Chapter 55.1: Everything Falls into Place

Xifeng looked at his master with a strange expression. After several attempts to speak, he ultimately chose to carry the corpse away instead. After so many years of following his master, he still couldn’t grasp what he was truly thinking.

The cold wind howled, and the orderly courtyard was littered with fallen leaves, giving off a desolate feeling. The servants busied themselves with their tasks, whispering among themselves. As soon as they caught sight of the tall figure approaching, they hurriedly knelt down to pay their respects.

Ignoring the group, the man walked to the door. Just as he was about to push it open, his large hand suddenly froze mid-air, and his brows knitted in thought.

Inside, the warm air was filled with the smell of charcoal burning. The table was laden with various dishes—simple but appetizing. A strikingly beautiful woman rested her chin on her delicate hand, her fair face showing signs of frustration.

“Who do you think stole the evidence?”

Fang Yu, while arranging the dishes, frowned and replied in a low voice, “There’s something I’m not sure if I should say.”

“Why not? Just speak your mind.” Xia Tong urged, her heart troubled by the evidence, which had long been a thorn in her side.

Leaning closer, Fang Yu whispered, “Master, you have always overlooked one thing. That is, apart from me and Qing’er, Hongxue would not be suspected when she entered and left your room. She followed you closely all day long, never letting you go for a moment. Why didn’t she follow you when you first went to the prison to visit the master and madam?”

After she spoke, Xia Tong fell into deep thought. She had considered this possibility, but quickly dismissed it because Hongxue was absolutely loyal to the villain. How could she possibly give evidence to the Taishi Mansion?

As if guessing Xia Tong’s thoughts, Fang Yu continued softly. “Think about it. Why isn’t that map among the evidence this time?”

At this point, Xia Tong’s expression grew increasingly serious. This was something she found puzzling, clearly, that map was the most crucial piece of evidence. Why hadn’t the Grand Tutor’s man presented it?

“It is indeed very suspicious, but even if I tell the prince, he won’t believe me. I asked him to transfer Hong Xue away before, but he refused. In fact, he sent her here to monitor me. And look at the time—he still hasn’t come. If he doesn’t want to show up, then so be it. If there’s any food left, you can give it to the beggars outside. We mustn’t waste it.”

Watching her master begin to eat, Fang Yu was about to say something when she saw someone approaching from outside. Startled, she immediately bowed and said, “I greet Your Highness.”

Xia Tong nearly dropped her chopsticks in shock. Her body stiffened, and she bit her lip in distress. She had forgotten that this man made no sound when he walked.

Scanning the table filled with dishes, Gu Qin approached, his voice low and heavy as he looked down at Xia Tong, “So, in your eyes, I am no different from those beggars?”

Fang Yu quietly withdrew and gently closed the door behind her. The atmosphere in the room became tense. Xia Tong quickly stood up, blinking her big innocent eyes as she grabbed the man’s arm, “I was just venting my frustration! Who told you to be so late?”

Shaking her hand off, Gu Qin was clearly displeased. He sat down and glanced at the dishes on the table, saying, “Not a single dish appeals to my taste, which shows you’ve never put in any effort.”

Xia Tong was speechless.

This man had such peculiar tastes that even the butler couldn’t figure them out. How could she possibly know what he liked to eat?

“What do you like to eat then?” she asked, gripping her chopsticks and looking up at him.

There were many dishes on the table, but Gu Qin remained unfazed as he tasted a piece of fish. His voice was low, “I have raised you for so long, but you have never paid any attention to me.”

Although Xia Tong was used to him showing her a cold demeanor, she still felt a bit guilty and lowered her head. She started counting grains of rice with one chopstick, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“In a few days, a renowned doctor will come to help you regain your health. You’re so frail that a three-year-old child is stronger than you.” Gu Qin’s gaze suddenly swept over her, indifferent as ever.

“I am naturally different from the prince. If the prince were to compare his skills in playing the zither and dancing with mine, he might not be as good as I am…”

As she spoke, Xia Tong suddenly realized the hidden meaning in the other person’s words. In the next moment, her cheeks flushed red as she recalled what she had said before. Since her parents were no longer in trouble, was he trying to help her improve her health?

Although the dishes did not look very sumptuous, they were quite tasty. The man did not further criticize her. He simply glanced at her and asked, “What do you think you are capable of?”

His words clearly expressed doubt about her abilities. Xia Tong felt a little guilty, the original owner of her body had skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. However, while she inherited the original owner’s memories, she could only manage a half-baked understanding. Still, it was better than knowing nothing at all.

“Your Highness, don’t look down on me. My chess skills are such that even my father is not my opponent. I would love to spar with you sometime,” she said confidently.

Xia Tong’s words were full of conviction. Although the original owner had only a mediocre understanding of chess, she herself had once won the national youth Go championship. If her parents hadn’t stopped her from becoming a professional Go player, her potential would have been even greater.

Gu Qin chuckled lightly, remaining silent as he continued eating, his stern features softening somewhat.

It was rare to see the villain smile. While he was handsome, Xia Tong felt only resentment. He was clearly mocking her. Very well, she would make sure to slap the villain’s face hard and show him that one cannot judge by appearances.

After lunch, Gu Qin had matters to attend to, and Xia Tong played chess with Fang Yu to see if her skills had dulled. However, it was evident that Fang Yu was no match for her.

With no one else to spar with in the residence, Xia Tong felt restless, eager to know her level. She didn’t want to find herself in a situation where she couldn’t beat the villain but ended up humiliating herself instead.

The next morning, Xia Tong brought some nourishing medicine to the Xiahou residence. The Xiahou family had lost their hereditary title and could no longer be called a Hou^[1]Hou in the Xiahou here bringing the meaning of marquis residence. The old lady and others were bound to feel unhappy.

When Xia Tong arrived at the Xia residence, she was surprised to find Xia Ning and the young heir there, probably to say goodbye before returning to Shanxi for official duties.

Seeing Xia Tong, everyone wore warm smiles, even those aunts who had previously looked down on her. The old lady was even more so, holding her hand and asking her about her well-being with a beaming face.

Xia Ning, however, was unwilling to look at her. She slightly bowed and said, “It’s getting late, granddaughter and the heir should be on our way. Grandmother, please take care of your health, and if anything happens, do send a letter to me.”

The young woman had her hair tied back, with a golden hairpin adorned with flowers, making her delicate face appear even more exquisite. Wearing a layered pink skirt, she looked graceful. With just one glance, Lin Yi couldn’t take his eyes off her and took a long while to retract his gaze, nodding slightly to the old lady.

“Go ahead, make sure to be careful on your journey. I hope to hold my great-grandson next year,” the old lady said lovingly as she glanced at the two.

Xia Ning’s face flushed, and she fell silent, feeling somewhat bitter. Lin Yi hadn’t even touched her, where was this child supposed to come from?

After they left, Xia Tong immediately went to her mother and inquired about her health.

Watching the two of them chatting and laughing, the old lady squinted her eyes. However, Xia Lin suddenly spoke up, “Tong’er, has the regent mentioned anything about our Xia family?”

She knew these people wouldn’t forget about such matters. However, Xia Tong was too lazy to deal with them and casually replied, “Right now, the political climate is tense, and everyone is on edge. Our Xia family just faced such an incident; we must act low-key for the time being. Once this storm passes, I will discuss other matters with the prince.”

Knowing that the Xia family should not draw attention to themselves at this time, they didn’t pursue the topic further and instead began asking about other matters. Xia Tong felt somewhat impatient. These issues were sensitive, and her uncles seemed to overestimate her, thinking she knew everything.

Perhaps sensing her impatience, the old foxes wisely refrained from saying more. After all, the future of the Xia family rested entirely on this fourth young lady.

Once she returned to her room with her mother, Xia Tong couldn’t help but vent her frustrations, “Look at those aunts, who flatter on the surface but are hypocritical behind your back. They used to bully you because you were easy to push around. Now, you don’t need to give them a pleasant face. Just deal with them as you see fit. Don’t let them bully you after I leave. It would be better to simply separate from them.”

“What nonsense are you talking about?” Madam Liu lightly tapped her forehead with a reproachful look. “The family is currently in a precarious situation. Although your aunts have been somewhat inappropriate in the past, they are still family. In times like this, everyone can only rely on your father. How could they dare to treat me poorly?”

She knew her mother valued family ties greatly, but Xia Tong didn’t care. A good way to describe them was family, but the less pleasant term was parasites, always looking to exploit her father’s last bit of value. However, those people shouldn’t be so brazen anymore.

“By the way, I heard from Qing’er that you still haven’t consummated the marriage with the prince. What happened? Did you offend him?” Madam Liu suddenly asked gravely. This was a big deal.

Although there were no other concubines in the Regent’s residence at the moment, there was no guarantee that there wouldn’t be in the future. If her daughter didn’t establish a solid foothold soon, it would be even more difficult when newcomers arrived later.

The room was warm as spring, and Xia Tong leaned against the soft couch, her ears slightly reddening. She hesitated, “Such matters cannot be forced.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. Since you have married into the regent’s residence, you must bear the responsibility of continuing the family line. Without offspring, how will you stand firm in the future?” Madam Liu furrowed her brows, her expression unusually serious. To her, this was the most urgent matter at hand.

Knowing her mother would say this, Xia Tong didn’t know how to explain. She could only hurriedly get up and say, “I… I still have things to discuss with Father. I’ll come back to see you next time!”

“Stop!”

Hearing the slight shout from behind, Xia Tong still didn’t dare to stop. She picked up her skirt and hurriedly ran out of the study, scolding Qing’er for being a traitor. She decided to deduct half a month’s salary from her when she got back. She must teach her a lesson. How could she talk about such things so casually?