firmly.

She wasn’t here to ponder his personal life. She’d have no further dealings with Commander Jiang after all this. What was the point in thinking about him?

At that moment, Goudan had returned. Yun Shuang took his hand and bid farewell to Steward Li before they began to walk away. Her mind was completely absorbed by the case, so she didn’t notice that Goudan’s lips were tightly pressed together, and his eyes were fixed intently on Jiang Xiao’s back as he walked ahead.

That person… he’s truly good.

Even though Goudan was still so young, after years of hardship, he could vaguely sense that there were differences between people. That uncle was like a Buddha statue in a temple, revered and worshipped — powerful, noble. Yet Goudan himself couldn’t even pass through the temple gates. Every time he tried to enter, the people inside would glare at him with contempt, drive him away, and curse at him — Where did this little beggar come from? Don’t defile the purity of the temple! Go away, go beg elsewhere!

Sometimes kind-hearted folks might toss him food or a few copper coins. But even then, none would ever let him step into the temple. Maybe a child like him was never meant to gaze upon the Buddha in the temple.

Just like this uncle. To him, saving Goudan was probably no different than helping a beggar on the roadside. He wouldn’t stop for that beggar, wouldn’t think they were anything special. And surely, he’d forget him soon enough.

What a pity. Goudan had finally met such a good uncle. He couldn’t help but wonder, would his lost father be like that uncle, too?