The Rebirth of Han Yuxi

Chapter 0782 Come Clean (1)

Han Jianming brought up a matter with Yuxi. "Yuxi, Old Nine wrote to me saying that he wants to come to the northwest, too. Do you think we should take him in?" The 'Old Nine' to whom Han Jianming was referring was Han Jianchao, the county magistrate of Wang County in Baoding. Han Jianming was extremely close to him; otherwise, he could not possibly have recuperated from his injuries in Wang County back then.

Yuxi did not know much about Han Jianchao, so she asked, "How capable is he? Is he someone we can rely on?" As long as he was talented and dependable, Yuxi naturally would not refuse him.

Han Jianming nodded. "His abilities are average, but he is reliable."

Yuxi did not agree on the spot. Instead, she asked, "Dage, if other members of the Han clan want to come to the northwest in the future, will you take all of them in as well?"

Han Jianming responded, "Yuxi, I know that you're dissatisfied with the people in the clan. However, leaving the capital at that time was my own choice. The clan was also left with no alternative when it expelled me."

Yuxi smiled and said to Han Jianming, "Dage, you have misunderstood something. I bear no dissatisfaction whatsoever towards the Han clan." Seeing the disbelief on Han Jianming's face, she continued, "That is because, as far as I am concerned, they are strangers to me now." Whether in both her previous and current lives, not only had the clan members failed to support her, they had also thrown stones at her after she had fallen into a well. Therefore, Yuxi felt no affection for the Han clan members. Moreover, she had already been expelled from the clan, so legally speaking, she no longer had any connection to them whatsoever.

Han Jianming smiled bitterly. "I knew that you were dissatisfied with the clan." In fact, not only did he bear no dissatisfaction towards the Han clan, but he was also deeply attached to it. This was, in fact, connected to the education he had received. From childhood, Han Jianming had been taught that he must revitalise the family estate and bring glory to the family name. Furthermore, he had received nothing but respect and admiration within the clan over the years and had never experienced any grievances there. Therefore, it was only natural that he remained attached to the Han clansmen.

Yuxi did not argue with Han Jianming. Instead, she told him something. "On the second day after Yuchen was imprisoned in Yan Wangfu, Han Jingyan went there. What do you think his purpose was? My guess is that he went to persuade Yuchen to remarry Yan Wushuang."

Han Jianming's face darkened. "Do not mention that beast." He hated Han Jingyan to the extreme. Han Jingyan was nothing but a beast; otherwise, several of Han Jianming's children would still be alive and well.

Yuxi had deliberately mentioned Han Jingyan for a reason. "When Han Jingyan did this, not a single member of the Han clan came forward to condemn him." This matter was no secret. Anyone who took the trouble to investigate could find out about it.

Noticing a slight change in Han Jianming's expression, Yuxi added, "Dage, they said and did nothing. They were not wrong to choose to protect themselves by staying out of trouble. We have no grounds to condemn them for that. However, I see no need to remain entangled with people who are only willing to share prosperity but not adversity."

Han Jianming remained silent for a moment before saying, "Yuxi, when I was recuperating in Wang County, Old Nine helped manage matters and negotiate on my behalf. Moreover, without his help, our family could not have reached the northwest so easily. Old Nine has done me a great kindness. Since he sincerely wishes to come to the northwest, I want to help him fulfil that wish." Han Jianming was someone who remembered kindness and sought to repay it. Had Han Jianchao never entertained such an idea, it would have been another matter, but now that he wanted to come to the northwest, Han Jianming was determined to make it happen.

Yuxi nodded. "Since he has done Dage a kindness, I will naturally not refuse him. But there can be no next time." She was not afraid of being accused of appointing people solely because they were relatives or favourites, provided that the person concerned was genuinely capable.

While the two of them were still talking, Xu Wu entered and reported, "Wangfei, this subordinate has *a matter to report." His choice of words implied that it was not appropriate for Han Jianming to hear the matter.

Han Jianming understood the situation and tactfully took his leave. "Yuxi, I will head back. Mom has been talking about you repeatedly lately. Find some time to visit her."

Yuxi replied, her face sweating slightly with shame, "I'll go and see Mom later." Although the two households were close and could be reached on foot in fifteen minutes, Yuxi was extremely busy and could not even visit twice a month.

After Han Jianming left, Xu Wu informed her, "Wangfei, our men captured an Imperial Court spy today. He holds a fairly important position."

Yuxi asked, "Who is he?" If Xu Wu had interrupted her conversation with her eldest brother to report the matter, the spy's identity was certainly no ordinary one.

Just as Yuxi had expected, the man's identity was indeed extraordinary. Xu Wu continued, "This spy is Ye Guangqin, the personal adviser to Jiang Daren, Wangye's Biaodi." Since Ye Guangqin was an Imperial Court spy, Jiang Hongfu was undoubtedly involved in something suspicious as well. However, Jiang Hongfu's identity was unusual, so they needed either Wangye's or Wangfei's permission before arresting him.

Yuxi instructed, "Make Ye Guangqin talk. As for Jiang Hongfu, do not touch him for the time being. When Wangye returns, simply tell him about the matter." It was not that she lacked the authority to deal with Jiang Hongfu. Rather, it was difficult to determine the proper degree of punishment, as neither punishing him too severely nor too lightly would be appropriate. Yuxi therefore simply became a hands-off manager and handed the difficult problem over to Yun Qing.

In fact, Xu Wu's men were able to capture Ye Guangqin so quickly because he had assigned people to monitor Jiang Hongfu and his associates. The moment Ye Guangqin made an unusual move, it was detected. He had only himself to blame for being so impatient; otherwise, they would not have caught his weakness so soon.

After learning about the matter, Yun Qing ordered Xu Wu, "Pry Ye Guangqin's mouth open." Yun Qing said nothing about how to deal with Jiang Hongfu, and Xu Wu tactfully understood not to ask.

Unfortunately, no matter what was done to him, Ye Guangqin refused to confess. Even after using every punishment in the torture chamber, they still failed to make him speak. His bones were so hard that even the men carrying out the torture admired him and called him a true man of courage.

Jiang Hongfu learnt of Ye Guangqin's arrest the following evening. His expression became extremely grim. "I am afraid my Biaoge has begun to suspect me." Although Jiang Hongfu had indeed received such an order, he had never considered harming Yun Qing. However, Ye Guangqin was nominally his private adviser. Who would believe that Ye Guangqin's activities had nothing to do with him? Han Shi, at the very least, would certainly not believe it.

Mr Gao assured him, "Pingxi Wang has not sent anyone to arrest you, Eldest Master. This shows that he still trusts you. However, I believe you should let Pingxi Wang know that you were forced to come to the northwest because of him. Only then will you be safe."

Jiang Hongfu stated, "I am not worried about my Biaoge. I am worried about Han Shi." Given his Biaoge's temperament, once he learnt that Jiang Hongfu had been pressured by the Imperial Court but had done nothing to betray him, he might even feel guilty. Han Shi, however, was different. Once she learnt of the matter, it would not be settled peacefully.

Mr Gao commented, "As long as Pingxi Wang trusts you, that is all that matters. No matter how capable Han Shi is, she still has to listen to Pingxi Wang."

Jiang Hongfu nodded and then asked about Yan Xi. "We have been searching for more than two months. Have we still not found him?" The northwest was not truly that vast, yet after searching for two months, they still had no beginning or thread. There was something strange about the matter.

Mr Gao recounted, "He appeared in Haocheng more than two months ago. After that, it was as though he vanished. We have been unable to find any trace of him." Over the years, Yan Xi had followed Yang Duoming running east and walking west. Even though he had not deliberately formed close relationships with others, many people had seen him. Under normal circumstances, tracing his movements should not have been difficult.

Jiang Hongfu asked, "Do you think he might already have left the northwest?" If he were still in the northwest, he would have to be hiding deliberately. Otherwise, it would be impossible for them to find no trace of him at all.

Mr Gao nodded. "That is also possible. However, if he is no longer in the northwest, finding him will be even more difficult and troublesome."

Jiang Hongfu said, "This matter cannot be rushed, so let us search slowly." As long as the man bore no grudge against the Jiang family and did not intend to harm him, Jiang Hongfu was in no hurry.

That day, after Yuxi had finished dealing with the matters at hand, she returned to the rear courtyard. Momo Quan happened to be in the courtyard, supporting Liu-er as she practised walking.

Supporting a child while she learnt to walk was actually quite exhausting. The day was also extremely hot. After less than eight minutes, Yuxi's entire head was covered in sweat. Liu'er, however, did not have even the slightest trace of perspiration on her forehead.

With worried brows and a bitter face, Yuxi wondered aloud, "How can this little girl be so lazy?" Only by moving around more could her health improve. Yet the child was so lazy that she was unwilling to even walk.

Momo Quan laughed. "You are worrying needlessly. Liu-er is learning to walk perfectly well; she's just learning a little more slowly than most children." After a month of trying, Liu-er still could not walk steadily, but there was nothing wrong with her. She was simply lazy. Unless someone supported her while she walked, she would refuse to move. Her lazy manner sometimes made even Momo Quan laugh. In all her many years, this was the first time she had encountered such a lazy child.

While they were talking, Meiyun entered the room and announced, "Jiang Hongfu Daren requests an audience with Wangfei." News of Ye Guangqin's situation had not yet spread, and only a small number of people knew about it.

Yuxi said, "Take him to the guest room to rest. When Wangye arrives, simply inform him." Since she had decided to leave Jiang Hongfu's matter to Yun Qing, she would no longer insert her hand into it.

After saying this, Yuxi walked over to the couch and picked up Liu-er, who had been lying there. "Walk properly later and don't slack off again. Otherwise, Mom will ignore you!" When Zaozao misbehaved, Yuxi would spank her. However, she could not bring herself to do it with Liu-er. The little girl's skin was too delicate. Even a light pat would leave a red mark.

Liu-er stared at Yuxi with her wide, moist eyes. She was so cute that she could melt anyone's heart.

Yuxi smiled. "Let me tell you, I am not falling for that trick of yours. If you don't behave, Mom will really ignore you."

Momo Quan laughingly scolded her. "She is still so young. She can't understand any of the things you're saying to her." It had to be admitted that Liu-er's little tactic was actually extremely effective. Momo Quan, Mama Lan and the others, at the very least, all cherished the little girl as their precious darling.

Yuxi had not truly expected Liu-er to understand. She merely said, "After hearing it often enough, she will eventually understand." Having a daughter who knew how to act sweet and endearing truly left one both annoyed and amused.

Meiyun soon returned and told Yuxi, "Wangfei, Jiang Daren says that he has something he wishes to discuss with you." Jiang Hongfu's identity was unusual. Had it been anyone else, once Yuxi said that she would not meet them, Meiyun would not have returned to report the request again.

Holding Liu-er's two small hands, Yuxi said, "Then let him wait. I will see him after I've finished here." She could roughly guess why Jiang Hongfu had come. However, she certainly had no intention of allowing Jiang Hongfu's affairs to delay the time she was spending with her daughter.

Momo Quan had originally intended to take Liu-er from her, but after hearing Yuxi's words, she stepped back again.