Chapter 107: A Chilling Heart

Xu Ruojin cast aside her resentment and disappointment toward her father, Xu Yaohui. In his eyes, she, his daughter, was merely a bargaining chip. Though a bond existed, it was as thin and brittle as a withered autumn leaf, shattering at the slightest touch. Since that was the case, what more was there to ponder?

Gripping the box containing the white silk—a traditional tool for forced suicide—her thoughts turned to the Yan family. She knew little about them, save that Master Yan had acted as the matchmaker between the Xu and Zhang families. Zhang Zhongheng’s repeated provocations were not only aimed at the Xu family but had also caused a loss of face for Master Yan, a high-ranking official in the capital. Men in officialdom valued their reputation above all else; thus, her father would rather see her commit suicide than allow her to be married off as a concubine.

Xu Ruojin let out a soft, mocking laugh. She had truly underestimated the cruelty and selfishness of these people. Was human life really so worthless? Yet, one thing still puzzled her: if Master Yan were merely a matchmaker, or even someone who could benefit her father’s career, was it truly worth such a grand display? It even required his own son to travel to Zhonglin County personally. Nominally, it was for the New Year, but in reality, it was to suppress the Zhang family and finalize this marriage once and for all.

While Xu Ruojin lamented her underestimation of the selfishness of officials, she sensed there was more to this than she knew. Perhaps even Lady Yang was unaware, or she would not have been so swayed by Xu Zilin’s suggestion. The stark contrast between her father’s attitude and Lady Yang’s made it clear they had never spoken heart-to-heart about this matter.

It was a pity that she hadn’t asked Nanny Fang about Master Yan when she had the chance. Now that both she and Liang Xiao were subjects of gossip, visiting the Liang residence would be highly inappropriate. She regretted her own lack of foresight, yet with no one to turn to, she felt helpless. *Why doesn't that cold-faced man appear out of nowhere again?* The thought made her laugh at herself. She was truly grasping at straws—she had lost her mind.

The white silk looked glaringly offensive. She stared at it for a long time, a surge of anger rising in her heart. If things had already reached the point of death, why bother with rules or propriety? What would happen if she reached out to Nanny Fang? Given her father’s attitude, his intentions were obvious: to force the Zhang family to yield. Did what she did really matter?

With these thoughts, she took action immediately, as she loathed procrastination. She had Chuncao bring a jar of fine rice wine, which she blended with mint leaves to make it more refreshing. Summoning Hongxing, she instructed, "Take this to the Liang residence and give it to Nanny Fang. Tell her it is the wine I promised Lady Liang; since I cannot visit in person, I must ask her to deliver it on my behalf."

Hongxing hesitated. "I don't mind delivering the wine, but if the Mistress asks where I’ve been, what should I say?"

"Tell her you are fulfilling a promise for me."

Xu Ruojin’s answer was intentionally ambiguous. Hongxing nodded. "Is there anything else you want me to ask?" Being sharp-witted, she knew this wasn't just about wine.

"Don't ask directly. Just tell her my situation, and let Nanny Fang know that the Yan family is sending someone. If she chooses to speak, listen carefully, remember it, and tell me when you return."

Hongxing memorized the instructions. Just as Xu Ruojin was about to give her some silver coins—rewards from the various mistresses during their visit to the magistrate’s residence—Hongxing suddenly exclaimed, "Second Miss, there is one more thing!"

"What is it?"

"I don't know the way!"

Xu Ruojin froze, staring at her in disbelief. Hongxing blushed, wishing she could vanish into the ground. "When I went out with the Mistress before, there was always someone to lead the way. I’ve never gone out alone..."

"Then take Xiao Ke with you."

"Can she be trusted?" Hongxing asked, worried.

"There is no need to keep this secret," Xu Ruojin said indifferently. "If she manages to let word reach Zhang Zhongheng’s ears, I would be more than happy to see him drop dead from anger."

"I understand. I’ll go get Xiao Ke." Hongxing took the wine and left.

Left alone, Xu Ruojin sat at her desk and picked up a medical text to study. Only reading could calm her heart; otherwise, she felt she might just tear the entire house down.

The trip went smoothly. Xiao Ke might have been useless at other things, but she was an excellent guide. Once they reached the side door of the Liang residence, Hongxing handed over the note Xu Ruojin had prepared. The gatekeeper, seeing it was from the Xu family, went inside to report to Lady Liang.

It was a long while before Nanny Fang appeared. Hongxing delivered the message, and Nanny Fang simply thanked her on behalf of Lady Liang. After a brief exchange, Nanny Fang asked about Xu Ruojin’s recent situation. Hongxing, being quick-tongued, spilled everything—including the matter of the white silk and the mention of the Yan family. Nanny Fang rubbed her temples, clearly understanding why Xu Ruojin had sent her. After careful consideration, she shared a few words about the Yan family and sent Hongxing away.

Hongxing and Xiao Ke repeated the information to each other all the way back, ensuring they wouldn't forget. They arrived at the Xu residence by late afternoon. Despite the cold, they had walked to save money and were shivering, their faces flushed from the biting wind.

Xu Ruojin immediately had Chuncao bring hot tea. "I gave you silver for a carriage; why walk in this freezing weather? Go soak in hot water tonight to get the chill out before you catch an illness."

After a cup of tea, Hongxing regained her composure and reported, "Nanny Fang said that the most formidable person in the Yan family is not the Master himself, but Mistress Yan!"

Xu Ruojin frowned. "Mistress Yan?"

"Yes!" Hongxing continued. "Nanny Fang said Mistress Yan comes from the Duke of State’s mansion—she is a legitimate daughter of the Duke!"