Ning Yuxuan sat down on the side of the bed and lightly said, “Hanyun, arrange for a carriage to bring Wan-er back to Wen Province tomorrow. It wouldn’t be suitable for her to remain here.” 

  Hearing these words, Liu Hanyun’s heart suddenly jumped. She somewhat incredulously asked, “My lord, you want to send Wan-er to her hometown?” 

  “She’s already caused a catastrophe today. It would be too soft-hearted of me to allow her to remain here,” Ning Yuxuan lightly answered, “Since we were once husband and wife, help me by arranging more things for her to take back.” 

  Still feeling stunned, Liu Hanyun nodded. Then, she instinctively glanced at Ji Man. 

  There was a scornful look in Ji Man’s eyes. She didn’t say another word and simply turned around to leave. 

  “Stop!” Ning Yuxuan shouted, “Where are you going?” 

  Ji Man didn’t bother turning her head. “Haohao isn’t here anymore. Why would I continue to stay here? Marquis, you don’t need to put on this show of dealing with your beloved for me. I won’t forgive her wrongdoing. You might as well try your best to protect her.” 

  Ning Yuxuan chased after her. His brow was furrowed as he grabbed her hand to stop her. “Ji Man! I’ll figure out a way to bring Haohao back. Don’t be so impulsive. We’re already at this point. Are you really going to leave?” 

  “Why not?” Ji Man turned her head to look at him with her eyebrows dubiously raised. “Marquis, why do you think I want to stay in your estate? What do you think is the reason I was willing to disregard my feelings of enmity?” 

  Marquis Moyu was a bit stunned. He pursed his lips and said, “Was it entirely because of Haohao? Is there really no other reason?” 

  “There isn’t.” Ji Man smiled. “It’s time for this one to return to being a rice merchant. Marquis, take care of yourself.” 

  In the end, there was nothing left to hold in his hand. Ning Yuxuan stood in place as he watched the silver-robed person open the doors and walk out of the room without any trace of hesitation. It was if he had been utterly delusional in believing that his affection wasn’t one-sided. 

  “My lord,” Liu Hanyun called out in a quiet voice, “He…… Are you not going to chase after him?” 

  Teacher Ji had turned out to be Madam. The person that she had harmed last time was actually Madam, who had always treated her kindly. Liu Hanyun was at a complete loss. As she clutched her handkerchief, it seemed as if she had changed back to her former self that wasn’t eloquent with her words and was an insignificant concubine that didn’t know how to compete for favor. Her eyes were slightly red as she looked at Ning Yuxuan. 

  “Would he come back if I chase after him?” He asked in quiet voice. 

  She wasn’t the same as other women. If she said she was going leave, she really did have a place to go to. He couldn’t stop her or bring her back. For other women, he was their supporter, and someone they depended on. However, she never relied on him. On the contrary, she left him feeling clueless on what action he should take. 

  What could he use to keep her here? Haohao? Haohao had already been taken away. No wonder she had walked away without hesitation. 

  Ning Yuxuan wryly laughed. He finally understood why people would say that it’s depressingly futile to keep a beautiful woman. It really was a sad feeling. 

  — 

  It was simple enough to pack away her things. After stuffing her original clothes into a bag, Ji Man swept her gaze over the room. Her gaze landed on a small bag that was on the table. 

  She froze for a moment before looking away. Putting the bundle over shoulder, she strode out of the room. 

  The estate was very quiet. She had only taken a few steps when her pace slowed. 

  She went back into the room and stuffed the small bag into her bundle. After that, she walked out of the estate without looking back. 

  — 

  Ji Man’s rice business had been going smoothly under Yan Buba’s management. She used the extra money she had to purchase a home near one of her stores. After that, she went over to Zhu Residence to visit Zhu Yurun. 

  After learning that Haohao had been taken into the palace, Zhu Yurun, who was currently recovering from her miscarriage, sighed regretfully and said, “Does that mean you won’t be able to see Haohao anymore?” 

  Ji Man pursed her lips and nodded. Her eyes were quite red. 

  “Ah, don’t be so upset,” Zhu Yurun hurriedly said, “I’ll tell my dad to go check on the marquis’s heir to see if he’s doing well whenever he gets the chance to enter the palace.” 

  Ji Man wouldn’t cry in front of Ning Yuxuan, much less when she was in the marquis’s estate. But now, seeing Zhu Yurun’s pale face and plump figure, Ji Man couldn’t stop herself from bawling. 

  Zhu Yurun frantically waved her hands in panic. She quickly told Zhuer to bring over a handkerchief and even shouted, “Hurry, bring over a basin to hold the tears.” 

  She comfortingly patted Ji Man’s back and murmured, “You look like a woman when you’re crying like this. You have smooth hands like a woman too……” 

  Ji Man was grievously crying her heart out, so how could she pay attention to Zhu Yurun’s nattering words? Her days were so difficult. Before, she could continue to bear with everything because she had Haohao. But now, he was gone too. She didn’t even know if Haohao would end up being mistreated inside the palace. Ning Yuxuan could probably frequently enter the palace to see Haohao, but it would be difficult for her to see Haohao again…… 

  Nie Sangyu, come out. Let’s talk. Could you please let me go back? She had just wanted to read a book. She didn’t want to be dragged into the story and be devastated with these emotions. 

  Someone sighed, but the sound was so weak that it couldn’t be heard. 

  A man had been walking over here from the entrance of the courtyard. Hearing the sound of weeping, he furrowed his brow and picked up his pace. He walked past the doorway and asked, “Why are you crying?” 

  Ji Man felt that she had cried enough. She rubbed her eyes and turned her head to look. 

  Qian Yingchen was standing by the doorway with a serious expression. When their eyes met, the person on the other side was clearly stunned for a moment. He awkwardly turned his head away and said, “Sorry, this one must have misheard.”


  Chapter 370 – How heartless you are once you’ve fallen out of love (1) 

  Ji Man was at a loss. She touched the mask on her face. Fortunately, it hadn’t come off when she was crying. 

  Why had Qian Yingchen come here? 

  When Zhu Yurun saw him, she giggled and fussed with her hair. “You’re here!” 

  He strode into the room and sat down on a stool by Ji Man. He uttered a light, “en,” as his reply. His eyes fell on Ji Man, and he scrutinized Ji Man with a sense of uncertainty. “Teacher Ji, what’s wrong?” 

  “This one is called Ji Man.” Ji Man cleared her throat and respectfully saluted with her hands. “I’ve already resigned from my position as a teacher.” 

  Qian Yingchen was somewhat surprised. Hadn’t Yuxuan previously praised this teacher? So, then, why would he allow this teacher to resign? Still, this wasn’t the important part. The most important question was why was he crying in Zhu Yurun’s room? 

  Zhu Yurun was sitting in the bed and said to him, “Don’t bring up older brother Man’s sorrowful matter.” 

  Qian Yingchen glanced at her, then he coldly harrumphed and stood up. “Your body has probably mostly recovered by now.” 

  During Zhu Yurun’s recovery period after the miscarriage, Qian Yingchn had been paying her a daily visit. Although Assistant Minister Zhu continued to be angry with him, Zhu Yurun was very happy and eagerly looked forward to his visit every day. 

  Original translation is from fuyuneko dot org. If you’re reading this elsewhere, this chapter has been stolen. Please stop supporting theft. 

  However, after the ancestor veneration ceremony had concluded, the day of his wedding with Miss Peng was still approaching. 

  Hearing these words, Zhu Yurun’s gaze dimmed. Tugging on her quilt, she said, “Yeah, I’ve gotten better. I can leave my bed and start walking around tomorrow.” 

  “Then, I don’t need to come tomorrow.” Qian Yingchen slightly smiled. “I’ve done all that I could.” 

  “En.” Zhu Yurun obediently nodded. 

  Hearing these words, Ji Man sighed and said, “Thank you for checking up on Yurun the past several days, Sir Qian. Once she’s completely recovered, it’ll be time for our wedding to take place…… Oh, right, Sir Qian, when will your wedding with Miss Peng be?” 

  Qian Yingchen glanced at Ji Man. “In four days.” 

  Ji Man nodded. “Zhu Yurun and my wedding is around that time too, but the preparations were rushed and so many things had come up recently. It might not be possible to make it especially grand.” 

  Zhu Yurun opened and closed her mouth. She was a bit surprised as she looked at Ji Man. Were they still going to get married even though the baby was gone? 

  Ji Man gave her meaningful look to indicate for her to stay silent, but Qian Yingchen didn’t say anything. 

  A moment later, he didn’t look at Zhu Yurun and only respectfully saluted Ji Man with his hands. “Congratulations. This one will leave first then.” 

  Ji Man stood up and smiled as she said, “Sir Qian, are you busy with something afterwards? This one happens to have something to discuss with Sir Qian because of Ji Store’s tribute rice.” 

  Qian Yingchen was slightly surprised. “This year’s tribute rice will be from Ji Store?” 

  “Yes.” Ji Man politely saluted with her hands. 

  The tribute rice was an important matter. This was the only rice eaten by the people in the palace. Last year, Liu Store’s reputation had soared because it had been responsible for the tribute rice. It vaulted up to be the capital’s largest rice business, and its rice could be found everywhere. He had originally expected that the honor would fall on Rong Store’s this year. Unexpectedly, it had fallen on Ji Store instead. 

  He looked at Zhu Yurun, and a trace of understanding appeared in his eyes. He chuckled and said, “Let’s go over to Luoyan Pagoda to discuss the matter then.” 

  Ji Man agreed. After saying a few sentences to urge Zhu Yurun to properly recuperate, Ji Man left the estate with Qian Yingchen. 

  — 

  Sitting in Luoyan Pagoda, Qian Yingchen said in an unclear tone, “Brother Ji, you’re truly skilled. This one had originally thought you were a straightforward scholar. It was surprising to hear that you’re a rice merchant as well, and even more surprising to hear that you would marry a woman from Zhu family that had completely ruined her reputation in order to gain the honor of being responsible for the tribute rice.” 

  Ji Man gave a vulgar and sly smile in response with greed flashing through her eyes. Looking like a total villain, she looked at the man across from her and said, “Sir Qian, you think too highly of me. This one is just trying to make a living. Since it’s possible to climb up, why would this one remain at my starting point? It’s fine that Miss Zhu has a ruined reputation. This one just wants to borrow a way up.” 

  Qian Yingchen’s brow was deeply furrowed. As he looked at Ji Man’s face, he silently thought he must have been blind when he saw this teacher at the marquis’s residence last time. Otherwise, why would he think this person was a decent and polite individual that was worth speaking to? 

  “As you know, Assistant Minister Zhu likes this one a lot right now,” Ji Man said with a smile, “The tribute rice will be handled by the Ministry of Revenue. This one hopes that that Sir Qian will keep an eye on it when the time comes. Please be magnanimous during the inspection time.” 

  Merchants were always unscrupulous, and the tribute rice that was sent into the palace would always be less than the correct amount. Still, Ji Man was the first one to boldly state this matter aloud. Thus, the disdain he felt for Ji Man increased further. 

  This man only dared to act so outrageously because he had Zhu Clan as his supporter. As he looked at this awful merchant, he thought; how could it be possible that this man would treat Zhu Yurun well? 

  That girl was stupid. It was okay if she couldn’t see through a person’s real character, but she would probably end up crying when she was wronged in the future. Wasn’t Assistant Minister Zhu supposed to cherish his daughter a lot? How could he have found this type of person for her? 

  As Qian Yingchen drank his tea, his expression was unpleasant. He didn’t show any signs of agreeing to Ji Man’s request. Instead, he asked, “Brother Ji, do you not care that people will take behind your back after the wedding?” 

  “Why should I care about that?” Ji Man widened her eyes. “I’m just marrying someone and leaving her in my home. Later, we can also live in separate households. Even if there are such people, since I’m a man, they’ll definitely spend more time speaking badly about her and less about me.” 

  This world really was this unfair to women. 

  “Besides, Sir Qian, why are you asking about this?” Ji Man chuckled. “Weren’t you the one that ruined Miss Zhu’s reputation?”


  Chapter 371 – How heartless you are once you’ve fallen out of love (2) 

  “I ruined her?” Qian Yingchen appeared as if he had heard a joke. “Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Didn’t she tell you what had happened? Back then, in Xu Province……” 

  Smiling, Ji Man asked, “Sir Qian, back in Xu Province, when you woke up, were you in your room or Miss Zhu’s room?” 

  Qian Yingchen froze in surprise for a moment. He hadn’t tried to recollect that matter until now. After doing his best to remember, he remembered that back then…… he had woken up in her room. 

  “Miss Zhu has been telling people that she fell for your looks, so she crept into your room in the middle of the night.” Ji Man pursed her lips and said, “If she had really done that, why would you wake up in her room?” 

  Qian Yingchen hadn’t recovered enough to respond. Ji Man smiled and saluted him with her hands. “Anyways, once the rice from Ji Store has been transported to the warehouse, it’ll be offered as tribute. When the time comes, Sir Qian, please don’t refuse to cooperate with me.” 

  She could only help up to this point. She had said everything that she should. If Qian Yingchen wasn’t an idiot, he would definitely investigate the matter before continuing to blame Zhu Yurun. 

  She really was a small, plump idiot. The child had already been lost because of him, but she didn’t feel any enmity towards him and even smiled when she saw him. When she had time, she would definitely indoctrinate her that debts had to be paid back. 

  — 

  The construction for the road to Zhangjun was actually going much faster than she had anticipated. 

  Ji Man went to report that she had left the marquis’s household to Zhangjun Prince without mentioning Haohao’s matter. She only mentioned that because of Wen Wan’s actions, the heir had been sent into the palace, so there was naturally no reason for her to stay in the marquis’s household as a teacher. 

  “Wen Wan?” Zhangjun Prince was sitting behind a curtain. He slightly sighed and said, “I had originally though she would be my trump card. Not only did she lose her effectiveness halfway through, she also ruined my plans.” 

  Shen Youqing was sitting next to him. Hearing these words, she slightly pursed her lips and said, “This consort hasn’t been in touch with her for a while and doesn’t know why she would get mixed up with Kangyuan Junzhu.” 

  “The marquis said he would send her to Wen Province. This one isn’t sure how he’ll deal with her in the end.” Ji Man lowered her eyes and said, “Without caring for His Highness’s position, she tried to frame me several times when this one was in the marquis’s estate. This one thinks that it would better to get rid of this type of person sooner rather than later.” 

  Shen Youqing slightly furrowed her brow and glanced at Zhangjun Prince. 

  Zhao Zhe paused for a moment before saying, “I’m fine with getting rid of her, but Yuxuan is probably still protecting her.” 

  “If the marquis continues to protect her even after this incident, then this one has nothing to say.” Ji Man pursed her lips and said, “This one has already given the marquis a choice. Either she dies or this one will have to choose between perishing or fleeing.” 

  Shen Youqing didn’t understand the meaning of Ji Man’s words and was slightly puzzled. 

  Next to her, Zhao Zhe said, “Qing-er, go out and check if the kitchen servants have finished preparing the food.” 

  He was actually sending her away? Shen Youqing slightly pursed her lips and glanced at Ji Man before standing up and leaving. 

  Once the doors were closed, Zhangjun Prince was very interested as he asked Ji Man, “What did you do?” 

  What could she have done to force such a vicious decision? 

  Ji Man raised her head and said, “This one exposed my identity to Wen-shi and Liu-shi.” 

  Zhao Zhe was slightly shocked. He furrowed his brow and said, “Why did you act so impulsively? If one of those two people leaked out that information, your life will be forfeited.” 

  “It’s exactly because this one is putting my life on the line that this one can force the marquis to make a choice ”Ji Man smiled and said, “If he chooses to not care about my life and send Wen Wan back to her hometown, then there’s nothing this one can say. If he has any feelings for me, then Wen Wan won’t have a good outcome.” 

  It felt so awesome to imagine how Wen Wan would be feeling when the man that she was deeply in love with harmed her for another woman. 

  “You’re gambling with your life.” Zhao Zhe couldn’t quite comprehend her logic. 

  “This one won’t lose my life.” Ji Man chuckled. “If this one’s identity is ever exposed, Marquis Moyu would also become implicated for the crime of deceiving the emperor. This one is 99% sure that this one’s life will be safe.” 

  Even if she wasn’t as important as Wen Wan, Ning Yuxuan’s own life and the rest of his household would definitely be more important than a mere Wen Wan. She only dared to reveal herself when she had enough confidence about the outcome. 

  Zhao Zhe was stunned for a long time before he chuckled. “You’re certainly ruthless enough as a woman.” 

  Ji Man kowtowed. “If this one isn’t ruthless, then this one won’t be able to help Your Highness accomplish great things. Although this one isn’t capable of empowering Your Highness, this one will work within my meager capabilities. Your Highness, if there’s anything you want this one to do, please issue your order.” 

  These words were said with such loyalty that it wiped away his earlier hesitation about her negligence towards previous tasks. Zhao Zhe was very delighted as he said, “It’s already a big help to this prince that you’ve gained the qualification of being responsible for the tribute rice. When the opportune time comes, this prince will issue my order.” 

  “Understood.” Ji Man briefly closed her eyes. 

  — 

  Wen Wan had been confined in her room. 

  Right now, she was impassively gazing at the window. Ning Yuxuan had been sitting in her room in silence for an hour. 

  “I’ve accepted my fate. I’ll leave if you want me to leave.” Wen Wan lightly said, “We were never meant to be together. Our meeting was mistaken fate. I saw what was in your heart a long time ago. I just didn’t want to admit it.” 

  “So, why won’t you even allow me leave?” Wen Wan’s voice was slightly hoarse. When she raised her head, her eyes were red. She looked at him as she said, “I knew what you were like when you’re deeply in love. But, what I didn’t know, was how heartless you are once you’ve fallen out of love!”