Chapter 89

The rain poured down in sheets, lightning flashed, and thunder rumbled.
Chen Fashan’s eyes were bloodshot as he frantically dug through the pile of rocks and mud that had buried the carriage with his bare hands.
He wanted to rescue the person inside.
His clean, slender fingers were caked with filthy, wet mud, his hands cut and covered in blood. But he seemed to feel no pain as he desperately clawed at the earth, screaming Jiang Cuicui’s name hysterically.
“Cuicui.”
Chen Fashan’s official robes were drenched by the rain.
His face was as pale as paper.
His dark, delicate eyes were filled with panic and terror, his bloodless lips trembling. “Cuicui, don’t be afraid. I’m here to save you.”
Zhou Qiren arrived on horseback, a straw hat on his head, his face etched with anxiety. He dismounted swiftly, placed the straw hat he was carrying onto Chen Fashan’s head, and helped him into a rainproof straw cloak. Reaching out, he tried to pull Chen Fashan to his feet. “Your Majesty, Cuicui may not be in this carriage. Your health is frail, you must not let yourself get drenched. If you develop a fever, it will be troublesome.”
Pale, faced, Chen Fashan pushed Zhou Qiren away, murmuring as if in a dream, “But what if Cuicui is in this carriage? What if she’s waiting for me to save her?”
Zhou Qiren saw that all ten of Chen Fashan’s fingers were bleeding from digging, and the dazed, heartbroken look on his face made everything clear.
So, Chen Fashan had long been in love with Jiang Cuicui. Yet, like his father before him, he had failed to see what was in his own heart. Only after losing the one he cherished most did he begin to regret it deeply.
Seeing Chen Fashan so desolate and grief, stricken, Zhou Qiren couldn’t help but feel a wave of sorrow and pity.
If only he had realized it sooner, why did it have to come to this?
Zhou Qiren found a piece of wood and helped Chen Fashan dig through the pile of rocks and soil. The rain poured down in torrents, water and mud streaming over the rocky heap. After what felt like an eternity in the downpour, they finally uncovered the carriage and the two blood, soaked bodies inside.
With trembling fingers, Chen Fashan brushed the mud, caked, disfigured faces, confirming that neither was Jiang Cuicui. Only then did he break down and weep aloud.
Cuicui wasn’t dead!
His Cuicui was still alive!
Chen Fashan did not allow himself to wallow in sorrow for long. He mounted his horse and continued his search for Jiang Cuicui.
Though her farewell letter had not specified where she was going, Chen Fashan knew she intended to return to Jiangjia Village. A lone, vulnerable woman traveling over two thousand li alone, countless misfortunes could befall her on such a long journey. Chen Fashan feared that Cuicui might not even make it back to Jiangjia Village before meeting her end on the road.
He rode at full speed along the main road to Jiangjia Village, inquiring everywhere about Cuicui’s whereabouts.
After being caught in the rain, Chen Fashan developed a high fever, his pale, handsome face flushing bright red. Zhou Qiren administered acupuncture through the night, saving his life. Relying on sheer willpower, Chen Fashan pulled through this brush with death. Before fully recovering from his illness, he pressed on toward Jiangjia Village.
Carriages passing through checkpoints required travel permits. Under the pretext of handling a case for the Dali Temple, Chen Fashan questioned guards along the route, but none had seen Jiang Cuicui.
The situation was peculiar. Chen Fashan had asked the guards at Luojing’s city gates, who confirmed that Cuicui had left the city that day. Yet, all traces of her beyond the city seemed to have been abruptly erased. Anxious and unsettled, Chen Fashan hastened back to Jiangjia Village.
Before returning to the village, not wanting to worry Cuicui’s parents, Chen Fashan stopped at an inn in the county town. He bathed, changed into clean clothes, shedding the weariness of his arduous journey, and withdrew five hundred taels of silver notes from a bank. He bought tonics, fine silks, and tea as gifts for Cuicui’s parents.
“Ah’Shan, what brings you back so suddenly?” Cuicui’s mother exclaimed in surprise upon seeing him.
Chen Fashan smiled wanly and said, “I happened to be on business near Qingcheng County recently and thought since I was so close to home, I’d drop by to visit my parents, in, law. This is a small token of my regard, I hope you’ll accept it, mother-in-law.”
“You didn’t need to bring anything! Aren’t you treating me like a stranger, A’Shan?” Mother Cui beamed as she took the gift, then added with concern, “You look rather pale, are you feeling well?”
“It’s nothing serious,” Chen Fashan replied. “I’ve just been losing sleep lately due to a heavy workload.”
Village Chief Jiang chatted casually with Chen Fashan while Father and Mother Cui prepared lunch. The family gathered happily around the table to eat, and the conversation turned to Jiang Cuicui. Mother Cui fretted, “Cuicui has never been far from home her whole life. I wonder if she’s gotten used to the food in Luojing or if she’s homesick?”
Chen Fashan smiled as usual and said, “Cuicui often says she misses your corn cakes, mother-in-law…”
Mother Cui laughed. “Then I’ll make some extra corn cakes later for you to take back to Luojing for her.”
“Thank you, mother-in-law.”
Though Chen Fashan maintained his smile, his heart grew heavier. Father and Mother Cui didn’t seem to be acting, they truly hadn’t seen Jiang Cuicui.
Cuicui hadn’t come home.
But where could she have gone? Chen Fashan left Jiangjia Village with the corn cakes, riding back to the capital in a daze. If Jiang Cuicui hadn’t returned to Jiangjia Village, she was most likely still in Luojing, after all, the most dangerous place is often the safest. Besides, she was pregnant and couldn’t have gone far.
Chen Fashan frantically searched every corner of Luojing for Jiang Cuicui, scouring every street and alley, but he found no trace of her.
At work, he grew increasingly ruthless and uncompromising. Every noblewoman who had ever mocked Jiang Cuicui was arrested and thrown into the imperial prison, where they faced extreme punishment.
His brutal methods earned him the nickname “Hellhound” in court, striking fear into all who heard it.
It was widely rumored in the capital that in today’s court, it was better to offend the Right Chancellor, the highest, ranking official, than to cross Chen Fashan.
For Chen Fashan was a hellhound from the abyss, once provoked, he would fight tooth and nail to tear his enemy to shreds.
Chen Fashan dealt with all his enemies, yet his heart only grew emptier because he had lost his beloved Jiang Cuicui.
He wandered listlessly through the busiest streets of the capital, pale and hollow-eyed, like a homeless dog, his face etched with sorrow.
Three months passed in the blink of an eye.
One day, Chen Fashan ran into Xie Yu, who brought news of Jiang Sheyu: “A’Shan, did you know Jiang Sheyu’s house was robbed again? He was badly beaten by the thief, wrapped in bandages from head to toe, and now he’s lying at home, unable to move…”
Chen Fashan had no interest in Jiang Sheyu.
Xie Yu continued, “Do you think Jiang Sheyu is just fated to attract thieves? He’s always getting beaten up and left immobilized. A while back, I invited him to visit Yixiang Tower, but he refused. I bet he’s hiding a beauty away in a golden house, and he won’t even let me have a look…”
Chen Fashan's dull, vacant eyes suddenly regained a flicker of light. He lifted his gaze to Xie Yu.
“Keeping a mistress in a golden house?”
Xie Yu, unaware of his odd behavior, replied, “Isn't that exactly what it is? The flowers in Jiang Sheyu's courtyard are blooming more brilliantly than before, clearly well, tended. He must have a woman.”
Chen Fashan suddenly recalled that Jiang Cuicui had once loved Jiang Sheyu. A faint suspicion stirred in his heart, and he abruptly dashed toward the Jiang residence. Under the pretense of visiting Jiang Sheyu, he strode openly into the estate, carrying gifts.
The steward led him through the garden toward the main hall. Along the way, Chen Fashan scrutinized the lush flower branches adorning the corridors. Upon entering the hall, he stepped over the threshold and greeted Jiang Sheyu with a clasped hand and a smile. “Brother Jiang, it's been a while.”
Jiang Sheyu lay in a wheelchair, his body swathed in bandages, his expression hidden. Yet, his gentle voice was audible. “What wind has blown you to my humble abode today, Brother Zhou?”
Maidservants placed teacups on the wooden table.
Chen Fashan took a light sip of tea, his smile unwavering. “I heard that your home was attacked by thieves, Brother Jiang. I’ve brought some modest gifts to see how you’re faring.”
“You’re too kind, Brother Zhou.”
“Have the thieves been apprehended?”
“Not yet.”
“What a pity.”
The two exchanged pleasantries like smiling tigers for a while before Chen Fashan suddenly said, “I now serve in the Dali Temple and have some expertise in capturing criminals. Since I’m here today, why not let me inspect the premises for you?”
Jiang Sheyu’s smile did not reach his eyes. “How could I trouble you with such a task, Brother Zhou…”
“You flatter me, Brother Jiang. We are fellow townsmen and now serve in the same court. It’s only right that we look out for one another.”
Chen Fashan gazed at Jiang Sheyu, a smile playing on his lips.
Beneath the bandages, Jiang Sheyu’s handsome face twisted. His smile turned icy. “I currently have a delicate guest recuperating here, and it would be inconvenient for outsiders to disturb her. I appreciate your kindness, Brother Zhou, but please take your leave.”
Chen Fashan’s smile finally froze over.
“Is that delicate guest Jiang Cuicui?”
The hall fell into dead silence, so quiet one could hear a pin drop, the air seemed to congeal into ice.
Jiang Sheyu’s bandaged face stiffened.
He said nothing.
Chen Fashan chuckled softly. “Do you know what others call me? They say I’m a mad dog, so ferocious even the Right Chancellor fears me. Jiang Sheyu, are you sure you want to challenge a mad dog who’s lost his mind?”
Chen Fashan was still smiling but his smile was like a poisoned blade.
It sent chills down Jiang Sheyu’s spine.
Though Jiang Sheyu often courted trouble, he valued his life dearly. When danger loomed, he fled faster than anyone. In a kindly tone, he said, “Why must you be so angry, Lord Zhou? Your wife is merely staying here temporarily. I’ll have Rui’er take you to the west courtyard to see her. Please, calm your temper.”
With that, he instructed Rui’er to escort Chen Fashan to the west courtyard to meet Jiang Cuicui. Chen Fashan left expressionlessly.
Watching his retreating figure, Jiang Sheyu was filled with regret. If only he hadn’t meddled in others’ affairs that day.
He had been returning from outside the city when he encountered Jiang Cuicui. Her carriage was stuck in a mud pit, the coachman struggling to free it, while Jiang Cuicui stood by, looking utterly distraught.
Or rather…appearing on the verge of withering away.
Jiang Sheyu, acting on a sudden impulse, decided he wanted to nurture this fading flower in his own courtyard.
After getting out of the carriage, he exchanged a few words with Jiang Cuicui. She expressed her desire to divorce Chen Fashan and explained that she intended to hide in Jiangjia Village to avoid him. Jiang Sheyu pondered for a moment and said, “That is not a wise move. Even if you return to Jiangjia Village, Zhou Shan will still be able to find you, and it may even implicate your parents.”
Jiang Cuicui’s eyes reddened, and she looked utterly lost. “Then where should I go to hide?”
Jiang Sheyu smiled like a compassionate jade Buddha.
“If you do not mind, you may take refuge in my humble home.”
Later, Jiang Sheyu brought Jiang Cuicui to his residence and settled her in the west courtyard, forbidding her from going out or receiving guests. He wanted to witness the withering of this flower with his own eyes.
Some time after that, Chen Fashan turned into a mad dog, indiscriminately attacking court officials who had offended him. It was said that many noblewomen among these officials had once mocked Jiang Cuicui.
Jiang Sheyu began to regret saving Jiang Cuicui because he feared being bitten to death by the mad dog.
Jiang Cuicui, heavy with child, was reading in the west courtyard when she suddenly heard Chen Fashan’s voice.
“Cuicui…”
The book in her hands fell to the ground.
She turned pale and looked at Chen Fashan.
“How did you know I was here?”
Chen Fashan’s face was even paler than Jiang Cuicui’s.
His eyes red, his hands trembling, he carefully embraced Jiang Cuicui, like a homeless dog finally finding the rope that could tether him: “Cuicui, don’t leave me.”
Tears streamed down Jiang Cuicui’s face. “You wanted to kill me. I don’t want to die. Please, let me go…”
Chen Fashan’s eyelashes trembled as he gently kissed the corner of her eye. “I love you, Cuicui. I don’t want to kill you. I would never harm you.”
Jiang Cuicui sobbed, “But you once had the intention to kill me. I can’t bear sleeping beside someone who wants me dead. I don’t know when you love me and when you want to kill me…”
“I will never kill you…”
Chen Fashan’s pale lips quivered as he anxiously kissed her delicate face. He reached out and removed the hairpin from Jiang Cuicui’s hair, placing it in her hand.
With a humble expression and red, rimmed eyes, he looked at her and said, “If you cannot forgive me, use this hairpin to stab my heart. If one stab isn’t enough, stab twice. If twice isn’t enough, stab three times. Keep stabbing until you are satisfied, alright? Cuicui, I offer you my worthless life as compensation. Please, forgive me, alright?”
This matter began with the pearl hairpin and so it must end with the pearl hairpin.
Jiang Cuicui was terrified by Chen Fashan's words, her face pale as she struggled to break free from his grasp. But Chen Fashan held her firmly in his arms, gripping her hand and ruthlessly plunging the pearl hairpin into his own chest.
Crimson blood soaked his robes.
Chen Fashan, his face ashen, gazed at Jiang Cuicui.
“Cuicui, forgive me, please?”
Jiang Cuicui shook her head incessantly, tears streaming down like rain.
“No, I don't want this.”
Chen Fashan's delicate, ink, black eyes gradually dimmed as he offered a weak smile. “It's alright. Cuicui can keep stabbing until she's satisfied.”
He gripped Jiang Cuicui's hand, pulled out the hairpin, and plunged it once more fiercely into his own chest.
Blood gushed forth, drenching his robes.
Jiang Cuicui wept as she embraced Chen Fashan. “Stop stabbing yourself! I forgive you, I forgive you.”
Chen Fashan closed his eyes, content.
“Wonderful.”
His vision darkened and he fell into the abyss.
When he awoke again, Chen Fashan saw Jiang Cuicui sitting by the bed, her eyes red from crying, her voice hoarse as she called to him.
“Cuicui.”
Seeing him awake, Jiang Cuicui, her eyes still red, grasped his hand. “Don't do such foolish things again.”
Chen Fashan offered a pale, feeble smile.
“My heart is on the right side. I won't die.”
The imperial physician who had just examined Chen Fashan had already informed Jiang Cuicui of this, but she couldn't help scolding him, “Even if your heart is on the right side, you must never do something so dangerous again!”
Chen Fashan looked at Jiang Cuicui with hopeful eyes.
“Then, have you forgiven me?”
Jiang Cuicui pressed her red lips together and remained silent.
Chen Fashan lowered his eyelashes humbly, his delicate, handsome face pale. In a cold, venomous tone, he said, “Since Cuicui refuses to forgive me, tomorrow I'll use a dagger to stab myself, the day after a longsword, and I can even subject myself to the ten great tortures. Since Cuicui doesn't want this worthless life, I'll offer it to the Dali Temple as a contribution to the penal system of the Mo Kingdom.”
Jiang Cuicui couldn't help but slap him.
“You madman!”
Chen Fashan lifted Jiang Cuicui's small hand, kissing her fingertips with anxious unease. “Did it hurt?”
Jiang Cuicui raised her hand and slapped him a second time.
“Madman!”
On Chen Fashan's pale, handsome face, bright red slap marks remained. He lifted his long, thick black eyelashes, gazing at Jiang Cuicui with humble and pitiful eyes.
His face was as pale as snow.
“There's a madman who loves Jiang Cuicui with his life. Can Jiang Cuicui forgive this madman?”
In the silent chamber, the wooden door tightly shut.
After a long while, the sound of a woman's soft weeping could be heard.
“I forgive you.”