Chapter 149

Chapter 149

[Isn’t the Villain Tempting? Not Really – 19]

He Kanglin waited with the young woman for half an hour. At last, a girl of twelve or thirteen approached with several maids and matrons. Spotting the young woman’s clothes and appearance from a distance, she cried, “Sister!” in delight and hurried over.

He Kanglin asked, “Is that your younger sister?”

Since losing her sight, Zhou Shuhui had grown increasingly skilled at distinguishing voices. Even amid the crowd, she clearly recognized her sister Zhou Shuyao’s tone.

She nodded. “It is.”

He Kanglin did not wish to linger. After bidding her take care, he quietly departed with several household servants.

Zhou Shuhui called after him, but it was too late. No answer came from around her.

Zhou Shuyao had broken into a cold sweat from fear that something had happened to her sister. When she finally reached her, she found Zhou Shuhui turning her head from side to side as though searching for someone. Relieved, she took her sister’s hand. “Sister, I am here!”

Zhou Shuhui asked, “When you came over, did you see anyone beside me?”

Zhou Shuyao stared, then looked around and shook her head. “I was too busy searching for you to notice anything else. Why?”

Zhou Shuhui felt an unexpected pang of loss, then released it. “He was the benefactor who persuaded me not to throw myself into the river. I suppose he left.”

…

Bai Lu traveled north to Shuofang City, her family’s ancestral home. The closer she came, the less she could escape the memories of the past. When she reached the old Bai residence and saw its silent emptiness and desolation, her sorrow rose to its peak.

The training ground, once vast in her memories, had fallen into ruin. Practice posts leaned at every angle. Her father and his sworn brothers used to race horses and compete there, sweat streaming down them. It seemed as though it had happened only yesterday.

The flowers and plants her mother had tended so carefully in the inner residence had long since withered. Unknown weeds choked the beds. Only the poplars in the courtyard had flourished, their spreading branches pressing over the eaves and casting dense shade.

Before her father died, the family always came into the courtyard to enjoy the cool air after dinner. Her father and mother talked with smiles, while she ran everywhere with an insect net, chasing fireflies. Sometimes she pressed her cheek to her mother’s swelling belly. The matrons would tease her and ask whether Madam carried a little boy or girl.

The once-magnificent residence had become broken walls and crumbling ruins. Nothing could better embody the pain of encountering a place filled with memories.

Bai Lu had no interest in repairing the old estate. She wiped away her tears, rose, and left to ask where her parents were buried.

It was absurd. Though she was their own daughter, she had visited only once, when they were first laid to rest. Soon afterward, Yu Sixian deceived her into going to Jingzhou. She had never returned north in all that time. For all she knew, her parents’ graves might have fallen into ruin and become overgrown with weeds.

Bai Lu had been gone for seven years. Shuofang City had changed greatly by her return. The roads that were once broken had been repaired, and homes now dotted formerly empty plains. She asked for directions and followed the road, only to find her parents’ graves carefully maintained and the cemetery spotless. Traces of burned paper offerings remained before the graves, weathered by wind and sun.

Both startled and moved, Bai Lu found the gravekeeper and asked him about it. He studied her in confusion for a long time, then suddenly cried in delight, “Eldest Young Lady, is that you? I am Cripple Zheng. Do you remember me? I once took you into the hills to catch rabbits when you were little!”

Bai Lu was equally surprised and delighted. “Uncle Zheng, how did you come to be here?!”

The weathered man’s face turned bleak with sorrow. “The general left us, and Madam followed. I have no wife or children and nowhere else to go, so I came here to guard their graves. Good deeds bear good fruit. Many people have visited over the years to honor the general and his wife. They all remember their kindness. I am ashamed to say that guarding this place has brought me no small share of their generosity…”

He lowered his head and wiped his tears.

“How can you say such a thing?” Bai Lu comforted him. “You have devoted yourself to my parents. I cannot thank you enough.”

Cripple Zheng smiled. “At first, the general’s former subordinates and old friends came to pay respects. Several years later, Chancellor He ordered the graves renovated. And whenever the young master of the He Family comes to inspect Shuofang City each year, he visits as well. He leaves me silver to buy paper offerings and whatever fruits are in season. I burn the paper during festivals and distribute the edible offerings to nearby children afterward. They help sweep away the ashes and pull weeds. Otherwise, how could an old cripple like me maintain such a large place alone?”

“So that is what happened.” Deeply grateful, Bai Lu hurriedly asked, “Which young master of the He Family was it?”

Cripple Zheng answered, “Chancellor He’s younger sister’s son. He uses his mother’s surname. His name is…”

He could not recall it for a moment. Bai Lu understood and supplied the answer with a smile. “He Kanglin.”

Enlightenment dawned on Cripple Zheng. “Yes, that was his name. My mind no longer works well at my age.”

Bai Lu laughed. Several moments later, her smile softened with emotion. Before leaving Jingzhou, she had told Tan Yan that she meant to travel north and worship at her parents’ graves. Tan Yan had said the governor would also visit someday. She had assumed it was merely a courteous remark. Instead, it was true, and the young governor had already paid his respects for several years.

Even when Bai Lu revealed her identity through her uncle and resolved to cooperate with He Kanglin against Prince Su and his son in Jingzhou, He Kanglin had never mentioned these visits to claim credit. He was a true gentleman.

Admiration filled Bai Lu. After exchanging a few more words with Cripple Zheng, she went to speak and worship before her parents’ graves. Three days later, she departed for the capital to thank Chancellor He and He Kanglin.

…

Zhou Shuhui returned home with Zhou Shuyao, overwhelmed by guilt. She went to Madam Zhou’s room in the rear residence, knelt, and repented sincerely. “I was ignorant before. I angered Grandmother and Mother and brought shame to the Zhou Family. Even after returning home, I continued to act foolishly. I should never have…”

She lowered her head, her voice subdued. “Mother, I will not seek death again or do anything outrageous. I have made my decision. As long as you remain in this world, I will stay beside you and fulfill my duty as your daughter. After you pass away, I will cut my hair, enter a convent, and become a nun. I will pray for blessings upon Grandmother and Mother, and upon the Zhou Family.”
Madam Zhou stared intently at her. “Shuhui, do you truly mean every word?”

Zhou Shuhui kowtowed. “Yes. Every word your daughter has spoken comes from her heart. Not half a sentence was false!”

“Good. Good, good, good.” Madam Zhou smiled with joy, then old tears streamed down her face. “You have finally grown up. But the price of that growth was far too heavy…”

Madam Zhou did not dissuade her, nor did Zhou Shuyao. For Zhou Shuhui, remaining unmarried and spending the rest of her life in a convent was already the best possible outcome.

At least the Zhou Family and her younger sister stood behind her. No matter what happened, they would care for her until the end of her days.

When Second Madam Zhou heard, she fell silent. Returning to her room, she took a letter from a hidden compartment at the bottom of her dressing table. She did not open it, but stared at the envelope for a long time before sighing.

Mother, the child came to understand on her own. At least I no longer have to be the one to intervene.

When Second Uncle Zhou entered and saw her, he patted his wife’s shoulder. “What are you doing, sitting here lost in thought?”

“Mother left me a letter before she died.” Second Madam Zhou exhaled slowly. “She told me that if Shuhui ever harmed the Zhou Family’s reputation and then returned to the residence, I was to produce this letter. I have read it. It orders Shuhui to shave her head, enter a convent, and spend the rest of her life praying for blessings. Sister-in-law was ill before, and Shuhui had only just returned, so I truly could not bring myself to raise the matter. Now that she has proposed it herself, everything is easier.”

Second Uncle Zhou had not imagined his mother planned so far ahead. After his admiration came sorrow. “Her sons and grandchildren were unfilial. Even at the end, the old lady could not leave this world in peace!”

Second Madam Zhou smiled and comforted her husband. “Fortunately, everything is well now. Mother can rest peacefully in the Underworld.”

In the spring of the following year, Zhou Shuhui and Madam Zhou were returning from an outing when a crowd blocked their route. Curious, they sent someone to learn what had happened. Before long, an attendant jogged back to report. “The young master of the He Family has become engaged. His household is distributing celebratory coins outside, and so many people are scrambling for them that the road is completely blocked. It will not clear anytime soon. Madam, we should take another route.”

Hearing of a joyous occasion brought pleasure to Madam Zhou’s face. “Is it Chancellor He’s son, or Lady He’s?”

The attendant answered, “Lady He’s son. Young Master He Kanglin, formerly Governor of Fuzhou and now Chief Justice of the Court of Judicial Review.”

As he spoke, hoofbeats sounded behind them. The attendant exclaimed and guided the carriage aside to clear the road. Then a remarkably clear voice spoke in warm and courteous tones. “Madam Zhou, I did not realize it was you.”

He instructed those beside him, “The road ahead is blocked. Clear a path so Madam Zhou may take another route.”

Hearing that familiar voice nearby made Zhou Shuhui’s heart tremble.

Madam Zhou did not notice her daughter’s reaction. She thanked him with a smile. As the driver turned the carriage around, she added, “Congratulations, Young Master He.”

He answered with perfect courtesy, “Thank you, Madam. When the wedding day arrives, I hope you will honor our residence and join us for a cup of wine.”

Madam Zhou nodded with a smile. After lowering the carriage curtain, she sighed to the matron inside. “What an outstanding young man, handsome and accomplished. I wonder which family’s daughter is fortunate enough to marry such an ideal husband.”

The matron laughed. “That is easily answered. We need only send someone to inquire.”

Zhou Shuhui’s heart raced. Her fingers tightened upon her sleeve, her emotions tangled. “Mother, who was that Young Master He?”

Madam Zhou answered slowly, “Lady He’s son, the one we just mentioned. He recently became engaged and now serves as Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.”

So it was him.

He Kanglin.

The male lead of this world.

The young man who had stopped her from drowning herself that night and gently persuaded her to turn back.

Bitterness suddenly rose in Zhou Shuhui’s heart. She lowered her gaze and tried to smile, but her lips would not obey.

Now that she understood precisely what she had missed, sudden grief overwhelmed her.

The villain Yu Sixian, whom she had pursued with all her heart, had nearly made her an enemy of family and realm. He left her blind. Yet He Kanglin, the saintly male lead she had despised, saved her life. He stopped to counsel a woman he had never met, urging her not to stray down another wrong path.

She had truly been blinded by foolishness from the beginning, long before she lost her sight.

Not long after they returned home, the matron came back with news. In a voice exaggerated by amazement, she declared, “Madam will never guess the identity of Young Master He’s betrothed!”

Madam Zhou’s interest stirred. She named every notable young lady in the capital, but the matron only shook her head. Even Zhou Shuyao, who had been reading nearby, grew curious and urged, “Nurse, stop keeping us in suspense. Who is she?”

Zhou Shuhui was curious as well and leaned forward unconsciously. At that precise moment, a figure flashed through her mind. Sudden understanding dawned, and she blurted in astonishment, “It couldn’t be Bai Lu, could it?”

The matron froze as well. “How did Eldest Young Lady know?”

Zhou Shuhui remained stunned, filled with dejection and self-mockery. She shook her head with a bitter smile.

The others were confused. “Bai Lu? Which family’s young lady is she? I have never heard of a noble family surnamed Bai in the capital.”

The matron recovered. Ignoring Zhou Shuhui’s reaction, she launched eagerly into the gossip she had just heard. “Miss Bai is extraordinary. Her father was the Northern-Pacifying General who died at Shuofang years ago. When she was eight, Prince Su’s heir colluded with the Northern Rong and caused the general’s death. Her mother died in a difficult labor from the shock, while Miss Bai herself was deceived into going to Jingzhou by Prince Su’s heir…”

“She was only eight years old, yet she discovered that something was suspicious about her father’s death. She endured humiliation, hid deep within enemy territory, and mastered martial arts. At the time, Young Master He was Governor of Fuzhou. Miss Bai sent someone to deliver a letter, and the two sides exchanged intelligence. Working from within and without, they destroyed Prince Su’s faction in a single stroke and recovered Jingzhou. Miss Bai personally took the life of Prince Su’s heir and avenged her father!”

Everyone marveled at the story and voiced their admiration.

Praise shone in Madam Zhou’s eyes. “For a young woman, Miss Bai possessed extraordinary courage, no less than any man. Such a heroine among women truly cannot be compared with sheltered young ladies of the capital!”
Zhou Shuyao chimed in, “She has all the spirit Lady Zhu possessed in her youth!”

“Mother,” she said excitedly, “didn’t the He Family send us an invitation? When they marry, I want to go too! I would love to meet such an extraordinary woman!”

“All right,” Madam Zhou agreed happily. “We will go together.”

After a brief pause, she remembered Zhou Shuhui, and her expression changed. “Shuhui, you…”

“I will not go. Mother can bring a congratulatory gift on my behalf.”

Zhou Shuhui suppressed the bitterness in her heart and spoke sincerely. “A talented man and beautiful woman, two flawless treasures brought together. They were always a match made in heaven.”

…

Night gradually fell, and lamps were lit outside. He Kanglin sat upright behind his desk, handling documents he had not finished at the Court of Judicial Review. A small table stood a short distance across from him. Bai Lu propped her cheek upon one hand and stared at him without blinking.

He Kanglin raised his eyes to her. “If you are bored, go outside for some air or talk to Jiaojiao for a while. She admires you enormously now.”

Bai Lu shook her head. She rose, walked to his side with her hands behind her back, bent close to his ear, and called softly, “Governor He.”

“I am no longer a governor.”

Laughter shone in Bai Lu’s eyes, but she ignored the correction and continued whispering beside his ear. “I hear people gossiping outside. They say my parents died young and I have no brothers, so my family can offer you no support at all. They say marrying me is a terrible loss for you!”

He Kanglin replied, “I am the one marrying you, not them. Why pay any attention to idle gossip?”

Bai Lu pushed him lightly between the shoulders. “I want to hear what you think.”

“What do I think…”

He Kanglin finished the final stroke, closed the document before him, and turned to look into her eyes. “I consider it the greatest honor. Marrying a woman as brave, resourceful, loyal, and honorable as you is my good fortune. Your parents died young, but is my own family somehow perfect? Even the moon waxes and wanes beneath shifting skies. How much more must human lives?”

Tears filled Bai Lu’s eyes. Without speaking, she wrapped her arms around his waist.

He Kanglin held her even tighter.

Moonlight veiled a secluded dream, and ten miles of spring breeze carried tenderness.

…

Zhu Yuanzhang returned to his senses as if emerging from a haze. The first thought to enter his mind was how wonderful the room smelled.

He did not know what incense had been burned, but its fragrance was quiet and ethereal, like a strand of dream. Breathing it in seemed to send all three souls and seven spirits floating away in bliss.

He steadied himself and discovered that he wore a brocade robe and sat in a grand armchair. A jade thumb ring of obvious value adorned his hand.

When he examined that hand, its skin was smooth, supple, and still young.

Another look around the inner chamber left him marveling.

There were radiant night pearls, priceless silk from the South Sea, paintings and calligraphy from the Tang dynasty, celadon fired in the Song dynasty, and a cloisonne incense burner set to one side. A twelve-panel screen carved from ivory separated the inner and outer chambers…

To borrow a line from *Dream of the Red Chamber*, even an immortal could live in this room!

The furnishings resembled a woman’s bedchamber. Zhu Yuanzhang still did not know the body’s identity. He looked down uncertainly at its clothing, then glanced toward the bed.

That one glance stopped him cold.

A girl of fifteen or sixteen lay on her side. Her hair was slightly disheveled, and seduction seemed written into her bones. Only half of her small, jade-pale face showed. Her eyelashes fluttered like raven feathers above a cherry-red mouth. Below, her graceful figure had already begun to mature, with a slender waist and delicate curves. She possessed radiant youth and captivating beauty.

Zhu Yuanzhang thought, *Whoa*, and leaned closer. The girl was drenched in fragrant sweat, as though suffering some physical discomfort. Despite her bewitching face and figure, her eyes were pure and clear as a young deer’s, flickering with fear and unease.

Zhu Yuanzhang vaguely understood something and frowned. “You…”

His approach terrified the girl. She scrambled deeper into the bed and weakly dragged the quilt over herself. “You vile thief! Stay away from me!”

Her pearly teeth bit her red lip, and hatred filled her eyes. “My father owes you some silver, but he will find a way to repay it. I am staying here only temporarily. You may not violate me. Once my father gathers enough money, he will take me home!”

Money!

Someone owed Old Zhu money!!!

Zhu Yuanzhang became completely alert. “Your father owes me money, so he used you to settle the debt?!”

The girl flushed with fury. “My father will repay you!”

Zhu Yuanzhang ignored that entirely. “How much does he owe?!”

The girl turned her head away in outrage and refused to answer.

The next instant, Zhu Yuanzhang’s large hand closed accurately around her neck. Like a butcher seizing a chicken, he shook her violently twice. “How much? Speak!”

She had never expected such roughness. Tears swirled in her eyes as she slapped at his hand until he released her. Collapsing against the bed, she coughed violently. “More than… more than six hundred thousand taels…”

Zhu Yuanzhang: “?????”

Zhu Yuanzhang: “!!!!!”

Good heavens, you are not worth that much money!

“Guards!”

Zhu Yuanzhang swept out a hand and roared, “Throw her out! Throw this wretched girl out immediately! Make her father repay the money!”