Chapter 108: Tyranny

Jiang Li had never seen the Xue family like this before.

When Xue Huaiyuan was the county magistrate, his salary was modest. Unlike his predecessors who expanded and refurbished their mansions into grand estates, he lived simply, like any ordinary commoner. This three-compound courtyard was sold to Xue Huaiyuan at a low price because its owner was about to travel far and needed to settle matters quickly.

Though the courtyard was worn and old, it was kept neat and tidy—a proper home. It was within these walls that Xue Zhao and Xue Fangfei grew from innocent children into young adolescents.

In Jiang Li’s memory, the Xue family home was always filled with curling smoke from cooking fires, brimming with life. The modest flowers and plants by the gate added a touch of color to the residence.

But now, the Xue family estate before her was dilapidated, the government’s official seals glaringly obvious. Dust coated the seals, showing no one had visited for a long time.

A once proud family, now broken apart without warning.

Ye Mingyu was startled to see tears suddenly welling up in Jiang Li’s eyes. “A Li, what’s wrong?” he asked in alarm.

Jiang Li quickly composed herself, smiling faintly. “There’s too much dust here, got some sand in my eyes.” She pulled out a handkerchief, wiping her eyes as she added, “Just need to clean them a bit.”

Ye Mingyu believed her without suspicion. To him, this was Jiang Li’s first time in Tongxiang, and no unfamiliar old house should make her cry. He asked, “Whose home is this? Why is it sealed by the authorities?”

“The Xue family,” Jiang Li answered.

Ye Mingyu was surprised. “How do you know?”

Jiang Li pointed to the seal. “It’s written right there. I suppose this is the home of the county magistrate you mentioned earlier, that devoted official.”

Bai Xue and Tong’er were puzzled, and Ye Mingyu was so shocked he was momentarily speechless. After a while, he said, “County magistrate? How could Xue Huaiyuan’s home be sealed? That must be a mistake. What happened?” He had been away from Xiangyang for years, let alone Tongxiang. Furthermore, the trouble surrounding Xue Huaiyuan hadn’t spread far; even Qiongzhi had only heard about it after some inquiry. Ye Mingyu certainly wouldn’t know.

Jiang Li smiled faintly, her tone chilling. “The heavens are unpredictable, and fate is fragile. I don’t know what befell Xue Huaiyuan, but his entire household was thoroughly searched and sealed.”

Ye Mingyu felt something odd about her words but couldn’t put his finger on it. As they fell silent, a creak came from nearby—the gate of the small courtyard next to the Xue family opened, and a woman stepped out.

She was a middle-aged woman with a dark complexion, wearing a blue cloth skirt and a floral headscarf, carrying a bamboo basket on her elbow. She seemed unprepared to see such a strange group gathered before the sealed Xue residence. She hesitated, standing in place, watching them uncertainly.

Ye Mingyu sighed. “Looks like they think we’re troublemakers.”

Jiang Li’s heart stirred with a familiar feeling upon seeing the woman.

This blue-skirted woman was Aunt Chunfang, a neighbor who had watched Xue Zhao grow up alongside Jiang Li. Though many years had passed since they last saw each other, Jiang Li stepped forward a few paces toward her.

Ye Mingyu whispered, “Hey, A Li, what are you doing?”

Jiang Li approached.

Aunt Chunfang looked at her hesitantly, clasping her hands nervously. It was clear these people were not from Tongxiang, but this young lady was evidently a well-born miss from a wealthy family. Her flawless features and gentle smile were unlike anyone from Tongxiang—though she had traveled before. After all, Xue Fangfei of the Xue family was once known as the most beautiful woman in Tongxiang before marrying into the capital. Fortunately, she had married away; had she stayed, she too might have been implicated.

Lost in thought, Aunt Chunfang was snapped back when the young lady looked at her kindly and asked, “Auntie, may I ask if this sealed courtyard belonged to County Magistrate Xue Huaiyuan?”

Startled, Aunt Chunfang studied Jiang Li and replied, “Yes, that’s right. Do you know the Xue family?”

“No,” Jiang Li shook her head. “I’m just curious. May I ask why the county magistrate’s home has been sealed?”

Aunt Chunfang was momentarily speechless, then shook her head. “I... I don’t know.”

“He is a local official, your county magistrate. If his home was sealed for no reason, surely you would know why, Auntie?” Jiang Li’s gaze was cold, and her tone pressing. Aunt Chunfang involuntarily stepped back, stammering, “I... I just don’t know. You should ask someone else.”

Jiang Li pressed on, “Do you not know, or do you not want to say?”

Aunt Chunfang looked up, courage gathering within her. “Why are you asking about Lord Xue? Who are you?”

Anyone would doubt that Jiang Li was merely curious. Aunt Chunfang’s evasiveness only deepened suspicion. Jiang Li smiled. “Who I am is not important. What matters is that I want to know about the Xue family. Will you tell me?”

Aunt Chunfang and Jiang Li were neighbors for many years, and Aunt Chunfang was kind-hearted. Jiang Li believed that if not for fear, Aunt Chunfang would never watch her father languish in prison. The same went for the people of Tongxiang—but what kind of threat had silenced them all?

At that moment, Aunt Chunfang’s door creaked open again, and her husband’s voice drifted from within: “Ah Fang, why haven’t you left yet? What are you doing?”

“I’m going to sell embroidery,” Aunt Chunfang said quickly, pushing past Jiang Li like she’d found an excuse to escape. Halfway away, she hesitated, turned back, and warned, “Miss, since you’re new here, let me give you some advice: don’t mention the Xue family in front of outsiders, or you’ll bring trouble on yourself. Don’t be too conspicuous.” With that, she slung her basket over her arm and disappeared without another glance.

Ye Mingyu stepped forward, standing beside Jiang Li, who was still staring after Aunt Chunfang. “Seriously, A Li, you were so polite, but she acted like she’d seen a ghost—scared out of her wits.” Then he looked at Jiang Li. “What did you say about the Xue family? What are you planning?”

Jiang Li’s arrival in Qingshi Alley had been entirely unplanned, yet she lingered before the sealed Xue home for so long and even questioned a stranger about the family. Ye Mingyu realized this was no coincidence or whim. Jiang Li’s purpose in coming here was connected to the Xue family.

“Uncle Mingyu,” Jiang Li said, turning to look him straight in the eye, revealing a resolute gleam in her own. “I came to Tongxiang for this. Uncle, I want to clear the Xue family’s name.”

Ye Mingyu and the others were stunned.

No matter how you looked at it, Jiang Li was the daughter of the prime minister in Yanjing, and Xue Huaiyuan was just a county magistrate in Tongxiang. They had no connection. Jiang Li’s sudden declaration left Ye Mingyu at a loss for words.

After a long pause, he found his voice. “You... what did you say?”

“I can’t tell you why I’m doing this,” Jiang Li apologized. “It’s a long story—too much to explain briefly. But the Xue family’s county magistrate was wrongly imprisoned. I was entrusted to investigate and clear his name.”

“But how do you know he’s innocent? You’re just a young girl—how can you investigate, let alone help him? A Li, this is dangerous!”

“Uncle Mingyu,” Jiang Li’s voice was calm, as if this decision had been carefully considered, leaving no room for doubt. “Whether Xue Huaiyuan is innocent or not, we’ll find out. Though I’m young, I’m also the prime minister’s daughter—I do have some authority. Knowing the risks, I still choose to act—not out of pride, but for justice.” She continued, “In this world, when right and wrong are blurred, it’s deeply unfair. Besides, the person I want to help is someone who once helped me. You can call it repaying a debt. People in the martial world know that vengeance and grievances are part of life. I understand the gravity of this, and I don’t want to drag you into it. If you think this is wrong, you can withdraw now—I can handle this alone.”

What might have sounded like a defiant outburst was delivered with such steadiness. Ye Mingyu stared into Jiang Li’s eyes and realized she was always determined and deliberate. She had anticipated trouble and consequences but nothing could shake her resolve.

Moreover, having him as her uncle was neither an advantage nor a hindrance to her mission.

Thinking it over, if a mere girl understood the meaning of “knowing the risks yet doing it anyway,” then he, who fancied himself a hero, should stop being so timid. A surge of boldness rose within him. “Through fire and water, I’ll stand by you!” He patted her head affectionately. “After all, I’m your dear uncle, aren’t I?”

Jiang Li was speechless.

“Well then, uncle,” she said, “once we settle things, I’ll have a favor to ask of you.”

“Name it!” Ye Mingyu agreed readily.

“Please have your guards find a way to loudly inquire about the sealed Xue family estate in the busiest part of Tongxiang—whether it’s the tavern or the teahouse. The more public, the better. Let everyone hear.”

“Miss?” Tong’er whispered, “But didn’t that auntie just say not to mention the Xue family in front of outsiders to avoid trouble? Why... why would you want to make it public?”

Jiang Li smiled. “Because I want to startle the snake.”

Ye Mingyu was puzzled.

“I can’t find the snake, so I’ll let the snake find me,” she said with a slight smile.

The people of Yongning had framed Xue Huaiyuan, imprisoning him, but the townsfolk knew exactly who he was. To prevent gossip and unrest, they forbade any talk of the matter.

It was clear that a conspicuous group asking about Xue Huaiyuan would attract attention. Soon enough, the other side would come knocking.

She didn’t need to hunt down their people one by one—she would wait for them to walk right into her trap.

And she would settle the score with everyone involved, no rush.

***

The peaceful life of Tongxiang’s people was shattered one afternoon.

A group of outsiders appeared, wandering through teahouses, taverns, and streets, loudly inquiring about the sealed home of County Magistrate Xue.

Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu sat inside the busiest tavern in Tongxiang. In days past, any news or gossip would gather here. Xue Zhao often brought Jiang Li to eavesdrop; sometimes they heard amusing stories.

Today was different.

The townsfolk initially looked curiously at the strangers, but when Ye Mingyu’s guards asked about the Xue family, their faces turned fearful. They scattered as if fleeing a plague or silently shook their heads, refusing to speak.

Jiang Li had lived in Tongxiang long enough to know the people were usually warm and hospitable. Yet now, Ye Mingyu’s men had frightened them so badly that no one dared approach. The townsfolk treated them like a curse, crossing the street or whispering anxiously.

When they settled in the tavern, it was completely empty.

The owner seemed ready to close up but feared Ye Mingyu’s knife at his side, so he handed the place over to a waiter and slipped away. The waiter nervously served tea, and when Ye Mingyu asked for some fruit for Jiang Li, the waiter fled as if afraid of what might come from Ye Mingyu’s mouth.

“I don’t get it,” Ye Mingyu said, half angry, half amused. “What did we do? These people scatter like mice when they see a cat. Even when I was a wandering swordsman, I never saw folks this scared.”

Jiang Li smiled faintly. “Because you mentioned the name ‘Xue.’”

“The name ‘Xue’ isn’t taboo! What, we can’t even say it now?” Ye Mingyu was full of indignation. “A Li, you’re right—there’s something strange about Tongxiang and its people. If Xue Huaiyuan were truly innocent, why hide it so secretively? It only makes things more suspicious! I bet he was framed. Who’s scheming against the Xue family behind the scenes?”

Just then, a loud clatter came from downstairs, like a boy dropping an abacus. Jiang Li glanced down to see the boy sitting near the tavern’s door, as if trying to distance himself from her.

“Averted gaze,” Jiang Li said softly.

“Huh?” Ye Mingyu didn’t understand.

Jiang Li explained slowly, “In the thirty-fourth year, under King Yian’s harsh rule, the people dared not speak out and avoided eye contact.”

She recounted the history: a tyrannical ruler, influenced by favored ministers, had seized many livelihoods for the royal family, plunging people into hardship and grievance. The ruler ignored advice and sent sorcerers to eavesdrop on the capital’s streets. Anyone accused of rebellion or slander was imprisoned and executed. Fear silenced the entire nation; people avoided conversations, even with each other, communicating only by looking away.

Ye Mingyu said, “So you’re saying Tongxiang is under such surveillance? Anyone discussing the Xue family is punished, making the townsfolk terrified—treating us like monsters?”

“Exactly,” Jiang Li confirmed.

“That’s outrageous!” Ye Mingyu exclaimed. “Who dares be so tyrannical in Tongxiang? Even Tong Zhiyang of Xiangyang had to be mindful of the people’s voices. Who gave them such power?”

Jiang Li inwardly sneered. Those behind these acts were emboldened by the backing of Yongning, the current king’s sister. The court was unstable, and it was uncertain if Emperor Hong would maintain his throne. Aligning with Yongning promised wealth and status. Even now, many sought favor with her.

They were fearless and dared to impose such oppressive surveillance.

“I get it now!” Ye Mingyu suddenly slapped the table. “No wonder you want us to be so blatant about asking around. If those spies mingle with the crowd, they’ll hear us and come find us.”

“Yes,” Jiang Li said. “This saves time.”

Ye Mingyu saw Jiang Li’s composed, fearless demeanor and asked, “But A Li, aren’t you scared?”

“I’m not,” Jiang Li said calmly. “In conscience, a righteous person fears no shadow; in power, my father is the foremost scholar. There’s nothing to fear. The only thing I’m afraid of is that he won’t come. But luckily,” she smiled with a touch of irony, “they’ve come.”

Ye Mingyu looked down the stairs.

Outside the tavern, a group of mounted soldiers suddenly appeared. The waiter nearly fell off his chair, trembling like a leaf. The lead soldier barked, “Who was just talking about the Xue family?”

“I’m right here!” Ye Mingyu arrogantly slammed his cup on the table and stood. Tall and imposing, he strode downstairs with heavy steps.

Jiang Li set down her teacup and followed. Tong’er and Bai Xue, worried, trailed close behind to protect her.

Ye Mingyu’s dispatched men had all returned and were now surrounded by soldiers inside the tavern. Despite the tense atmosphere, Ye Mingyu descended the wooden staircase with measured, heavy steps, the creaking echoing his determination.

He was tall, scarred, rugged, and intimidating. Behind him, the slender young woman descended gracefully, her smile gentle and clear.

The picture of hero and beauty was strangely harmonious. Yet the lead soldier sensed that though the young woman smiled, her cold aura surpassed even Ye Mingyu’s fierce presence.

Perhaps it was just his imagination.

Collecting himself, the soldier leader asked, “Why are you asking about the traitor Xue Huaiyuan?”

He accused them outright, as if they were accomplices, ready to arrest them all.

Without hesitation, Ye Mingyu replied, “Bored, so we ask. What’s it to you? You Tongxiang people even control what commoners say? Are you in charge of their eating, drinking, and living too?”

The soldier’s face darkened in anger. Surprised by Ye Mingyu’s defiance, he drew his sword and pointed it at him. Ye Mingyu’s eyes blazed as he drew his blade in return.

In the martial world, no one relied on kindness alone. Everyone was ruthless beneath the surface.

Both sides drew weapons, facing off fiercely. The waiter hid under a table.

Amid the tension, the young woman laughed softly and stepped forward. She extended a slender finger and gently pushed the soldier’s sword tip aimed at Ye Mingyu aside.

Her delicate finger, pale and soft, touched the cold silver blade without seeming fragile but with a faint, elegant chill. Her smile was warm, showing no fear of the soldiers.

“Uncle, don’t joke,” she said softly. “Officer, we’re not here to find the traitor Xue Huaiyuan,” she emphasized ‘traitor’ heavily, then continued, “we’re here to find your leader.”

“Our leader?” The soldier frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Simple,” Jiang Li said. “I don’t know where your leader is or how to summon him. I only know that whenever the Xue family is mentioned here, your leader appears. So, it’s quite magical that you showed up now.”

Her adorable smile was laced with sarcasm, leaving the soldiers frustrated. Their faces flushed but they could not refute her without looking guilty.

“Enough nonsense!” the lead soldier snapped, anger flaring. “What do you want with our leader? What are you scheming?” He waved his hand. “Seize them all!”

Jiang Li smiled and retorted, “Are you sure about that?”

The soldier sneered, about to respond, but suddenly noticed a jade earring dangling from Jiang Li’s ear. He fell silent.

The earring was a flawless green jade, clearly valuable. He remembered the leader’s favorite concubine wore a bracelet not as fine, and it was bought at great expense.

Though Jiang Li looked no more than fifteen or sixteen, her refined attire and calm, elegant bearing marked her as a noble lady. Even in Tongxiang, she stood out. The tall man she called ‘uncle’ was rough but carried a sword with a large ruby on its hilt.

This group was no ordinary family.

The soldier felt unsettled and uncertain as he looked at Jiang Li again.

But to submit in front of so many, especially his own men, would be humiliating. After careful consideration, he prepared to speak harshly again.

Before he could, Jiang Li casually looked at her finger and said, “If I were you, I’d lead us to your leader while you still can speak nicely. Otherwise...” She looked up and smiled sweetly at him, “the unlucky one won’t be us.”

Though her expression was gentle, the soldier sensed the menace behind her smile. He instinctively felt that if he didn’t comply, he might be the one to suffer.

He did not want to be unlucky.

Casting a hard look over Jiang Li’s group, he gritted out, “Lead them to our leader!” Then, feeling humiliated, he strode to the front without looking back.

Perhaps he realized he could not overpower this seemingly delicate girl. No matter what, she held the upper hand in spirit.

Ye Mingyu smiled at Jiang Li and whispered, “Not bad, A Li. Your calm in the face of crisis reminds me of myself back in the day. Well done!”

Tong’er patted her chest nervously. “Miss, you scared me to death. Those soldiers were so fierce... yet you dared confront them.”

Jiang Li smiled faintly. “Just paper tigers.” She had grown up with Xue Huaiyuan and was no stranger to soldiers. The men who took off their uniforms were ordinary folk who bought her sweets and defended her from bullies.

She was most familiar with those wearing official uniforms.

But these soldiers were strangers. Clearly, Xue Huaiyuan’s forces had been purged and replaced by men loyal to this current ‘leader.’

She was eager to see who dared reign as tyrant in Tongxiang, enforcing ‘averted gaze’ surveillance, and serving as Yongning’s watchdog.

Who was this formidable figure?

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