Chapter 3  

Just hearing the servants’ report was enough to pull Yi Ling’s mind in all directions, and the scene of her death involuntarily surfaced in her head. 
 
It was as if Yi Ling could see it again: amidst the swirling yellow sand, Xie Hengzhi raised his hand, drew his bow, and with a frost-like cold arrow, decisively took her life.  

The brutish Peng San gasped audibly; the surrounding soldiers fell silent as if frozen in fear, but Xie Hengzhi, seated calmly on his warhorse, lowered his bow with composure. He didn’t even glance at the enemy’s chariot. 

Yi Ling almost couldn’t stand upright, swaying unsteadily to the side. 

Mama Cao, quick and deft, caught her and exclaimed loudly, “What a double blessing! My Lord has returned victorious, and the madam has awakened. This proves that the Lord is truly the madam’s destined good fortune!”  

Yi Ling, who had been on the verge of collapsing in weakness, was suddenly so disgusted by Mama Cao’s words that she stood straight again, inexplicably regaining some strength.  
She withdrew her forearm from Mama Cao’s grasp, her expression full of discomfort as she frowned. Just as she was about to say something, a commotion came from the front.  

When Yi Ling raised her eyes, she saw Xie Hengzhi stepping through the moon gate.  

This residence had once been the home of the late Princess Duanxiao. Its layout and decor leaned toward elegant and exquisite, and even the moon gate was crafted with particular grace.  
Yet Xie Hengzhi’s imposing presence seemed too large for the space. With four or five attendants trailing behind him, all still armored and armed with swords at their waists, the clinking of their movements threatened to overwhelm the serenity of the small courtyard.  

Xie Hengzhi himself was dressed in a silver-gray, wide-sleeved robe adorned with intricate Python patterns. The delicate embroidery shimmered faintly, a clear testament to his overwhelming power and status.  

But if one were to judge solely by his face—his temples sharp as if carved by a blade, brows like inked strokes, and long, narrow eyes bright yet not empty, as though they held an abyss—he was a picture of refined elegance.  

A figure of jade-like grace, detached and otherworldly.  

Had the memory of her death not been so vivid, Yi Ling might have mistaken him for some noble young master from the capital’s aristocratic households.  

But old grudges and new hatred surged in her chest. Yi Ling glared at him fiercely, her fists clenched at her sides as she trembled slightly in the autumn sunlight.  

It felt as though a voice was whispering in her ear, striking her repeatedly.  

Kill him.  

Kill him!!  

Though her body didn’t move, Yi Ling’s mind had already conjured the image of Xie Hengzhi’s head falling to the ground, blood splattering in all directions.  

“Yi Ling?”  

The clear, steady voice of a man abruptly pulled Yi Ling back to reality.  

She shuddered, a thin layer of sweat forming on her back. When she looked up at him, she saw his eyes warm and tender, as if holding the spring waters of a serene lake.  

He was a stark contrast to the executioner who had shot her down before—a veritable demon of death.  

Gentle as water to his wife, yet cold and ruthless to others, casually ending lives?  

Yi Ling’s fists clenched tighter.  

Her gaze shifted to Xie Hengzhi’s attendants, each armed with swords. She wasn’t sure why they had followed him into the inner courtyard, but she calculated quickly in her mind: this was the closest she’d been to Xie Hengzhi, and no one was guarding against her. If she rushed forward to grab a blade and stab him, her chances seemed promising…  

“Why have you come out like this?”  

Seeing Yi Ling standing as still as a monk in meditation, Xie Hengzhi scrutinized her, noticing that she had just woken up and hadn’t had time to freshen up or change clothes. His cold gaze shifted to the surrounding servants.  

With just one look, the entire courtyard’s servants dropped to their knees, prostrating themselves as they repeatedly begged for forgiveness.  

“The madam just woke up and, upon hearing of your triumphant return, insisted on coming out to greet you immediately. It was the fault of this servant for not properly attending to the madam! Please, my lord, forgive us!”  

Mama Cao was trembling with fear because she knew Xie Hengzhi wasn’t questioning them about Yi Ling’s abrupt appearance. What truly terrified her was the unexplained incident of Yi Ling falling into the water—a grave oversight on their part.  

Xie Hengzhi said nothing more. Instead, he extended his hand toward Yi Ling.  

That slender, elegant hand moved toward her slowly. Though it was clearly the hand of a scholar accustomed to holding a brush, all Yi Ling could think of was the decisive hand that had drawn a bow and fired a deadly arrow.  

Her entire body trembled, her spine rigid as she stood motionless.  

In the next moment, that hand veered away, landing instead on her collar as Xie Hengzhi meticulously adjusted it for her.  

Yi Ling exhaled softly but instinctively recoiled in disgust.  

Xie Hengzhi’s hand paused midair.  

He raised his eyes to look at her, and as their gazes met, Yi Ling froze. A flicker of fear began to rise within her.  

Behind him, his attendants stepped forward with icy expressions, dragging Mama Cao and Mallow away, causing quite a commotion.  

Startled, Yi Ling realized these people might share her fate. Without thinking, she blurted out,

“It’s not their fault!”  

At her words, everyone stopped moving.  

Xie Hengzhi’s cold gaze softened as he looked at her, his expression calm and unreadable.  

“It was me… I slipped and fell into the water,” Yi Ling said, her chest heaving as she forced each word out. “It had nothing to do with them… Don’t kill them…”  

Yi Ling wasn’t lying. While she hadn’t experienced the fall herself, she’d overheard Mallow’s mutterings while unconscious and was fairly certain it had been an accident.  

When she finished speaking, she saw Xie Hengzhi’s expression remain unchanged. Instead, his brows lifted slightly. Panic surged in her heart, and she hastily added, “They’ve already done their best. Accidents are unpredictable. You can’t kill them just because of this!”  

After a long pause, Xie Hengzhi lowered his hand, his lips curving slightly in a faint smile.  

“When did I ever say I was going to kill them?” he said lightly. “Do you really see me as someone who indiscriminately takes lives?”  

Yi Ling stared at him, her eyes wide with disbelief.  

Isn’t that exactly what you are?  

“Since the madam has spoken on their behalf,” Xie Hengzhi said indifferently, not sparing the servants another glance, “they’ll only lose a season’s wages.”  

At his words, Mama Cao and the others breathed sighs of relief, repeatedly expressing their gratitude.  

Xie Hengzhi turned back to Yi Ling. “I had only intended to give them a minor punishment in the first place.”  

Minor punishment?  

Yi Ling glanced at the fearsome attendants behind him.  

His idea of a “minor punishment” was probably a flogging, wasn’t it? For weak women like Mama Cao and Mallow, enduring such a beating would be no different from death.  

It’s incredible that Xie Hengzhi could say such things, acting as if he were a living Bodhisattva.

Still, he had shown mercy in the end, and the maids, led by Mama Cao, were so moved that they kneeled before Yi Ling, weeping with gratitude.

Yi Ling waved her hand dismissively and exhaled deeply. 

After all, these people had cared for her meticulously for a month. She couldn’t just abandon them to their fate. 

But when she looked back at Xie Hengzhi, Yi Ling realized that the murderous intent she had felt toward him had been largely quelled. 

It wasn’t just a matter of whether she could kill Xie Hengzhi in front of so many servants. Even if she could use her position to end his life, it would only bring greater trouble upon herself. 

The punishment for murder might seem light compared to the consequences of killing someone with Xie Hengzhi’s current power and status. It could lead to nationwide unrest and ultimately leave her in a fate worse than death. 

No, she couldn’t act impulsively. 

She had fought hard for this second chance at life; she couldn’t throw it away so easily again. 

In an instant, Yi Ling closed her eyes and took a deep breath. 

Revenge is a dish best served cold, she thought. A gentleman waits ten years if necessary. 

“The wind is strong outside. Let’s go back in,” Xie Hengzhi said softly, his tone as gentle as if he were coaxing someone. There was even the faintest hint of a smile at the corners of his lips. 

But there was no warmth in his eyes. His deep gaze was filled only with cold indifference. 

Under the weight of his gaze, it felt as though freezing rain was falling around her. 

Yi Ling tensed every muscle in her body and didn’t utter a single word. 

Xie Hengzhi didn’t seem to mind. He glanced up at the sky. 

The weather in Beijing has been unpredictable these past few years. What had just been clear blue skies was now shrouded in thick, gloomy clouds. 

As he turned to leave, the autumn wind lifted the hem of his robes. 

When that silver-gray figure disappeared through the moon gate, Yi Ling felt as though all the strength had been drained from her body. Beads of sweat rolled down her back, and the world around her grew hazy and indistinct. 

Dizziness overtook her, and her body swayed precariously. 

A group of servants rushed to support her, calling out “Madam” repeatedly. But to Yi Ling, their voices seemed to grow more distant with every passing second. 

It wasn’t until the sound of Xie Hengzhi’s entourage faded that her vision went black, and she collapsed. 

---

When she awoke, the moon was already high, its crescent shape perched on the treetops. 

The night was as cool and serene as water. The soft rustling of fabric mingled with the chirping of insects. 

The physician had already left, saying that Yi Ling was merely too weak and leaving behind a prescription for nourishing medicine. 

The maids waited quietly nearby, aware that she might wake at any moment, none daring to chatter idly. 

Yi Ling opened her eyes. Seeing that everything was as it had been—the same room in the Xie Mansion—she sighed silently. 

“What time is it?”  

Hearing Yi Ling speak, Mallow hurriedly parted the curtains and came forward to assist her. 

“It’s three-quarters past the hour of Xu. Would Madam like to get up?”  

Yi Ling said nothing. She leaned against a soft pillow, lost in thought, before finally deciding to rise. 

Even after another round of unconsciousness, her body felt even weaker. Even breathing was an effort. 

She glanced down at the quilt covering her legs. 

Her current situation was strange and challenging, but still… 

“Can’t you replace all the quilts and pillowcases with Shu brocade? How can anyone sleep with such coarse materials?”  

“Madam…” Mallow stammered in surprise. “Didn’t you always say that Shu brocade was too extravagant and refuse to use it?”  

Yi Ling rubbed her temples, closing her eyes briefly. 

Finally, unable to tolerate it any longer, she said, “Change it.”  

“Right away, Madam,” Mallow replied hesitantly, then added before leaving, “Madam, you’ve been fasting for so long. Please eat something first.”  

Yi Ling looked at the small table beside the couch—some plain congee and light side dishes, suitable for her current state.  

She hadn’t expected that the great Xie Hengzhi, the most prominent man in the court, would run such a modest household. Even the bowls weren’t made of Ru kiln porcelain.  

Who knew where all the embezzled money had gone?  

By the time Mallow returned with the Shu brocade bedding, the Xie Mansion was already aglow with lamps; the entire courtyard illuminated like a poetic painting.  
Occasionally, a maid would pass by, her graceful movements adding to the picturesque scene.  

“The Master came back briefly earlier,” Mallow said while changing the bedding, trying to lift Yi Ling’s spirits. “He wanted to stay with Madam but had urgent matters and just left.”  

Hearing this, Yi Ling lost her appetite entirely. She put down her spoon and frowned.  

Seeing her mistress deep in thought and clearly still upset, Mallow quickly changed the subject. “Madam, shall I accompany you for a walk? It’s not cold tonight, and the breeze feels lovely.”  

Yi Ling considered for a moment, then nodded.  

Mallow fetched an outer robe for her and, holding a lantern, followed Yi Ling out of Lin Fengyuan (Linfeng Courtyard).  

Along the way, Yi Ling kept her eyes busy, carefully observing every flower, every brick, and every tile of the estate.  

Though she had no clear plan for the future, she knew she had to find a way to leave this place, so she began to make preparations early.  

As fate would have it, Yi Ling, unfamiliar with the Xie Mansion, ended up finding her way to the main gate by sheer accident.  

Standing before the imposing vermillion doors, she stopped, her mind swirling with thoughts.  

When she had her revenge, would she live anonymously and travel far away? Or would she return to her family and home?  

Would her parents even believe she was the daughter they had thought dead?  

Lost in thought, she was startled by a sudden, violent pounding on the doors.  

Yi Ling stepped back in fright, turning to look at Mallow, who was equally bewildered.  

The knocking ceased, replaced by a furious male voice.  

“Xie Hengzhi! Come out here! Get your damned self out here right now!”  

Mallow clutched Yi Ling’s arm in fear, her face pale.  

“Madam, w-what is happening?”

Yi Ling was still curious about what was going on!

Looking around the entire capital, who was reckless enough to dare smash the door of Xie Hengzhi?

She had to see this person.

Yi Ling calmed herself and instructed Mallow, “Go check with the doorman and find out what’s happening.”

Mallow hesitated for a moment, slowly moving toward the door.

The person outside shouted again.

“Xie Hengzhi, you bastard! Get your ass out here!”

Wait a minute.

Yi Ling suddenly reached out and grabbed Mallow.

This voice… Why did it sound so familiar?

“Come out here if you’re a man! Hiding in your house doesn’t make you a hero! Get your ass out here!”

That’s it.

Yi Ling recognized the voice—it was her bratty younger brother, Yi Yun.

This little rascal was out here, not sleeping at such a late hour, running to Xie Hengzhi’s house, causing a scene. Was he looking for death?

At that moment, the doorman had opened the door.

As soon as the door creaked open, Yi Yun kicked it with force, knocking the doorman to the ground.

Seeing his aggressive manner, Yi Ling was furious. She dashed forward and slapped his arm, scolding, “What the hell are you doing? ”

Yi Yun, who had been brimming with rage just moments ago, now stood there in confusion, rubbing his arm, looking at Yi Ling with an innocent expression in his eyes.

“Who are you?”

Yi Ling’s heart skipped a beat when she saw his gaze.

Oh no, she had forgotten that she wasn’t the same Yi Ling as before—she was now Shang Yiling of Jiangzhou.
She awkwardly tugged at the corner of her mouth, saying hesitantly, “I… I’m…”

Before Yi Ling could finish introducing herself, Yi Yun sized her up and seemed to realize something.

He then bowed respectfully and said, “Oh, it’s Mrs. Xie.”

Yi Ling helplessly smirked. Her brother was polite wherever he went.

But in the end, Yi Yun wasn’t as impulsive anymore.

Just as Yi Ling was comforting herself, Yi Yun straightened up and, with a loud voice, charged inside while shouting, “Where’s Xie Hengzhi! Tell him to come out!”

Yi Ling was both angry and anxious, fearing that he might really provoke Xie Hengzhi and end up with a bad outcome. She quickly stepped in front of him.

“What do you want with Xie Hengzhi?!”

Yi Yun looked at the woman in front of him with cold eyes and said solemnly, “I want him to give my sister an explanation!”

Upon hearing these words, Yi Ling paused and thought for a moment, then turned her head to glance at Mallow, who looked pale, signaling her to take the doorman somewhere else to wait.

Although Mallow didn’t understand, she followed Yi Ling’s instructions.

Once they had moved far enough, Yi Ling pulled Yi Yun to the side and whispered, “What do you know?”

“What do I know?”

Yi Yun said sarcastically, “Mrs. Xie might not know, but your husband went to Qingyang to suppress the rebellion and only brought back a few of my sister’s belongings. He reported to the court that my sister died because she refused to submit to the rebels and chose to kill herself!”

The autumn night wind had started to feel sharp, cutting like a knife across her face.

Yi Ling’s face drained of color, and her mind went blank for a long moment before she whispered, “He really said that?”

Yi Yun didn’t answer Yi Ling’s question and continued to speak on his own. “My sister would never have committed suicide! It was that bastard Xie Hengzhi who killed her!”

Yi Ling’s heart, which had been frozen, suddenly warmed at Yi Yun’s words.

She hadn’t expected her irresponsible little brother to trust her so much at such a crucial moment.

“You…” Yi Ling’s eyes were already moist. “Are you sure?”

“Of course!” Yi Yun sneered, “My sister was so afraid of death; how could she have killed herself?! He’s lying through his teeth!”

Yi Ling: “…”

The tears that had welled up in her eyes were quickly held back.

Yi Ling wiped the corner of her eye and glanced at Yi Yun. “So, what do you want to do?”

Yi Yun, now fully determined, said recklessly, “Please ask Mrs. Xie to bring Xie Hengzhi out. If he doesn’t give my sister an explanation today, I’ll make him pay with his blood!”

“Fool!”

Yi Ling glared at him, exasperated. “With your current skills, do you think you’ll be able to walk away unharmed after killing him?!”

Yi Yun froze upon hearing this, realizing that what the woman said made sense, but something still felt off.

“But…”

“Even if you don’t care about your life, do you want to implicate your whole family?!”

“I…”

Yi Ling continued, “If you truly want to take revenge for your sister and kill Xie Hengzhi, this matter needs careful planning! You can’t act impulsively! A gentleman’s revenge takes ten years!”

“Is that so…?” ”

Yi Yun turned to look at Mrs. Xie, suddenly filled with confusion, not knowing what to think.