Chapter 14: Her Arrival for Retribution

“Everyone, return home. Today’s matter will await the official verdict, understood?” The head of the Meng family saw the topic drifting and pulled it back decisively.

The seven brothers stood up, and the eldest respectfully said, “Father, rest assured. Our Meng family is one of scholars; abiding by the law has always been our way.”

Since their father had decided to intervene, they could not afford to cause trouble.

As the seven brothers were about to leave, the family head added, “Wenxi, personally invite the foremost jade carving master to stay at our residence for a few days. Tell him that this time, the jade to be carved is the piece bestowed by the founding emperor himself. Let him set the price; the Meng family will not bargain.”

The seven brothers were stunned, exchanging shocked glances.

That piece of jade was no ordinary stone. Although the Meng family possessed many jades of superior quality, this was the sole intact piece left over from the carving of the imperial jade seal—the Imperial Heirloom Seal—imbued with unparalleled significance.

Because half of the founding emperor’s civil officials hailed from the Meng family’s academy of literature and calligraphy and had greatly assisted him during the founding of the empire, he had granted this piece of jade to their family.

The Great Yu Empire had been established sixty-four years ago. This jade had been passed down from grandfather to father and preserved carefully. Why did their father suddenly want it carved now?

Could it be for Xiao Yueya?

Otherwise, why summon the top jade carving master at this moment?

Wenxi exchanged glances with his brothers and asked, “Father, why the sudden desire to carve that jade?”

The family head replied, “For Xiao Yueya to wear.”

“Ah?” The seven brothers voiced their surprise in unison.

He cast them a glance and said, “Do you think there is anyone more suitable in the Meng family to wear this jade than Xiao Yueya?”

The fifth brother, Wenyao, questioned, “Father, if Xiao Yueya is to wear it, naturally it should be the best. We have many jades of better quality than that piece. Why not pick one of those to carve into accessories for her? There’s no shortage.”

The family head looked at Wenyao and responded, “This jade must be carved now and must be worn by Xiao Yueya. As for the other fine jades, Wenxi, once you have invited the jade carving master, select several superior pieces and have him carve a few more for Xiao Yueya to play with.”

Wenxi’s eyes shimmered. His father had chosen the most fitting person to wear it, and he immediately understood.

He told his brothers, “Let’s follow Father’s orders.”

Since their father had spoken, the eldest brother also urged them to obey. The brothers understood that their father had a plan. They said no more and left together, each pondering whether they had good jade to offer Xiao Yueya as gifts.

***

Wenxi went straight to invite the jade carving master.

The master resided in the capital and was not someone anyone could call upon casually, which was why the family head entrusted his eldest son to do so personally.

The eldest son was typically the heir apparent, showing the jade carving master proper respect and deference.

Jiaoyue watched her grandfather alone in the study, her thoughts swirling. The piece of jade left over from the imperial seal, personally bestowed by the founding emperor, was to be given to her? And the top jade carving master was to come to the residence to carve it?

Although her grandfather was generous to her, she couldn’t help but feel that something was amiss.

At that moment, she saw her grandfather rise and walk to a bookshelf. He took down a square brocade box, returned to his desk, and opened it.

Inside was a triangular piece of jade, somewhat thick, clearly uncarved and natural in the purest sense.

One face bore a complete cut surface, clearly a segment cut from a larger jade piece.

The jade was bluetian jade, pale yellow-green, dense, fine, tough, with a lustrous, oily sheen and slight translucency. If exquisitely carved, it would surely exude elegance.

Was this truly the same jade from which the Great Yu Empire’s imperial seal was carved?

A thought flashed through Jiaoyue’s mind. The founding emperor had bestowed this leftover piece to the Meng family, appearing to be an honor. Yet, looking at this jade, why did she not sense any glory?

No matter how she looked at it, it seemed like a superfluous corner, more like a discarded fragment.

She glanced at her grandfather, who had fixed his gaze on the jade for a long while. Then he closed the box, placed it back on the shelf, and snapped his fingers.

Jiaoyue felt a twinge of regret. Being away, she could not hear her grandfather’s thoughts at that moment.

At the sound of his snap, a man dressed in black tight clothing silently leapt in through the window. Jiaoyue’s eyes lit up—was that mortal lightness skill?

She wanted to learn it!

“The emperor’s favorite Sixth Prince has recently been in good health. Go visit him personally and ensure he does not eat or drink but remains bedridden until Xiao Yueya’s full month celebration,” the family head’s voice was icy.

Jiaoyue paused. Her grandfather was seeking revenge on her behalf.

She felt a surge of satisfaction. Hmph, you bullied me, poisoned me, tried to take my life—now it’s your son’s turn.

***

Jiaoyue sensed her father had returned to their courtyard and was walking towards the back garden.

She hurriedly retracted her spiritual energy, for she had an important matter to attend to.

The runaway innkeeper—the grandfather and others could not find him. She wanted to try using her little notebook.

Although she didn’t know his name, she had already written down the name of the nanny surnamed Wang. Perhaps as long as the description was clear and accurate, the name might not be necessary.

Before her father came back, she wanted to give it a try.

Focusing her will, she summoned the small black notebook, extended her delicate hand, flipped it open, and forcefully wrote: “Runaway Innkeeper of Qingyun Inn.”

The phrase was long, but luckily her spiritual energy was sufficient. Watching each character form, her heart leapt with joy. It worked!

If it had not, the characters would not have appeared.

After finishing, she retracted her spiritual energy—the characters flickered and vanished. She could not see how unlucky the man might become.

But based on her past life’s experience, the greater his malice towards her, the worse his fate would be. He had poisoned her, tried to end her life. Though she had survived, that did not mean he had not attempted murder.

He should now be teetering on the brink of death. Whether he could survive depended on his fortune. If not, his life would be forfeit.

Hmph, don’t think hiding him away can protect him. I possess the notebook that controls fate. Even unseen, I can punish him.

***

Meanwhile, in Changlan City, the closest city to Hanmo Town, in a secluded chamber within a courtyard, a middle-aged man paced anxiously. This was the runaway innkeeper from Qingyun Inn.

Though the room was secret and comfortable, with a fine bed and plentiful food and drink on the table, he was uneasy. The job was unfinished, and he feared how his master would punish him.

Suddenly, he paused, a wave of sudden anxiety creeping up his spine, cold sweat breaking out.

He looked sharply around. This was a secret room—there should be no danger here.